USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 52
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will, and great perseverance, a kindly neighbor, and a good husband and father. By his first wife, Esther, Mr. Burchard had one son and three daughters: Emily Adell, who married Elijah Roscoe Cornwell; Charlie Davis, now deceased, who married Selina A. Mclaughlin, of Plainview; Florence Amanda, who married Alfred Darwin Perkins, of Windom, Minn .; and Mattie Ann, deceased, who was the wife of William Mckinney. By his second wife, Margaret, he had one child, Fay R. Both mother and son are now deceased.
Chauncey C. Cornwell, for many years a prominent hardware dealer in Plainview, was born in Erie County, New York, April 30, 1812, the son of Elihue Cornwell. From New York, the family removed to Middletown, Connecticut, and there Chauncey C. received a common school education. As a boy he learned the trade of shoemaker, and as a young man he engaged in the manu- facture of boots and shoes with his brother, H. D., under the firm name of H. D. Cornwell & Co. After some two years, this partnership was dissolved, and Chauncey C. removed to Willoughby, Ohio, where he opened a similar establishment. There he successfully continued in business until 1849, when owing to ill health he disposed of his business and moved to Lovell Township. Dodge County, Wis., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. The outdoor life greatly improved his health, and his thoughts again turned to a business career. Accordingly in 1865 he brought his growing family to Minnesota, and located in Plainview, where he engaged in the hardware business, first with E. B. Eddy, next with E. Dodge, and finally with his son, Elijah R. Energetic and industrious, he made a success of his business operations, and at the time of his demise he was in very comfortable circumstances financially, leaving a large estate to his children. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he took an active part. He was a Republican in politics, and foremost in movements which promised to aid the advancement of the community. He died November 14, 1901. Mr. Cornwell was married, while in Connecticut, to Rosella Young, of Haddam, Conn., by whom he had seven children, of whom four grew to adult years. Harvey D. is a retired farmer living at Pine Island in this state. Elizabeth, now deceased, married Alphonso A. Poole. Alfred C. is a Plainview electrician. Elijah R. is a prominent citizen of Plainview. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Cornwell married Elizabeth Welch, a native of Ohio.
Elijah Roscoe Cornwell, veteran of the Civil War, prominent business man and influential citizen, has had a career of industry and honor in Wabasha County for over half a century. He holds the good will and esteem of the entire community, and in the afternoon of life he is enjoying the just fruits of his more than three score and ten well spent years. Elijah R. Cornwell was born in Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, September 17, 1847, the son of Chaun- cey C. and Rosella Cornwell. He was brought to Lowell Township, Dodge County, Wis., when a small boy, and there attended a neighboring district school. He was but sixteen years old when, in 1864, he volunteered as a pri- vate in Co. K, 39th Wis. Vol. Inf., with which he served six months under Gen. C. C. Washburn, at Memphis, during the exciting days of the Forrest raids. With a good record as a soldier, the youth returned home, and in the spring of 1865 entered the employ of the Winnebago City Mills at Winnebago City, Minn. In 1867 he joined his father's family at Plainview, and the next year formed a partnership with Henry Horton in a wagon shop. This business was success- fully continued until 1873, when the partnership was dissolved. He then en- tered the employ of his father in the hardware store, and in 1875 became a partner. At the time of his father's death he became the sole owner and so continued until July, 1917. He was thus connected with the hardware trade and business life of Plainview as one of its most active factors, and his story is a part of the story of the growth of the village. Busy as he has been with his work, he has found plenty of time for the development of the social and fraternal side of his nature. He was one of the charter members of the local
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G. A. R. and is now its secretary. In the Masonic order he is a member of the Blue Lodge at Plainview and of the Chapter and Commandery at Rochester. In politics he is a life long Republican, and is a thorough adherent of the best traditions of that party. He is known as an honorable business man and loyal friend, and few people stand higher in the regard of the community than he. Mr. Cornwell was married November 29, 1869, to Emily Adell Burchard, the daughter of Rodman and Esther A. (Davis) Burchard. Their children were as follows: Florene, born April 13, 1871; Charles B., December 25, 1872; Nellie, October 16, 1876; Florence, July 17, 1878; Frances (Frankie), August 18, 1880; Maude E., April 27, 1883, and Glenn R., March 30, 1891. Florene, now de- ceased, married John G. Patton, who perished in the New Richmond cyclone. She left one child, Margaret Mather Patton. Charles B. married Ella Kjerner, of Rochester, Minn., and is now a druggist at Villard, this state. He has two children, Dean and Seth Cornwell. Nellie died young. Florence is the wife of B. E. Rohweder, a Plainview druggist, and has two children, Lois and Miriam Rohweder. Frances married Charles DeWitt, a Wabasha County farmer, who died. They had two children, Esther (deceased), and John Donald DeWitt. Maude E. is a trained nurse. Glenn R. engaged for some years in business with his farmer, is now a hardware clerk in Lewiston. On November 28, 1916, he married Lydia Schankey.
Bernhardt E. Rohweder, proprietor of the Plainview Drug Co., was born in Winona, Minn., December 1, 1879, son of John and Pauline (Staack) Rohweder. After attending the Winona public schools, he entered the drug store of Mc- Connon & Co., in the same city, as apprentice, and was there employed until 1899. Then he went to St. Paul, where he followed the drug business until the summer of 1905. In the following spring he came to Plainview and asso- ciated himself with C. D. Burchard, under the firm name of Burchard & Roh- weder, operating a drug store on the corner of Jefferson and Main streets. In 1911 Mr. W. E. Miller purchased the interests of Mr. Burchard and became a partner in the business with the subject of this sketch, the firm then adopting the name of The Plainview Drug Co. After a period of three years, Mr. Mil- ler's interests were purchased by R. J. Boardman, and two years later Mr. Rohweder became sole owner and proprietor, and has continued the business under the same style-The Plainview Drug Co. He has built up a large trade and keeps a full line of drugs, both for general sale and prescription purposes, toilet articles, wall paper, paints, Eastman Kodaks, Columbia and Sonora graphophones, and other goods in popular demand. As a progressive citizen, interested in the welfare of the community, he has associated himself by mem- bership with the Commercial Club and the Fair Association, and is now serv- ing his second term on the board of education. He is past master of Illustrious Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M., at Plainview; is also a Scottish Rite Mason, at Winona, and a member of the Eastern Star Chapter at Plainview. In 1916 he moved from the corner to his present location. Mr. Rohweder was married at Plainview, September 27, 1905, to Florence Cornwell, who was born July 17, 1878. Of this union three children have been born: Lois, December 16, 1906, who is now a student in the Plainview high school; Miriam, born March 10, 1909; and John Cornwell, born October 6, 1914, who died February 11, 1915. Mrs. Rohweder is active in various social organizations, being a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Ladies' Circle. She and her husband are members of the Congregational church, and are people of recognized social standing.
John Rohweder, father of B. E. Rohweder, of Plainview, was born in Arfte- Holstein, Germany, January 24, 1840. In 1859 he set out for the United States, and after a voyage of 48 days arrived in this country. At first locating at. Blue Island, Ill., he remained there for two years, and then removed to Winona, where he engaged in the butcher's business, in which he continued for the rest of his life, except during the last five years, during which period he held
DR. JOHN PRATT WASTE
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the position of health inspector. His death occurred April 2, 1910. Mr. Roh- weder was first married to Elizabeth Wendt, who died after a married life of 13 years, leaving six children: Henry, Amelia, Augusta, Lizzie, George and Emma. Mr. Rohweder married secondly, in 1875, Pauling Staack, a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, who died in Winona, Minn., September 8, 1919. She was the mother of five children: Gustave, Matilda, Bernhardt, Lydia and Frank.
Charles A. Venables, a well-known citizen of Plainview, with a wide ac- quaintance throughout the county, was born in Plainview, January 14, 1874, the son of Charles and Mary (Collard) Venables. He was reared in his native village and attended the Plainview public schools. In 1893 he became local representative for the J. R. Watkins Medical Co., of Winona, a position he has since retained. In this capacity he travels throughout the county, and his arrival at the various homes, with his cheery greeting and cordial- smile, is always eagerly welcomed. Mr. Venables was married November 30, 1899, to Helen M. Waste, the daughter of Dr. J. P. and Helen S. (Higgins) Waste. This union has been blessed with five children, Maude E., Paul C., Mina E., John Kenneth and Marguerite E. Maude E. was born September 30, 1900, graduated from the Plainview high school, and is now attending the Winona State Normal School. Paul C. was born May 27, 1903, and Mina E. was born June 21, 1905, both now being students in the Plainview high school. John Kenneth was born October 10, 1909, and is attending the Plainview public schools. Mar- guerite E. was born March 7, 1913. Mrs. Venables received her preliminary education in the Plainview public schools, attended the Northwestern Christi- anna College at Excelsior, Minn., took a kindergarten course at Minneapolis, and taught kindergarten for some time at Plainview.
Dr. John Pratt Waste was for many years a commanding figure in Wabasha County life; his work and character are woven into the very warp and woof of the story of the development of Greenwood Prairie, and his worth will never be forgotten. As a pioneer physician he served the people for miles around, sacrificing his own ease and comfort, making long drives in all kinds of weather, keeping weary vigil beside the bedsides of pioneer homes, healing the sick and comforting the sorrowing. His services were often given without hope of recompense, and his skill was at the disposal of all regardless of their financial resources. A man of strong personality, of helpful spirit, and jovial temperament, he was beloved by all, respected by all, and admired by all, while to his intimate associates he was a man of rare social qualities, a loyal com- rade, and an admirable entertainer. He lived and wrought in Plainview dur- ing the formative period of its growth, and the stories of his many humorous sayings will live with the memory of the wonderful work he accomplished as a citizen. During his latter years he gave up some of his active practice and devoted himself largely to office consultations, in which his long experience proved of the highest value to those who had need of his services. John Pratt Waste was born in Greenwich, Washington County, New York, February 17, 1837, son of Luke and Hannah (Pratt) Waste. He received his early educa- tion in the public and academic schools, took two full courses of lectures in the University of Michigan, and graduated from the College of Medicine at Cleve- land, Ohio. For eight months, toward the close of the Civil War, he served his country as assistant surgeon in the 193rd Ohio Vol. Inf. In the fall of 1865 he came to Plainview, opened an office, and here continued to practice. In addition to the strenuous labors incident to his chosen profession, he took an active part in public affairs, and had an important share in shaping public policies. For many years he did most efficient work on the school board, and the educational system of the present time still owes much to his guidance. In 1871-72 he satisfactorily represented this district in the State Senate, where his worth and dignified bearing attracted much attention. From 1898 to 1906 he was Plainview postmaster. Fraternally he was active in the Masonic and
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Odd Fellow orders. He was also an early member of the State and sectional Medical Societies. After a long and useful life he died April 17, 1906, and his death was sincerely mourned. Dr. Waste was married January 17, 1867, to Helen S. Higgins, born in Otsego County, New York, September 6, 1841, daugh- ter of Henry M. and Lucinda Miller Higgins, and by them brought to Mayfield, Ohio, when she was three years old. Dr. and Mrs. Waste were blessed with five children: An unnamed infant, who died early; Mina E., the wife of George W. Richardson, of Clear Lake, Minn .; John P., a truck farmer of Plain- view, who married Elizabeth Hall; Helen M., wife of Charles A. Venables, salesman ; and William M., who died at the age of seven years.
James Emery Foster, manufacturer of cement blocks and other cement products, at Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Minn., February 11, 1858, son of William Henry and Emeline (Griffith) Foster. The father was a native of Ohio, and the mother of New York State, but both were reared in Ohio, in which state they were married. William Henry Foster preceded his wife to Minnesota, coming here in 1856 to look up a location for a home. The land he selected was in section 36, Plainview Township, on or near the southeast corner, which is also the corner where the three counties of Wabasha, Winona and Olmsted touch each other. His wife joined him in the following year, and for a short time Mr. Foster worked on his farm. In- stead of continuing in that occupation, however, he took up his trade of car- penter and contractor, which he followed subsequently for most of his life. In 1866 he moved to the village of Elba, in Winona County, where he spent nine years. He next took a homestead in Clark County, Wisconsin, which he later sold, moving thence to Cumberland, Barron County, that state, where he died March 10, 1893. His wife, who survived him, died in Wabasha County in October, 1917. They were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Four of them are now deceased, namely: Melissa, who married Daniel Hall, and died in Iowa in 1911; Charles, who died in 1893; John in 1886, and Alice, who died at the age of two and a half years in Ohio. The living are: Sam, who resides on a farm in Winona County; Laura, wife of William Stegmalı, residing in Seattle, Wash .; James E., of Plainview; Amos, who is farming in Clark County, Wisconsin, and Julius, who lives in Washington. James E. Foster was educated in the common schools of Wabasha County. At the age of ten years he left home and began working for others, doing chores for his board and continuing his attendance at school, his work for awhile being done out of school hours. As he grew older he became a regular farm hand, drawing the usual wages. In the winter time he worked in the woods lumbering. He also learned the trades of carpenter and mason, at which he worked when not engaged in farming or lumbering. On September 14, 1887, he was married at Portage, Wis., to Christina S. Curtis, daughter of Charles and Harriet Curtis, who were natives of New York and Massachusetts respec- tively. Mr. Foster and wife located on a dairy farm of 80 acres in the town- ship of Colby, Wis., on May 4, 1888, and on that farm they resided for three and a half years. In October, 1891, they moved to Columbia County, Wis., where they followed dairy farming until 1897, when Mr. Foster gave up that occupa- tion and took up mason and concrete work as a business. On September 20, 1899, he bought a home in Poynette, Columbia County, and moving there con- tinued work at his trade. On April 27, 1904, he bought the first concrete block machine in the state, and the second machine sold after being patented. In the fall of 1907 he built a concrete block manufacturing plant in Lodi, Wis., and in March, 1908, sold to Caldwell & Christler, operating the Poynette ma- chine until the fall of 1909. He then moved the machine to Minnesota and built a house for S. E. Foster on Hoosier Ridge. On June 10, 1910, he moved to Plainview and established his concrete business here, beginning the manu- facture of cement blocks and other building products in a factory that he has since developed into a thriving institution. His machinery is operated by
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steam power and a large part of his product is sold in local territory. The enterprise is an important one, being one of the few successful manufacturing plants in this agricultural county. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of four children : Charles H., born March 18, 1889; Christina Elmira, April 11, 1893; Edith E., April 6, 1896; and Ray E., October 11, 1898. Charles H. resides in Plainview. Christina Elmira is the wife of Roy Batty, of Decora, Columbia County, Wis. Edith and Roy are residing at home, the former being a teacher in the public school. The family are members of the Methodist church, and Mr. Foster belongs also to the Woodmen and the Equitable Fraternal Union. Charles and Harriet Curtis, parents of Mrs. James E. Foster, were pioneers of their locality in Wisconsin, arriving there at an early day, and hauling their supplies from Milwaukee by ox team. They remained on the farm they selected until the death of Mr. Curtis, April 14, 1902. His wife is still living and makes her home with her daughter Martha in Michigan. They had five. children, three of whom are now deceased: William H. died in November, 1859, aged five years; Lupton W., born September 21, 1856, died May 12, 1905; Francis E., born May 10, 1860, died May 8, 1898. The two living are: Christina S., born September 18, 1867, now Mrs. James E. Foster; and Martha E., born January 3, 1873, who lives in Michigan.
Alfred R. Allen, one of the pioneer settlers of Plainview Township, now deceased, was born in the Green Mountain region of Vermont, January 6, 1837. In 1857 he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin, where he subsequently mar- ried Elizabeth Bignell. She was born in England, January 29, 1840, and came to this country with her parents when six weeks old. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allen came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and settled on 80 acres of wild land in Plainview Township, on which they erected the usual pioneer leg house, and afterwards other buildings, continuing improvements for many years. They also increased the size of their farm by an additional purchase of 40 acres, and in time became prosperous through hard work and thrift. After the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Allen enlisted in Company B, Tenth Wis- consin Volunteers, and was in the service three years. He escaped death, wounds and imprisonment and returned safely home to resume family life and his labors on the farm. There this worthy pioneer was called away by death on January 9, 1909. He was survived by his wife, who is now residing in Plainview. He was a Republican in politics and affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. At an early period of his active career he had spent three years in Watonwan County, Minn., where he attempted farming, but left on · account of the grasshoppers, which devoured his crops. His ultimate choice of Wabasha County as a location proved fortunate. The house in which his widow now resides in Plainview is owned by herself and her son Julius.
William C. Allen, a retired farmer living in Plainview, was born in this township, April 11, 1867, son of Alfred R. and Elizabeth (Bignell) Allen. He was trained to agriculture on his parents' farm, and on January 2, 1888, he was married to Minnie, daughter of Napoleon and Fianna Hessig, of Whitewater, Winona County, Minn. Previous to his marriage he had worked for his father, but he now started in for himself, for two years living on the John Beiter farm. Then he abandoned agriculture for awhile, and going to St. Paul, was em- ployed successively by the North St. Paul Motor Line and the Wisconsin Rail- way. At the end of three years he returned to Plainview Township and rented his father's farm, on which he remained two years, in the meanwhile buying 75 acres of wild land in the vicinity, to which he subsequently moved. On this tract he erected a good set of buildings, and lived there three years, during which time he followed general farming and threshing. Then in 1907, having acquired a competence, he sold out and took up his residence in the village, where he owns a nice house, and is enjoying a period of comparative rest, carry- ing on a produce business as a dealer in butter, eggs, poultry and cream. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious instincts have turned in the
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directon of Spiritualism, a subject now being investigated by some of the leading minds in Europe and America. On November 8, 1917, he sustained a bereavement in the death of his wife. Five children were born to them: Al- fred N., March 19, 1889, now living in Plainview; Etta G., May 28, 1891; Elmer W., April 21, 1895; Lee E., February 14, 1898; and Iva, September 15, 1902. The four younger children are living at home with their father, Iva being a student in the high school. Mr. Allen is fraternally affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and and with the Yeomen at Plainview.
Mathias T. Duerre, for several years a prominent Plainview banker, and former auditor of Wabasha County, is well known throughout the county, and his wide acquaintance, his reputation for sterling worth, his experience, and keen business ability were important factors in the success of the institution he assisted in guiding. Being possessed of energy and enthusiasm, he coupled progressive ideas in modern banking with a thorough appreciation of the con- servative policies necessary in the maintainance of financial integrity and solidity. Born at Read's Landing, this county, October 2, 1877, he is the son of Henry and Pauline (Lutz) Duerre. He was educated in the public schools of Read's Landing and Wabasha, and in 1897 was graduated from the business college at La Crosse, Wis. That year he started his business career as a hard- ware clerk in the store of his brother, George F. Duerre, at Plainview. In this capacity he rapidly won friends and the confidence of the people, as the result of which his entry into politics was well received. Urged by his friends to run for county office, he announced himself as a candidate for auditor in. the fall of 1906 and was elected by a substantial majority. He proved a most effi- cient officer, the affairs of his office were well conducted, and he maintained the confidence and trust of the voters. On January 1, 1911, he retired from office and accepted a position as cashier of the First National Bank. In this capacity he made himself decidedly popular with the depositors, his unfailing courtesy and obliging manners adding to his already large list of friends. In January, 1920, he resigned his position with the bank and is now engaged in the life insurance business. He is well and favorably known in fraternal circles, be- longing to the Masonic order and the Odd Fellows at Plainview, and the Elks at Red Wing. As a public spirited citizen he has taken his share in every movement that has for its object the betterment of the entire community, and his influence is always on the side of progress and development. Mr. Duerre was united in marriage, August 13, 1918, at Elgin, Minn., to Iva D. Whipple of that village.
Eugene C. Wedge, whose active career was spent chiefly in agricultural pursuits, and who is now enjoying the fruits of his labors as a retired citizen of the village of Plainview, was born in Waupon, Dodge County, Wis., January 3, 1864, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Wedge. When six months old his mother brought him to Wabasha County, where they joined the husband and father, who had preceded them here in the year 1861. When old enough he attended the rural schools of his district in Plainview Township, and remained on his parents' farm until 19 years of age. He then left home and began working out on farms in the neighborhood, for his uncles and the neighbors, being thus occupied for about a year. At the end of that time he resumed his studies, being a pupil for one year in the Plainview high school. Then for 15 months he was employed in a milling business at New Castle, Wis., at the end of that time returning to Plainview. The next ten years of his life were spent in farm labor. He now branched out for himself, buying an 80-acre farm, known as the Reitinghouse Farm, in Plainview Township; after operating same four years he sold it and bought a creamery at Plainview. The destruction of the creamery by fire put an end to this enterprise within a year, and Mr. Wedge then rented his father's farm, which he subsequently carried on for seven years. His next venture was the purchase of a 90-acre farm in Whitewater Valley, in the Town of Beaver, Winona County, of which he was proprietor for
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