History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 49

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 49

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WILLIAM H. BURNHAM

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Methodist church, and is fraternally affiliated with the Woodmen and Odd Fel- lows. He was first married, January 24, 1888, in Plainview, to Ida J. Wood, daughter of Alonzo and Genette Wood. Her parents, both of whom are now deceased, were early settlers in Plainview, having come to Wabasha County, Minn., from New York in 1850. Of her marriage with Mr. Edwards five chil- dren were born, two of whom are now deceased, namely, George, who died at the age of six years, and Grace, who died at the age of 22 at Pontiac, Mich., where she was residing. The survivors are Bessie, Ralph and Roy. Bessie is the wife of John Watcher of Plainview. Mr. Edward's first wife, Ida, died July 1, 1918, and on November 18, 1919, he married her cousin, Elizabeth, whose family name was La Rocque, and who was the widow of C. M. Wood.

William Henry Burnham, in former years an agriculturist, and later for several years until his death one of the prominent figures in the business world of Plainview having connection with farm enterprises, was born July 19, 1871, in Highland Township, this county, son of George H. and Mary E. (Gaylord). Burnham. He acquired his education in the Plainview schools, including the high school, and for three years subsequently was a teacher in the county. He then became his father's assistant on the home farm in Highland, and was thus occupied until October 5, 1909, when he bought a farm of 160 acres adjoining the home place, and began an independent career as agriculturist. While it lasted he greatly improved the place, but after some years his health began to fail, and accordingly in April, 1916, he rented the farm to a tenant and moved to Plainview, residing on High street. In the spring of that year he was elected manager of the Plainview Shipping Association, while at the same time he was president of the Plainview Co-operative Creamery Association, having been elected to that office in 1912; and in the spring of 1918 he was elected its man- ager and secretary. The latter position he held but a short time when death called him. The heart weakness with which he was afflicted became grad- ually worse, and on June 27, 1918, he passed away, leaving behind him the mem- ory of a true Christian gentleman, honest in all his dealings, patient under affliction, helpful to others, and faithful to every duty as husband, father, man and citizen. . A local journal truly said of him: "Of a supremely conservative, modest and sincere nature, he was not a professor, but rather a liver of the highest and truest in life. Those who knew him best realized his-deeply re- ligious thoughts and beliefs, and knew that he always received the blessings which came into his life with a prayer of gratitude to the Giver of all good gifts, and that he never undertook the tasks of his daily business life without a prayer for guidance in the right." For several years he had served as clerk of his school district. He was a Master Mason, and while his funeral services were conducted at the home by the Rev. H. J. Hill, of the Church of Christ, the impressive burial service of the Masonic order was read at the grave, and he was laid to rest with its last solemn rites. Mr. Burnham was an ardent lover of nature, and when a robust young man, whether at work or play, liked to be out in the open air, the beauty of the fields, with their varied flowers, and the song of the birds, striking sympathetic chords in his breast. As a boy he had ambitions looking toward a higher education, but his parents needed his as- sistance, and at the call of duty he relinquished them, and made the best of such opportunities as- he had. His talents were not wasted, and doubtless to him the Master has already said, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Mr. Burnham was married October 5, 1909, to Mrs. Bessie Zeisinger, who was born at Durand, Wis., April 7, 1876, daughter of John and Mary (Austin) Wilkinson. She was educated in the schools of Durand and after graduating from the high school, entered the Northern Illinois Normal School, where she took a musical course, both vocal and piano, being graduated in. the class of 1895. She also took a course in public school music at Detroit, Mich., but abandoned this line of effort in favor of private teaching, which she has followed continuously, and did so even during her residence on the farm, having a large class in town.

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She is now confining her labors to piano instruction, and has a class of thirty pupils. In May, 1919, Mrs. Burnham sold her farm and in the fall of the same year purchased her present home on the corner of High street. One child was born of her marriage with Mr. Burnham, namely, Mary Elizabeth, on March 3, 1912. By her first husband she has another daughter, Rachel, who resides with her. For a number of years Mrs. Burnham has been organist in the Church of Christ, and is now holding that position, as well as that of choir leader. Aside from her musical ability, she is a lady of general culture, and a favorite in social circles.

Capt. John W. Burnham, one of the most eminent of the men who have made Greenwood Prairie their home was born in Derry, New Hampshire, Nov. 19, 1829, son of George and Eliza Ann (McNiel) Burnham. He came to Minnesota Territory in April, 1856, with his brother William, and engaged in farming, taking up a quarter section in section 3, Plainview Township, by buying a set- tler's rights for $200.00. In October of that year he was elected justice of the peace, and as such married the first couple, held the first court, and approved the first postmaster's bond on Greenwood Prairie. For a short time he was en- gaged in the mercantile business at Greenville, the first town laid out on Green- wood Prairie, and now only a memory of the past. In those days there was considerable doubt as to the rights of settlers on the Half Breed Tract, so- called, which embraced the greater part of Wabasha County. But in time, by the payment of $4.50 an acre, Mr. Burnham managed to secure the title to 80 acres of land which he had improved. In 1862 he secured. 160 acres more by preemption, paying the preemption fee with a soldier's land warrant which he purchased for $90.00. In 1858 he was elected to the legislature but the session to which he was elected did not convene, and in 1859 he was reelected, serving two years. During his term in the legislature he had the honor of introducing a school land law, which was the means of bringing millions of dollars into the school fund of the state. Under this law, in 1861, Mr. Burnham, with I. C. Seeley of Mazeppa, and Lawrence Tracey, of West Albany, were appointed a board of appraisers of the school land in this county. In August, 1862, he en- listed in Co. C, 10th Minn. Vol. Inf., as a private. When the regiment was or- ganized he was appointed a sergeant. The company was mounted, and served on the Minnesota frontier until February, 1863, when they went into winter quar- ters at Le Sueur. From May until October, 1863, he was with General Henry Sibley's expedition in the Dakotas, marching thirteen hundred miles, fighting four pitched battles in addition to skirmishes, and suffering much from hun- ger, thirst and fatigue. Subsequently the regiment was sent south, and for a while did duty in guarding the military prison there. In May, 1864, the regi- ment was sent to Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee and Mississippi. While absent on a sick leave he was commissioned second lieutenant August 18, 1865, and assigned to the 125th U. S. Colored Infantry, being promoted to first lieu- tenant, December 26, 1865. Soon after this, on January, 1866, he was married to Ada J. Lawrence, daughter of Benjamin and Jerusha Lawrence. At the close of the war his regiment was ordered to Fort Union, N. M., which was reached by taking a steamboat to Leavenworth, Kan., and marching overland from there to their destination. From Fort Union, Companies H. and G. marched 500 miles more to Fort Bliss, Tex., 'a total distance of 1,200 miles in 100 days. There they remained a year, guarding the frontier against the In- dians and half breed Mexicans. While there, Lieutenant Burnham was de- tailed as member of a court martial at Albuquerque. The trip lasted three days and three nights of steady riding by stage. The trial lasted over two months, thirteen officers being tried on various charges. In the fall of 1866 his company marched to Ellsworth, Kan., the nearest railroad station, and went from there by rail to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he was mustered out, Octo- ber 31, 1867, after a service of five years and eighty days. Captain Burnham then returned to Plainview, where he still owned land, purchased more, and

MR. AND MRS. GEORGE H. BURNHAM

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settled in Highland Township, where he again engaged in farming. In 1877 he sold his farm in Highland Township, and moved to Plainview Village, where he lived until October, 1878. He then moved to Wheatland, Cass County, in Dakota Territory, and filed on two claims. In 1887, and again in 1889, he was elected to the territorial legislature, North Dakota becoming a state during his last term. In 1897, after the death of his wife, Ada, he returned to Plainviw, where in 1900 he married Lydia (Bly) Reed, of Ripon, Wis., daughter of George and Caroline M. Bly, and widow of Hiram B. Reed. They resided in Plainview until 1911, when they went to Fargo, N. D., and took up their residence with Captain Burnham's daughter, Mrs. Joseph Matters, at whose home he died Jan- uary 5, 1912. Captain Burnham was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and of the Minnesota Commandery of the Loyal Legion. He was for many years a member of the Congregational church. He was a distinguished law- maker of two states, a true builder of the Northwest, a man of distinguished attainmnts and powerful influence. In private life he was a devoted husband, a kind father, and respected by all who knew him. By his first wife, Mrs. Ada J. Burnham, he had four children: Lizzie, wife of Joseph Matters, of Fargo, N. D .; Benjamin L., of Wheatland, N. D .; Ida M., wife of William Hunter, of Moscow, Ida .; and Ella J., of Moscow, Ida.

William Burnham was born at Derry, New Hampshire, March 31, 1832, son of George and Eliza Ann (McNiel) Burnham. In 1856 he came to Minnesota with his brother, John W., and took up a quarter section of land in section 33, Highland, bordering Plainview Township. Later, when his brother, George H., followed and had bought the homestead adjoining, the two brothers carried on the work together. With his brother, William, he spent the greater part of his life until his death, February 21, 1911. At that time the newspapers said of him: "As an early settler he was always interested in the people and events of the vicinity. He was possessed of a remarkable memory and never forgot any person or any incident that touched his life. He had a high sense of honor and moral right, and those who knew him will always remember him as a good and upright man. The keynote of his life is well summed up in the words of his favorite hymn :

" 'Change and chance are busy ever, Man decays and ages move, But his mercy waneth never; God is mercy, God is love.'"

George Henry Burnham, a worthy pioneer, was born at Derry, Rockingham County, N. H., May 20, 1837, son of George and Eliza Ann McNiel Burnham, the father being of English descent and the mother of Scotch-Irish blood. He was seventh in direct descent from Den John Burnham, the founder of the family in this country who came from Norwich, Norfolk County, England, early in 1835 and settled at Ipswich, Mass .; and fifth in direct descent from Major John Burnham, one of the original members of the Society of the Cin- cinnati, who served from the Battle of Bunker Hill until the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, as an officer in the Revolutionary War. The subject of this sketch received a good education in his native village, having the ad- vantages of a course at the Barre Academy. In 1857 he came to Wabasha County, following his brothers, John W. and William, who had come the year before. He secured a preemption of 160 acres in Highland Township, but two years later returned to the East with his brother William. A short time after- ward, however, he again came to Minnesota, and took a claim in section 17, Highland, where he erected a cabin, and underwent all the rigorous experiences of pioneer life. To this cabin, in 1863, he brought his bride. A few years later they moved to section 33, a mile west of their former home, and on this he spent the remainder of his life. From a wild tract of land with primitive build- ings, he developed it into a fertile, profitable estate, well cultivated and well equipped, and beautified with a substantial set of farm buildings. After a long

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and useful life, Mr. Burnham died May 13, 1911, and his death was sincerely mourned. Of hardy lineage, Mr. Burnham was a man endowed with marked strength and ability. He was gifted by nature with a bright and vigorous in- tellect. His attainments surpassed those of many who possessed the advan- tages of long and intense training in the institutions of higher learning. This was due to his wide reading and keen observation, his readiness to seize op- portunities for improvement, and his natural turn of mind, which was accurate, discriminating and logical. He always sought after those things which were of real value and worth-while. His judgment of right was almost instinctive, and he strove to instill into the minds of his children the highest principles of truth, honesty, and uprightness which he himself possessed to a high degree. But not only was he devoted to his family and home, for his interests and sympathy extended to the whole community and especially to those in need. He never refused an appeal for help, even when the rendering of succor meant a sacrifice of his own comfort and ease. His fine reserved nature led him from the seeking of prominence, and his life was consequently somewhat secluded. His desire was not so much for outward seeming as it was for sincerity and truth, and he was a man in the fullest meaning of the word. The world is better that such as he has lived. Mr. Burnham was married March 3, 1863, to Mary E. Gaylord, born at Ganesville, N. Y., daughter of Elijah and Huldah (Alvord) Gaylord. This union was blessed with ten children: George M., Frank A. and Fred G. (twins), Dottie, William H., Mary E., Margaret L., John S., Charles A., and Elsie I. George M. was born August 17, 1864, married Carrie B. Hurd January 6, 1892, and lives in Rochester, Minn. Frank A. and Fred G. were born May 24, 1868. Fred G. died June 1, 1868. Frank A. married Clara Hunis October 5, 1907, and lives in Chelan, Wash. Dottie was born March 12, 1870, and died August 19, 1870. William H. was born July 19, 1871, was married October 5, 1909, to Bessie Zeisinger, and died June 27, 1918. Mary E. was born July 4, 1874, was married October 15, 1907, to Edward B. Skinner, and lives in Sioux Falls, S. D. Margaret L. was born April 4, 1876, and was married June 23, 1897, to J. Henry Eggers, of Plainview (Everett B. Eggers, June 26, 1904). John S. was born November 25, 1878, was married March 10, 1906, to Clara Knode, and lives at Pendleton, Ore. Charles A. Burnham was born November 1, 1880, at Plainview, Minn. Elsie I. was born December 8, 1882, and is now general secretary of the Y. W. C. A. at Rochester.

Richard Lea, an early settler in Plainview Township, where he developed a good farm from the wilderness, was born in England, March 17, 1830. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Melita, had four children: Frank, Wentworth, Eliza and Eva. , She died in 1858, and in 1860 he was married sec- ondly at Hainesville, Ill., to Louisa Bryant, who was born in New York state, September 28, 1837. In the spring of the same year, soon after their marriage, they came to Wabasha County, Minn., Mr. Lea buying 80 acres of land from Caleb Sylvester in section 35, Plainview Township. Later he bought 80 acres of school land in section 36. All of this land was wild and timbered and he grubbed and cleared it, also erecting a house and out-buildings. In addition to this, he put up a saw mill, which for a number of years was well patronized. After a useful, and for the most part, an active career of some 40 years in the township, he died November 13, 1901. His second wife survived him some eight years or more, dying at the Winona General Hospital, July 3, 1910. The chil- dren of the second union were William T., now a resident of Plainview Village; Harry, who died in infancy; and Walter, who was accidentally killed in the saw mill on the home farm at the age of 24 years.

William T. Lea, now living retired in the Village of Plainview, where he is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens, was until recently one of the active and successful farmers of Plainview Township, where he was born, November 20, 1861, son of Richard and Lodica (Bryant) Lea. He was educated in the Woodland District of that township, and was subsequently

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engaged in farming on the parental homestead until 21 years old. In 1882 he went to North Dakota, where he followed farming and threshing for five years. On his return home in 1887 he took charge of his parents' farm, which he later bought, and on which he made many improvements, clearing the un- cultivated portion of the land, putting up fences, rebuilding the house, and improving or remodeling the other buildings, and, altogether getting the place into excellent condition. There he followed general stock and grain farming, raising blooded Poland-China and O. I. C. Chester-White swine, and good grades of other stock. In 1896 he bought of John Beiter 80 acres more land adjoining the home farm, it being located in section 36; but later he sold 80. acres of the original farm, which left him with 160 acres. In the fall of 1919 Mr. Lea retired, selling the farm and moving to Plainview, where he has erected a neat and comfortable residence on High street. Here he and his wife are spending the afternoon of life, surrounded by their children and friends, and in the enjoyment of a well earned competence. Aside from his activities as a farmer and stockraiser, in which he gained a high reputation, Mr. Lea was for ten years a director of the Greenwood Farmers Insurance Company, and also helped to build the telephone line, being president of that company for some time. For twelve years also he rendered efficient service on the school board of his district, and showed himself a public-spirited citizen in all things con- cerning the general welfare and progress of the community in which he lived. Mr. Lea was married at Elgin, Minn., April 20, 1890, to Lena Haessig, who was born at Woodland, Planview Township, December 11, 1869, daughter of Jacob and Emma J. (Cook) Haessig. The father, a native of Alsace, France, came to Wabasha County in 1863, and was here married to Emma J. Cook in March, 1869. She was born in Quebec, Canada, and had come to this county in 1857. They were engaged in farming until 1904, when they retired to Plain- view, where Mr. Haessig is now living with his daughter, Ida. Mrs. Haessig died July 15, 1908. Their children were Lena, Lafayette, Ida and Merritt, the last mentioned of whom is now deceased. Lena Haessig, now Mrs. Lea, was educated in the Woodland District school and the Plainview high school, and was a teacher for two years in Winona and Wabasha counties. Her mother was first married to Franklin Sylvester, by whom she had three children: Jennie, now deceased, and Arthur and Belle, who are living. Mr. Sylvester died in 1863. To Mr. and Mrs. William T. Lea four children have been born: Verna M., June 19, 1891; Bonnie E., November 16, 1896; Walter H., December 17, 1900, and Harold, November 21, 1907. Verna M. is now Mrs. Lester Schwartz of Rochester, Minn. Bonnie E. is the wife of A. C. Linde, a farmer of Wood- land, Plainview Township. Walter H. is a student in the Plainview high school. Mr. and Mrs. Lea are both members of the Old Settlers' Association. They attend worship at the Congregational church, and politically Mr. Lea is a Democrat. For many years they have been closely connected with the business or social life of Wabasha County, of which they are in the best sense represen- tative people.

Arthur S. Kennedy, assistant cashier of the Plainview State Bank, and a business man of recognized ability, was born in Freeborn County, Minn., Janu- ary 3, 1880, son of James and Helen (Stewart) Kennedy. The father, a native of Iowa, and mother, of Canada, were married in Minnesota. In early life, James Kennedy was engaged in the meat business at Rochester, but later went to Fillmore County, where, until 1880, he followed agriculture. He then moved to Olmsted County, where he farmed until 1902, the year of his retirement, when he took up his residence in Rochester. He was not long spared to enjoy the fruits of his labor, as his death occurred in the following year. His wife died in February, 1909. Their children were Julia, Frank, Ellen, George, Emma, Arthur S., John, Margaret, and Louis, all of whom are now living but Margaret. Arthur S. Kennedy acquired his elementary education in District School No. 103, Olmsted County, which was supplemented by a commercial

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course in the Sisters' Academy at Rochester. He then entered the employ of E. A. Knowlton, dry goods merchant at Rochester, as bookkeeper, starting in April, 1902, and remaining with the firm until 1908, when he resigned to accept a position as bookkeeper for the Plainview State Bank. As such he remained subsequently until 1911, when he was tendered the assistant cashiership, a po- sition which he still holds and has filled acceptably both to the bank and to its patrons. He is president of the Plainview Commercial Club, and secretary of the Wabasha County Fair Association, in which latter position he has served since 1914. A member of the Catholic church, he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Kennedy was married November 24, 1909, to Anna Fass- binder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fassbinder, of Waseca, Minn., and who previous to her marriage was clerk in the E. A. Knowlton dry goods estab- lishment at Rochester. This union has been blessed by the birth of two chil- dren: Barbara M., born December 5, 1911; and Maxine H., whose birth was September 11, 1913.

James Lahey, for some 35 years the best known railroad man in this part of the state, came to Plainview in 1879, the year after the Plainview branch was built, and here remained the rest of his life. He was in the employ of the Chi- cago & North Western Railroad for the period mentioned, and then retired, continuing, however, on the roll of the company's pensioners. He was a man of fine qualities, of a most amiable and kindly disposition, one who had a pleasant word for all, took a deep interest in all public affairs, and experienced great delight in any advancement and progress of the com- munity. He was loved by his friends and relatives, and highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends, as well as sincerely liked by the travel- ing public. He died June 20, 1920. James Lahey was born at Ancaster, On- tario, Canada, May 15, 1842, and was there married. In 1863 he moved to Lockport, N. Y .; from there in 1871 he came to Minnesota, and after living a while in Rochester took up his home in Plainview in 1879, as noted. James Lahey and Hannah Riordan were married at Dundas, Ontario, Canada, in 1863, and this union was blessed with ten children, of whom two died in infancy. Margaret is the wife of Benjamin Fay, of St. Charles; Thomas lives in Winona ; John lives in St. Charles; James and Bernard live in Mitchell, S. D .; Theresa is the wife of John W. Keough, of Plainview. Agnes and Mary live in Plain- view.

John E. Keough, manager of the O. M. Botsford Lumber Co. yard at Plain- view, is a native of this county, having been born in Oakwood Township, March 28, 1881, son of John and Ellen (Hollihan) Keough. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, the public schools of Millville, and the high school of Plainview. For a number of years he remained on the home farm, and then entered the employ of Burchard & Laack, afterward Burchard & Reiter, drugs and groceries. September 1, 1905, he started his present career by assuming the duties of assistant manager for the Laird-Norton yard, at Plainview. His work in this capacity won him excellent commendation, and in March, 1906, he was sent to Redwood County, this state, to take charge of the Laird-Norton yard at Walnut Grove. There he still further demonstrated his efficiency to such an extent that in June; 1911, he was sent back to Plainview as manager of the yard here. In 1913, when the O. M. Botsford Lumber Co. took over the interests of the Laird-Norton yards, he was retained as manager, and in that position has since remained, giving satisfaction to his company and to the general public. Mr. Keough has taken an active part in the affairs of the county and of the community. He has been president of the Wabasha County Industrial Fair Association for three years and is now a director. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Commercial Club. His fraternal associa- tions are with the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Keough was married June 17, 1909, to Theresa Lahey, who was born in Plainview, August 28, 1881, daughter of James and Hannah (Riordan) Lahey, and this union has been blessed with one son, John Carlin, born August 3, 1916.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 49

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