History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 48

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

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J. H. O'Connell, long a resident of Plainview, and for many years con- nected with the active business interests of the community, was born in Al-

MR. AND MRS. JULIUS FRICKE MR. AND MRS. J. H. O'CONNELL

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bany, N. Y., March 16, 1847. In 1850 he moved with his parents to Illinois, where he spent his boyhood days and acquired his education. In 1868 he came to Minnesota, first locating at Minneiska, where he taught school for the first few years, and later taught the Woodland school. He came to Plainview about 1874, and for a number of years was engaged in the grain business at Minne- iska and Plainview for the H. J. O'Neil Grain Company. On October 14, 1877, he married Minnie Frick, and shortly afterwards returned to Minneiska for a brief residence. Then coming back to Plainview, he took charge of the O'Neil elevator, which position he held until about 1898. For the next few years he was traveling agent for the American Malting Company, after which he retired from active business life. He died April 5, 1918. For a number of years previous to his death he had held the position of village assessor which he filled to the satisfaction of all. His life and career was one that touched the community in many ways. For many years he had been one of Plainview's foremost business men, never content to plod along in the old worn-out paths, but energetic and progressive, always planning something for the advancement and welfare of the community. A great reader, he kept in touch with all the live questions of the day, and his opinion on public affairs was often sought. He frequently protested against American waste and extravagance and argued for a more business-like management of public affairs. He was foremost in the fight against reactionary forces, and while he devoted himself keenly to prac- tical things, he also took an interest in the pleasures and refinements of life. Early in his career he became affiliated with the Masonic order, for 41 years being a member of the local lodge, and the order conducted the services at his grave. Those at his home were conducted by the Rev. J. L. Jones of the Con- gregational church, interment being made in Greenwood cemetery. Besides his wife Mr. O'Connell was survived by one son, H. J. O'Connell, now a leading business man of Plainview; two brothers, R. A. O'Connell, of St. Paul, and Charles O'Connell, of Shoshoni, and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Whitney, of Shoshoni, Wyo. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell had another child, a daughter, Frances, who died in infancy. Mrs. Minnie O'Connell was born in New York City, January 19, 1857. She was educated in the Plainview high school, and also took special studies in drawing, art and music. Prior to her marriage she taught school in Wabasha. County for five years, teaching her first term at the age of fifteen. In 1872 she became a member of the Congregational church, officiating as organist for five years. The Rev. Henry Williard, the first pastor of that church, was pastor at that time and many years after. She is also a member of the Travelers' Club, the G. A. R. Circle and the Rebeckah Lodge, I. O. O. F.

Edward Stokes, who holds the position of engineer on the pontoon bridge over the Mississippi river at Reed's Landing, was born at Durand, Wis., April 26, 1864, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Pangler) Stokes. The father, who was born in Indiana of Dutch ancestry, was a marine engineer, which occu- pation he followed for years on the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers. The mother was born in Germany and came to this country at the age of 13 years. The former died in 1904 and the latter in 1899; they were buried at Reed's Landing, Minn. Edward Stokes was one of a family of three children, the two elder being Emma E., now deceased, and Elmer E. He attended the common school at Durand until completing the seventh grade and began river work at the age of seventeen. At the age of 21 he received an engineer license and for 13 years subsequently worked as engineer of river boats. In 1898 he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, and so remainded for seven years, working as engineer on a pile driver at various points on the River Division. In 1905 he was assigned to his present position and has proved his capacity so as to be one of the trusted employes of the road. He owns a comfortable home at Reed's Landing. Politically he is a Republican, though not a strong party man, and is liberal in support of church, though not a mem-

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ber. Mr. Stokes was married October 11, 1893, to Augusta, daughter of Henry and Pauline Duerre, of Reed's Landing. Mrs. Stokes has always been affiliated with the M. E. church. For many years she was also a teacher in the public schools, and is a lady highly thought of, with many friends. Mr. Stokes stands high as a citizen, and is a man whose aid and influence can be counted on in behalf of any worthy cause. They have two sons: Henry Duerre, born October 26, 1894; and Clarence A., born October 14, 1897. Henry Duerre Stokes was graduated from the Wabasha high school and the College of Dental Surgery at Chicago. During the recent war he served in the medical corps at Ft. Snell- ing from August 13, 1918, to August 9, 1919. Clarence A. Stokes graduated from the Wabasha high school, after which he studied mechanical science in Chicago, and for one year at the Dunwoody Institute at Minneapolis. He is now a machinist with the Wilcox Trux Co. of Minneapolis.

Henry Duerre, pioneer hotel keeper, early merchant, Civil War officer, and useful citizen, was for many years a familiar character at Read's Landing, not only to the pioneers of this county, but also to the boatmen, who in those days swarmed the Mississippi. He was born in Brunswick, Germany, February 30, 1830, and was given an excellent education, acquiring a mastery of the French, German and English languages, to which in America, as a pioneer, he later added a smattering of the Sioux Indian. In 1852 he emigrated to the United States, and after residing for awhile in Ohio, he came in 1857 to Read's Landing, Wabasha County, Minn. For awhile he found employment cutting cordwood in a camp across the river near Alma, Wis. A man of religious tendencies, and well versed in the Scriptures, he was accustomed to preach in camp on Sundays. On July 30, 1859, Mr. Duerre was united in marriage with Pauline Lutz, who was born December 8, 1839, daughter of George and Wilhelmina Lutz, of Calm- bach, Wurttemburg, Germany, and had come to this country with a sister when in her "teens." Mr. and Mrs. Duerre began housekeeping in the old St. Julian Hotel, afterward called the "Bullard," at Read's Landing, which they conducted successfully up to 1862. When the Civil War broke out Mr. Duerre was on the high road to success. As time went on the general ill success of the Union arms showed the people of the North that the Southern Confederacy was not easily to be put down. Filled with loyalty for his adopted country, he enlisted Sep- tember 1, 1862, in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Entering the service as a private, he was soon assigned as a lieutenant to the Commissary Department, and at Ft. Snelling and Ft. Ridgeley served as clerk in the court- martial office, receiving the highest commendation from the then governor of Minnesota, with recommendation for promotion. After his return home, with an excellent record, Mr. Duerre engaged in the general mercantile business at Read's Landing with Joseph Netzer as a partner, and the business was thus continued for a few years, after which Mr. Duerre became sole proprietor, and so remained until his death on April 24, 1880. As a merchant he met with well merited success. His position as storekeeper in a boat-landing town, where so many of the early settlers disembarked, and where so many of the pioneers came for provisions, gave him a commanding influence, and his ability as a linguist brought joy to many a lonely immigrant beginning life in a strange, wild country. His benefactions were many, his charities were unlimited, and many of the people of the county were kept from actual want by his generous help, given so freely that it retarded his own financial prosperity. He left his memory deeply graven on the hearts of those whom his mercy had blessed. As a citizen he was interested in everything calculated to benefit the community in which he lived. On April 24, 1880, Mr. Duerre died, and after eight years, on July 3, 1888, his wife followed him to the grave. Both were earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church. Their union was blessed with eight children : Wilhelmina, born June 8, 1860; Augusta, September 21, 1862; George F., August 16, 1865; Edward Richards, October 3, 1867; William P., November 2, 1869; Harry J., October 21, 1873; Lottie, September 22, 1875; and Mathias

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T., October 2, 1877. Of these children three are now deceased: Wilhelmina having died June 25, 1861; Harry J., November 23, 1909; and Lottie, September 8, 1877. George F., formerly county treasurer of Wabasha County, is now a successful hardware merchant in Plainview. Augusta is the wife of Edward Stokes, of Read's Landing. Edward R. resides in Wabasha. William P. is a well known dentist of Lake City. Mathias T. is now in the insurance business with headquarters at Plainview. Mr. Duerre was always a Republican in politics, but not a strict party man, exercising the right of private judgment in casting his ballot.

Charles Nienow, now living retired in Plainview, is one of the many citizens of this county who has found contentment and prosperity in the cultivation of the soil, which has enabled him to spend his latter years in comfortable leisure. He was born in Germany, December 2, 1853, son of John and Minnie .(Bessert) Nienow, and came with his parents to the United States in 1868, as a boy of fif- teen. The family settled in Elba Township, Winona County, where, after many years spent in farming, the father, John Nienow, died in July, 1900. The mother survived him until 1915. Charles Nienow was mainly educated in Germany, but after coming to this country attended English school for a while. For a number of years he helped his father on the home farm, and afterwards worked out as a farm laborer for others. In 1880, having saved some money, he bought a farm of 80 acres in Elba Township, Winona County, not far from his parents' place, where he followed general agriculture on his own account until 1894. Then selling that farm, he came to Wabasha County and bought one of 160 acres in section 36, Oakwood Township. This was a partly improved place, but the buildings were poor and there were no fences. He at once set to work to improve it, and in time brought the land to a high state of cultivation, besides erecting a good house, new barns and out-buildings, and supplying adequate fencing. His operations, conducted with foresight and industry, brought their reward in an ample competence, and in his established standing as an enter- prising and successful farmer, good neighbor, and useful citizen. In 1915 Mr. Nienow retired, selling 80 acres of his farm to his son, John, and retaining 80 acres, which he still owns. At the same time he purchased his present com- fortable home in Plainview. In addition to his activities above mentioned, Mr. Nienow was formerly a director and stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery Association, and for some time served as clerk of his school district. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. On October 22, 1880, Mr. Nienow was married to Bertha Patzel, who was born in Germany, January 5, 1863, daughter of Charles and Augusta (Schubert) Patzel, with whom she came to America at the age of four years. Her parents located first in Elba Township, Winona County, Minn., afterwards removing to Quincy Township in Olmsted County, and later, on their retirement, to St. Charles, where they spent their declining years, Mr. Patzel dying in 1912, and Mrs. Patzel in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Nienow are the parents of seven children: William, born Decem- ber 3, 1881; Anna, March 16, 1883; George, August 26, 1885; John, July 1, 1889; Fred, February 16, 1892; Edward, August 30, 1895; and Essie, July 18, 1902. William, who is a farmer in Oakwood Township, this county, married Kate Mielke, and has one child, Howard. Anna, who is the wife of William Brueska, a farmer in Elgin Township, has had nine children: Inez (deceased), Inez (second), Mabel, Violet, Edward, Alta, Ralph, Harry and Esther. George, who married Mary Kinsella, and resides in Plainview, has two children, Mary and Elmer. John is a farmer in Oakwood Township. He married Myrtle Baker and has two children, Mildred and Jesse. Fred, who is living on the home farm, married Charlotte Folsted and has three children, Grace, Roy and Floyd. Ed- ward, who lives in Plainview, married Bessie Purvis. Essie is residing at home with her parents.

Patrick Melvin, a well to do resident of the village of Plainview, where he and his wife are enjoying a well earned leisure after many years spent in

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agricultural activities, was born in Canada, February 7, 1856, son of Edward and Margaret (Welch) Melvin. The parents were born and married in Ireland, later emigrated to Canada, and came from the latter country to the United States in 1870, settling in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where they spent the rest of their lives in farming. Edward Melvin died in 1880 and his wife in 1902. Patrick Melvin first attended school in Canada, but completed his educational studies in Wabasha County. After remaining with his parents until he was 19 years old, he started out in the world for himself, and for seven winters was employed in the Wisconsin timber lands at lumbering, working as a farm hand in the summers. During this period he was carefully saving his money with an eye to the future. In 1883 he bought 80 acres of land in Plainview Township, and set to work with a strong heart and will to carve out his fortune. In 1887 he added 80 acres more to his holdings, and from time to time he made other purchases. In 1910 he bought a farm of 160 acres in Oakwood Township, and later 80 acres in Elgin Township. Still later, he bought another 80-acre tract, adjoining the home farm, these combined purchases giving him 480 acres of land in all. His agri- cultural operations were conducted with vigor and good judgment and had profitable results. He took a prominent part in the development of the crop and stock raising industries of his township, also took a helpful part in the general affairs of the community, and was a man highly respected and esteemed by his neighbors. In the spring of 1919 Mr. Melvin gave up the farm, and, leaving his sons to run it, retired to Plainview, where he purchased his present home, a nice, modern bungalow, where he and his wife are spending the after- noon of life in quiet and happiness. Mr. Melvin was married April 6, 1886, to Louise Mulcahy, who was born March 10, 1862, in Galena, Ill., daughter of Richard and Catherine (Swift) Mulcahy. The children born of this union are as follows: Eddie, who died February 20, 1887; George, born October 30, 1887, who married Bertha Gessner, and is now a farmer in Oakwood Township; Frank, born October 8, 1889; Harry, born January 8, 1892, who married Grace McGrath; Josephine Celeste, born May 6, 1894, who married Edward Schad; Charles E., born July 18, 1896; Arthur Joseph, born August 14, 1898; and Angela Marie, born October 14, 1900. Mr. Melvin and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Richard Mulcahy, for many years a well known resident of the town of Elgin, and for the last five years of his life of the village of that name, was born in Ireland and came to America in the year 1851. In 1856 he was mar- ried, in New York City, to Catherine Swift, and they came west to Galena, Ill. Later they removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and in the spring of 1883 came to Minnesota, settling on a farm in Elgin Township. There he resided until his retirement in 1892, when he and his wife took up their residence in Plain- view, where they had many friends and were highly respected. Mr. Mul- cahy had a great liking for children and was familiarly known by many of those in the neighborhood as "Grandpa." His wife, Catherine Swift Mulcahy, more commonly called "Grandma" Mulcahy, died at Millville in 1902. She was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in October, 1834, and in 1854 came to Amer- ica, locating in New York, where she married Richard Mulcahy, as above mentioned. She, like her husband, was a faithful member of the Catholic church. . Their children were: Richard F., of Plainview; Mrs. E. Melvin and Mrs. P. Melvin, of Plainview; Mrs. J. Nolan, Plainview; John, dead; Richard Mulcahy, of Plainview, and Mrs. T. Shea, of Pipestone, Minn.

George W. Harrington was one of the early settlers who made himself decidedly felt in the life of the community. A man of profound convictions and decided opinions, he was a picturesque figure in the days of strenuous party politics, and he dearly loved the enthusiasm of public life. Though set in his own opinions, he never denied his opponents the right to theirs, and a strong antagonist on one subject might find him working by his side in friendliness on another subject. Perhaps his greatest work was his opposition to the

MR. AND MRS. PATRICK MELVIN

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issuing and paying of the railroad bonds, his judgment in the end, long after his death, being ratified by the United States Supreme Court. For many years he served on the town board and in 1888 was elected to the State Legislature. Mr. Harrington was born at Barre, Vt., January 31, 1827, the son of David Har- rington, who lives in history as the first man to get granite for architectural purposes from the now famous granite quarries of Barre. It was he who quarried the large pillars which ornament the State Capitol at Montpelier, in his native state, the pillars being not only an architectural feature of wonder- ful beauty and strength, but also a splendid exemplification of the texture and quality of the famous Barre granite. George W. grew to manhood on his father's farm not far from the famous quarries. There he married Martha Ann Walker, by whom he had two sons, Dean D., a well known resident of Plainview, Minn., and Frank. In 1856 he brought his family to Minnesota, and settled on Greenwood Prairie, this county, where he spent the remainder of his years in agricultural pursuits. He was a Mason in Vermont, and became one of the charter members of the Plainview Blue Lodge and Chapter. In the affairs of the lodge he was very active, and seldom missed attendance at its communications. After a long and useful life he died August 10, 1891, and was sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends. His wife died in 1909.

Dean D. Harrington, a substantial citizen of Plainview, was born in Barre, Vt., May 17, 1850, the son of George W. and Martha Ann (Walker) Harring- ton. He came west with his parents and brother Frank in 1856, and was reared on the home farm three miles east of Plainview. At the age of twenty- one he went to the pineries of the Black River district in Wisconsin and was employed for several years in the lumber business at Humbird, in Clark County, that state. Then he returned to Wabasha County and purchased 80 acres in section 14, Plainview Township. To this he later added another 80 acres. On this tract he successfully farmed until 1909 when he retired and moved to the Village of Plainview. Here he has done considerable public service, giving general satisfaction as justice of the peace for five years, and as a member of the school board for a similar period. In politics, Mr. Har- rington is a Republican, and the family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Harrington was married November 30, 1876, to Ellen Carpenter, who was born in Franklinville, McHenry County, Ill., July 17, 1853, the daugh- ter of Timothy and Emmaline (Webster) Carpenter. This union has been blessed with two daughters. Mabel was born December 14, 1878, and died in infancy. Nettie was born March 16, 1881, graduated from the Plainview high school, spent three years at the University of Minnesota, and is now a success- ful teacher of fourth grade studies.

Timothy Carpenter, for several years a Plainview blacksmith, was born in Pennsylvania, and there married Emmaline Webster, also a native of that state. They came to McHenry County, Ill., in 1850, and there lived until 1874 when they came to Plainview Township. Mr. Carpenter died in 1887 and his wife in 1906.

Michael Foley, well known for a number of years as one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Highland Township, but now living retired in Plain- view, was born in Ireland, October 31, 1845, son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Murphy) Foley. He attended school in his native land, but seeking a wider field of opportunity than he could find there, in 1864, at the age of 19, he came to the United States. His first six years in this country were spent in railroad work in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska. Then he came to Wabasha County, Minn., and engaged in farming, at first on rented land. Subsequently he bought 80 acres in section 35, Highland Township, on which a small house was standing, into which he moved. There he lived for ten years, at the end of which time he removed to an 80-acre farm in the same section, which he had purchased some time before. As he retained the original place, he thus found himself in possession of a quarter section of land, which he developed into an

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excellent farm, being a very enterprising and successful man in his vocation. He also increased his land holdings at intervals until he had 360 acres, all in section 35 except one quarter located in section 36. He followed general farm- ing in all its branches, raising both grain and stock and doing considerable dairying. In 1914, having acquired an ample competence, he retired and took up his residence in Plainview, where he and his wife have a comfortable home and are surrounded by many old-time friends. The farm he sold to his sons Jeremiah and Thomas in 1918. Mr. Foley was married, July 16, 1876, to Mary Griffin, who was born in Ireland, in August, 1849, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Flanigan) Griffin. Her parents subsequently died in that country, which was their native land. To Mr. and Mrs. Foley nine children have been born : Ella, April 6, 1877, who died November 12, 1914; Patrick, born March 6, 1879; Mary, January 19, 1881; Jeremiah, December 31, 1883; Thomas, February 21, 1887; Katie, June 7, 1888; Agnes, July 2, 1889; Michael V., July 8, 1890, and John, July 24, 1891, who died May 14, 1910. The family are members of the Catholic church.

George Foreman, who has built up a business in the purchase and sale of hides at Plainview, was born in East Prussia, July 1, 1871, son of Jacob and Rosa Foreman. He was one of a family of five children, three of whom are now deceased. One sister is still residing in Prussia. The subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1890, thirty years ago, his brother Joe having preceded him by six years. The latter died in Baltimore, and another brother, Simon, died in Chicago in 1918. George Foreman first settled in Hagerstown, Md., where he remained for two years. From there he went to New Hampton, Ia., where he engaged in buying hides and handling junk, and was thus occupied in that place for 14 years. In 1895, leaving his family in Iowa, he came to Plainview, and established a business here. He brought his family to Plainview June 5, 1909, since which time he has made this village his home. He was married in Berlin, East Prussia, to Pearl Stern, daughter of Fred and Toba Stern, who came to that German province from east Russia. Mrs. Foreman came to the United States three years after her marriage. She and her husband are the parents of three children: Fred, born April 24, 1896; Anna, November 10, 1901; and Sara, August 20, 1903. All reside with their parents. The son Fred served in the recent world war, enlisting in the 112th Ammunition Train, Co. D. 37th Division, on April 8, 1918. He was ten months in France serving 45 days at the front, and was honorably discharged at Camp Grant, April 16, 1919. He is now engaged with his father in the hide business. Both are Blue Lodge Masons and belong also to the Odd Fellows.

Welford G. Edwards, proprietor of a blacksmith and machine shop at Plain- view, was born at Pepin, Wis., October 9, 1867, son of Sylvester and Candace (Fuller) Edwards, the mother being a daughter of Ester Fuller. The parents were natives of Ohio, and came to Wisconsin, settling in Pepin, in 1861. The father, who followed the blacksmith's trade during his entire active career, died in Arkansaw, Pepin County, in 1901. The mother is now living in Plain- view, Minn., to which place she came in December, 1918. Welford G. Edwards was educated in the Pepin and Arkansaw public schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, and the machinist's trade of his uncle, and has followed both ever since. He came to Plainview in 1902, and in 1909 opened a garage for the storage and sale of auto cars, being the first in Plainview to combine that business with blacksmithing and machine work. In June, 1918, he sold the auto business, and has since been engaged in blacksmithing and machine shop work with his brother Clayton. The latter is younger than him- self, having been born at Arkansaw, Wis., June 6, 1873. The brothers seem to have struck a profitable line of enterprise, as they are both kept busy, and their business is on the increase. Welford G. Edwards had some former experience as a public official, serving for two years as auditor of Pepin County, Wis., and for six years as town clerk of Arkansaw, that county. He is a member of the

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 48

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