History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 53

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

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two years, during that time also serving as school clerk. After that he rented a larger farm for two years, and still another for three years, both in the White- water Valley, and in the meanwhile sold his 90-acre farm. Having spent seven years in Winona County, he again returned to his father's old home in Plain- view Township. There he farmed until April 1, 1919, when he retired and bought his present residence on Jefferson street in Plainview. Mr. Wedge was married, October 15, 1891, to Elizabeth C. Christison, who was born in Wiscon- sin, November 9, 1862, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Allison) Christison. Three children have blessed their union : Esther M., born December 31, 1895; Arthur, November 10, 1897; and Clarence E., November 30, 1899. Esther M. is now the wife of George A. Amidon, a farmer of Stockton, Winona County, and has three children, Clyde K., Winnifred E. and Donald E. Arthur, who is now operating the old H. D. Wedge farm, being of the third generation to occupy it, married Grace Mills. Clarence E. is a student in Carlton College at Northfield, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene C. Wedge are active members of the Congregational church in Plainview, of which he is also clerk. He belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters, the I. O. O. F., and Royal Neighbors. The Eastern Star, Rebeccas, G. A. R. Circle and Royal Neighbors count Mrs. Wedge as a worthy member.

John Christison, who was for over 23 years a well known farmer in Plain- view Township, was born in Scotland. In Summit, Wis., he married Elizabeth Allison, who was also of Scotch birth, and in 1872 they came to Wabasha County, locating on a farm two and a half miles northwest of Plainview. There they remained for nine years, gradually making progress in the world, and at the end of that time removed to another farm, northeast of Plainview, on which they spent five years. Another removal was then made, to a farm of 80 acres in the same township, south of Plainview, where they lived until 1895. In that year they retired, selling the farm and moving to Owatonna, Minn., where John Christison died in June, 1908. His wife survived him ten years, passing away in August, 1918. They were industrious and worthy people, well respected during their residence in the county, and having a wide circle of friends.

Charles J. Donaldson, until recently proprietor of an up-to-date jewelry establishment in Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, December 7, 1875, son of Charles W. and Nancy C. (Cheatham) Donaldson. His elementary education was acquired in the district school near his parents' farm, and he subsequently continued his studies in the high school in Plainview. Until 1901 he was engaged in farming, but in that year he entered the jewelry store of H. G. Austin, with whom he learned the jewelry business and engraving. He also spent three years in the employ of Alfred Beinhorn, a well known jew- eler of Winona. In 1905 Mr. Donaldson went to Seattle as salesman for Hardy & Co., and was thus employed for eight years. Then returning to Plainview, he remained here two years, at the end of which time he went back to Seattle, and was salesman there three years for Sutter & Co. In 1914 he again returned to Plainview, and purchased the jewelry store of H. G. Austin, which he con- ducted as sole proprietor, carrying a full and complete line of jewelry, clocks, watches, cut glass, silverware, and everything usually found in a good modern jewelry store, his stock being valued approximately at $7,000. As a capable business man and reliable dealer, he gained recognition, and did a prosperous and increasing business until January 23, 1920, when he sold out the business and is now looking after farm interests and dealing to some extent in real estate. He is the owner of a farm of 130 acres in Elgin Township, which he

rents out. The Commercial Club numbers him among its active and useful members. Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage, September 25, 1906, to Alma M. Schroeder, of Grand Meadow, Minn., born April 15, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson are affiliated religiously with the Congregational church, while his political opinions identify him as a member of the Republican party. He and his wife are well known and popular residents of the village. Both are

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members of the Eastern Star Chapter, and Mr. Donaldson belongs also to Illus- trious Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M.

Peter Governor, a respected resident of the village of Plainview, is a man who, though hardly yet in middle life, has already achieved pecuniary inde- pendence as the result of successful farming operations. He was born in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., January 29, 1881, son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Shrader) Governor. The scene of his birth was a farm which had been taken as a homestead by his grandfather Governor, and was the home of the family until 1883, when they moved to South Dakota. After spending eleven years in that state, they removed to Wisconsin, where they spent six years, and then, returning to Wabasha County, engaged in farming near Kel- logg. The father, Theodore Governor, died in 1906, and was survived by his wife, who is still living. Peter Governor was educated in the district schools of South Dakota and Wisconsin, and remained at home until 1908, except for two years, 1900 and 1901, when he was away in Wisconsin and upper Michigan. During that time he saved his money and bought 40 acres in Whitewater Town- ship. This land he sold in 1910 to Kate Marnach, who afterward became his wife. In 1908 Mr. Governor engaged in agriculture on his own account, buying a farm of 130 acres in section 34, Plainview Township, which he operated for six years. He then sold it and bought one of 160 acres in section 10. There he resided engaged in general farming until the fall of 1919, when he sold the place and, moving to Plainview, purchased his present home in the village. His active career was marked by industry and good judgment, and he is now reaping the reward of his labors in the enjoyment of a competence. Mr. Gov- ernor was married, February 19, 1912, to Kate Marnach, who was born in Whitewater, Winona County, Minn., October 11, 1883, daughter of Nicholas and Barbara (Georges) Marnach. Her parents were natives of Germany, who lo- cated in Whitewater Township in 1860, being married there, and carrying on the farm until their death. The mother was the first to pass away, in 1887, Mr. Marnach dying in 1901. Their daughter Kate then became heir to 160 acres and the home place of 20 acres, which latter she sold. She subsequently purchased other land until she had 240 acres, which she sold in the fall of 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Governor are members of the Catholic church. They have a wide circle of friends in Plainview and the vicinity and are socially popular. On February 16, 1920, a son was born to them, who lived only five days and was. buried in the Catholic cemetery at Elba.

Frank J. Nettekoven, proprietor of the Hotel Plainview, in Plainview vil- lage, which he has successfully conducted for the last eight years, was born in Waunakee, Dane County, Wis., August 3, 1871, son of John and Margaret (Kessnich) Nettekoven. The parents were natives of Cologne, Germany, the father, born in 1834, coming to the United States in 1855, at the age of 21 years. The mother came in 1855 at the age of twelve; she was born in 1843. They were married at Springfield, Dane County, Wis., locating immediately after on a farm in the vicinity. Three years later they moved to Waunakee, where they farmed until 1883. In that year John Nettekoven bought an interest in a flour mill at Waunakee, known as the Westport Roller Mills, and was connected with

it as one of the proprietors until 1897. He then traded his interest in the mill for a farm in Fond du Lac County, situated about seven miles from the city of Fond du Lac, where he subsequently followed agriculture until his death in October, 1906. His wife passed away in September, 1905. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three died in infancy. The others were John, Peter, Elizabeth, Anna, Frank J., and Joseph I. John is now a retired farmer living at Fond du Lac. Peter resides in Beloit, Wis. Elizabeth, who married Paul Nellen, died in 1887. Anna died at the age of twelve years. Frank J. is the subject of this sketch. Joseph I. in 1896 enlisted in the United States army, and in February, 1899, was sent to the Philippine Islands, where he was appointed clerk in the Adjutant's office, and there served until 1901.

phtimemangponga

J & Bateman

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He then returned to the United States and subsequently became assistant pay- master in the auditing office of the War Department at Washington. In Sep- tember, 1917, he sailed for France, was commissioned captain, and became paymaster of marines. At the present time (January, 1920) he is still in the service, helping to discharge the marines. Frank J. Nettekoven acquired his education in the public schools of Waunakee, Wis. He began industrial life in the milling business, and, leaving home at the age of 18, followed that occu- pation in various places, including Milwaukee, Madison, Cambridge, Pepin and Lake Mills, Wisconsin. In the summer of 1899 he came to Plainview and accepted a position with the Greenwood Rolling Mills as head miller, which position he held for nine years and three months. He resigned it to engage in business for himself, buying a pool and billiard hall, connected with a short order restaurant, which he conducted until the spring of 1912, at which time he purchased the Hotel Plainview. This is a 43-room hotel, steam-heated, and well provided with modern conveniences. Under Mr. Nettekoven's manage- ment it is well patronized, as he possesses necessary qualifications for a popu- lar landlord, being of a genial and obliging disposition, with frank and courte- ous manners, appreciated by the traveling public. In the management of the place he is ably assisted by his wife, a refined and affable lady, who looks after the domestic affairs of the house, and by their son, Frederick, who fills the role of clerk, and is one of the popular and representative young men of Plain- view. Mrs. Nettekoven was in maidenhood Elizabeth Du Frenne, and was born at Black Earth, Wis., January 2, 1870. She was married to Mr. Nettekoven, October 16, 1894. Their first child died in infancy, unnamed, on February 7, 1898. Their only other child, Frederick W., was born February 12, 1900. He was educated in the public school and Plainview high school, and enlisted for service in the World War, September 28, 1918. He was located at Midway, St. Paul, in the Air Service Mechanics School. He was discharged January 17, 1919. A young man of musical ability, he is a member of the Zabel Orchestra and the Plainview Concert Band. He has joined the American Legion, being a member of Allen Post, and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, being with his father and mother a member of the Catholic church.

John D. Bateman, for some years a highly esteemed resident of Plainview, to which place he retired after a long and successful career in agriculture, was born in Winona County, January 14, 1863, son of Hill and Frances C. (Car- penter) Bateman. The parents were early settlers in Winona County, where they lived until 1870, when they removed to Olmsted County, and the rest of their lives was spent in farming there until their retirement in 1891. Both are now deceased. John D. Bateman acquired his education in the public schools of Winona and Olmsted Counties. After removing to the latter county he remained at home on his parents' farm in Quincy Township until their re- tirement in 1891, at which time he purchased the place-a beautiful farm of 269 acres. Progressive and enterprising, he accomplished good results, doing a prosperous business, and making extensive improvements, including the erec- tion of two large barns and other out-buildings. His achievements and char- acter marked him out as one of the leading men of his township, and his fellow citizens held him in high esteem. In 1912, on account of impaired health, he retired and moved to Plainview; but his active disposition would not permit him to remain idle, and so, from time to time, he rendered assistance in the various stores and hotel, whenever a shortage of help gave him the opportunity of being useful. His pleasant manner and willingness to assist others made him a general favorite with all. None knew him but to love him, and one of his chief aims in life was to make the world a happier place for others to live in. In his family he was an ideal husband and father; his life blessed those with whom he came in contact, and his span of years on earth was worthily spent. It ended April 9, 1917, but his memory will long be enshrined in the hearts of his family, his friends, and all who knew him. Mr. Bateman was

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interested in public affairs, but took no delight in the hurly-burly of politics, though as a public spirited citizen, he filled with credit a number of school and township offices. With his genial temperament it was natural that he should take delight in fraternal life, and his lodge affiliations included membership in the Masonic order, in which he had advanced as far as the Chapter, R. A. M .; the Odd Fellows, including the Rebekah lodge; the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Equitable Fraternal Union, in all of which he took an active part. Mr. Bateman was married, July 1, 1888, to Clara M. Deidrick, who after some years of married life, died leaving four children : Lillian M., now Mrs. Paul Wilson, of Olmsted County; Mary E., wife of Ervin Vermylia, of Olmsted County ; Earl L., who married Laura Bouton and resides in Plainview; and Frances L., now Mrs. Arthur Sasse, of St. Charles. On April 25, 1895, Mr. Bateman married Mrs. Lillian R. Clark, who was born at Piasa, Macoupin County, Illinois, January 31, 1867, daughter of Frank and Jane (Andrews) Bateman. Her parents, who were natives of Eng- land, were early settlers at Piasa, arriving there about the close of the Civil War, and being subsequent residents for over 40 years, Frank Bateman being a prominent merchant. Both have passed away. By her first husband, Elmer J. Clark, Mrs. John D. Bateman had two children : James H., who while serv- ing in the marine force took influenza and died October 2, 1918, at Rexham Hospital, Nova Scotia; and Leroy, who died in Illinois at the age of one and a half years. Mrs. Bateman is a member of the Rebekah lodge, in which she occupies the position of vice grand, and right supporter, and also of the Order of the Eastern Star. She is an active member of the Christian church, as was also Mr. Bateman.

Abraham Bennett McCarty, a Minnesota pioneer who died at his home in Plainview at 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning. January 9, 1917, was born at Muncey, Penn., November 14, 1828. At the age of nine years he came west with his parents, who made their home for a few years at Springfield, Ills. Later they moved to Beloit, Wis., taking a farm on which he resided until he reached the age of 21. In the following spring he left for Hudson and Still- water, driving the first team that crossed the prairie, and arriving at Hudson May 20, 1850. That year, on the Fourth of July, he erected the first flagstaff placed in Hudson, the occasion being enthusiastically celebrated. He was in Minneapolis when there was but one log house there. St. Anthony at that time was but a mere trading-post and St. Paul an Indian village. During his pioneer life he also visited Winona, which at the time contained about half a dozen buildings. He spent about five years in Wisconsin, near Stillwater, fol- lowing the occupation of a farmer, and during which time he broke a great deal, of the new prairie for the early settlers. At one time he took a claim where now stands the city of Black River Falls. A very robust and sturdy man, he delighted in the pioneer life and aided many to establish new homes. Over 42 years ago Mr. McCarty came to Woodland, Wabasha County, and shortly after purchased the home farm on which he resided until about eleven years ago. In 1908 he purchased a home and moved to Plainview, retiring from active farm life. He was united in marriage in Woodland, December 25, 1879, to Sarah Smith, who was born at South Danvers, Mass., October 15, 1848. Of this union were born two children: Lottie, October 24, 1880, and Jessie, October 20, 1884. Lottie is now Mrs. Alexander La Rocque, of Webb Lake, Wis., and has one child of her own, Alice, besides an adopted child, Chester. Jessie is the wife of Lynn Helgerson, of Minneapolis, and has two children, Lee W. and Ruth L. Mr. McCarty was a man of generous characteristics, always ready to aid a friend and give assistance to the needy. He found great pleas- ure in doing good to others. He was an active, industrious man who never shirked his duty. He was a great home lover, yet took much pleasure in asso- ciating with neighbors and friends. In his declining years his greatest regret was his inability to follow an active life. During the holiday season he loved

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to see his children and grandchildren about the festive board. His memory will linger long in the minds of those who knew him.

John Husby. The typical pioneers of the Northwest were the lumberman and the farmer. They it was who laid the foundations of civilization in this region and were the developers of its chief sources of wealth. Each was a hardy class, for there was no room for weaklings. The work was strenuous and could be carried on only by stout hearts and strong arms, with the courage to risk accident and the ability to endure privation. Many fell by the wayside, or sought easier employment in the settled communities; but those who had the strength of body and mind to persevere, and the force of character to resist the temptation to dissipation, in time reaped a fair reward. That the rough life of the lumberman was not necessarily inimical to the chances for long life and continued health is evidenced by living examples, one of the most prominent of whom in Wabasha County is the subject of this sketch. John Husby, than whom few men in the northeastern part of the county are better known. Mr. Husby was born in Trondjen, Norway, May 6, 1835, son of Ingebright and Ingeborg Husby. The father was a well-to-do farmer, own- ing a farm of 300 acres, and handling stock on a large scale. There the sub- ject of this sketch was reared, and was given good school advantages. He was about to enter college when he and his brother Ingebret decided to seek their fortunes in America, and, carrying out their plan, arrived in Quebec, Canada, in June, 1867. From there John Husby came directly to Reed's Landing, Wabasha County, Minn., where he arrived nearly penniless, the expenses of the journey having used up the funds with which he had set out. There was plenty of work here for busy hands, however, and he was idle only two days when he obtained employment with Knute Johnson, who owned a farm just back of Reed's Landing. With him he remained until November, and while working on the farm, or conversing with the villagers, he learned something about the lumber industry, the wild and romantic occupation followed during the winter season in the forest, when there was nothing to be done on the farms, and the money to be made at it. Being young and strong, with a vigorous constitu- tion, it was just the work for him, and as the season was then opening, he sought a job and found it with the Knapp-Stout Lumber Co., of Eau Claire, Wis., being sent to their camp about 40 miles northeast of that point. All that winter he worked as a chopper, returning to Reed's Landing in the spring of 1869, and being retained by the Knapp-Stout Company as the man in charge of their warehouse at the mouth of the Chippewa river. His duty was to receive and check goods from the Mississippi river packets, which were shipped up the Chippewa river on the boats of the company. During the winter of 1869-70 Mr. Husby chopped cordwood above Alma, Wis., for his own use. In the spring he re-entered the employ of the Knapp-Stout Lumber Co., checking and coupling lumber cribs for transit down the Mississippi to Dubuque, St. Louis and other points. In 1873 Mr. Husby went with the Carson-Rand Co., otherwise known as the Valley Lumber Co., of Davenport, Iowa, checking and coupling lumber cribs for them as he had for the other company, and at the same point. With both companies he held the position of superintendent of that branch of the business. With the Carson-Rand Co. he remained until 1884, and then went back to the Knapp-Stout Co., with whom he remained until they went out of business about 1899. By that time, Mr. Husby, through industry and thrift, had accumulated a fair competency, and found himself able to retire from active work, which he accordingly did. In 1880 he built a good house at Reed's Landing, where he has since made his home, being well known to every man, woman and child in the community.

Though 85 years old, all his faculties are well preserved; he has never been sick a day or had a doctor for himself, and is a man highly respected, and probably envied by those less favorably circumstanced as to health and prosperity. He is a Republican in politics, but has held no office except that of school trustee, in which he served for a number

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of years formerly. A member, with his wife, of the Lutheran congregation at "Reed's," he served as its trustee for some years. Mr. Husby was married in 1871 to Mary Solberg, who was born in Tronjan, Norway, in 1840. Mrs. Husby was a woman of frail body, but of a patient, kind and amiable disposition. She died much lamented at Reed's Landing, April 20, 1919, leaving two children : Ida Sophia, born February 28, 1873; and Elizabeth C., born November 6, 1879. Ida Sophia married John La Craft, a jeweler of Plainview, who died April 10, 1919, and whom she survives. Elizabeth C. is the wife of Harvey C. Keys, a traveling salesman, residing in Minneapolis. She has had two children: Ma- rion, born March 14, 1907, who died December 10, 1914; and Harvey Spencer, born February 21, 1910. Both Mr. Husby's daughters received good educational training and were teachers for some years in public schools in this state. Since their mother's death they have resided alternately with their father, attending to his domestic comforts. Mr. Husby is now residing in Plainview.

George Diming, a former resident of Highland Township, in the agricultural development of which he took an active part, was a native of Germany. He married Mary Bauer, and at an early date, some time in the fifties, they came to the United States, residing for awhile in Syracuse, N. Y., and later in Wis- consin, from which state they came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, in 1859. In the vicinity of Wabasha City, Mr. Diming engaged in farming, but after awhile moved to Highland Township, where he took a claim of 80 acres of wild land. There he and his family resided for some years, until he finally sold the place, which he had improved, and took up his residence in Wabasha. In December, 1893, his wife passed away, and he, himself, survived her but a short time, his death occurring in August, 1894. Mr. Diming was handicapped in his career by the fact that he was a cripple, but he did what he could, and his name is deservedly classed among those of the worthy pioneers of the county.

Frank Diming, who has taken a worthy and effective part in the develop- ment of Wabasha County's agricultural resources, and incidentally gained a competence which he is now enjoying as a respected citizen of Plainview Village, was born in Wisconsin, August 30, 1858, son of George and Mary (Bauer) Diming. He was but a babe when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, and his education was acquired in the local schools. Farming was the occupation to which he was brought up, and he learned it thoroughly. At the age of 17, he began working out, and so continued for five years. For a year subsequently he worked as a machine hand on farms. Then, in 1882, he started for himself, buying 40 acres in Highland Township. After breaking a few acres, he quit the place, and for six years and two months was employed on the farm of T. G. Bolton, east of town. He then made a new start on his own account, renting a farm in Oakwood Township, on which he resided for three summers. His next enterprise was a more permanent one and was initi- ated by his purchase of an improved farm of 240 acres in Oakwood Township. There he farmed until 1917, by the fall of which year he had increased the area of the farm to 360 acres, and had greatly improved and developed it. His cattle were of the Durham breed, and he did a good business as a general stock and dairy farmer. Finding himself now in comfortable circumstances, he sold the place to his sons, with the exception of 120 acres, and has since resided in Plainview. He is not idle, however, as he is proprietor of a threshing outfit, and still does other work to occupy his time. He is a member of the Plainview Co-operative Creamery Association, and a stockholder in the tele- · phone company. For several years he served on the town board, and has also been treasurer of the school board. On October 12, 1880, Mr. Diming married Margaret Noll, who was born in Indiana, May 12, 1858, daughter of Peter and Hildegard (Schad) Noll. Her parents were natives of Germany, who came from Indiana to Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., in 1859, and there engaged in farming. Mrs. Peter Noll died in October, 1872, and her husband

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 53

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