History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 54

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

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FRANK DIMING AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

subsequently went to Wisconsin, where his death occurred in March, 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Diming seven children have been born: Frank, Decem- ber 8, 1881; William, January 18, 1883; Annie H., January 4, 1885; George, who died in infancy; Edward, March 1, 1891; Katherine, March 12, 1894; and George (second), June 4, 1896. Frank, who is now living in Elgin Township, married Mary Angelbeck, and has five children: Margaret, Raymond, Leo, Eleanor and Elvin. William, a resident of Oakwood Township, married Cecelia Evans, and has six children: Helen, Paul, Angeline, Alfred, Marcella and Ralph. Annie H., who became the wife of Frank McGrath, died February 26, 1916. Edward, who is residing on the home farm in Oakwood, married Florence Olson. Katherine resides in Highland Township, the wife of Fred Saggisor. She has one child, Irene. George, the surviving son of that name, entered the United States' service July 24, 1918, and was sent to Europe October 31, that year, with a supply company. Having safely returned, he was discharged July 16, 1919. He married Lydia Holland, and they reside on a part of the old Diming farm in Oakwood Township.

Conradin W. Herman, a well known and popular citizen of Plainview Township, where he is successfully engaged in diversified farming, was born in Whitewater Township, Winona County, May 21, 1874, son of George and Caroline (Ebner) Herman. The parents were born in Germany, and were mar- ried after coming to this country in the state of Michigan, after which they settled in Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minn. Their son, Conradin, was educated in the rural schools of Winona County and began industrial life on the home farm. In 1897 he began farming for himself on the Manuel Heissig farm at Beaver Creek, Winona County, where he remained five years. He then removed to Verndale, Wadena County, Minn., in which locality he farmed four years. After that he spent a year in Rochester, subsequently taking the Matt Wood farm in Plainview Township, which he operated five years. In 1912 he bought his present farm of 136 acres in sections 23 and 24, Plainview Township, where among the improvements carried out by himself are a windmill, silo, hay barn, hen house and extensive fencing. He is profitably raising Durham cattle and Chester-White hogs, besides the usual crops of this section. He served one year as justice of the peace, and for the last five years has been a director on the school board. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Herman was married October 25, 1899, to Minnie Klavetter, who was born March 4, 1878, daughter of Paul and Amelia (Grepen- trog) Klavetter, of Plainview Township. The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Herman has been enlarged by the birth of six children: Donald A., born No- vember 7, 1900; Ida E., April 12, 1904; Mabel A., July 28, 1906; Verne E., July 25, 1911; Edgar R., July 14, 1913; and Dorothy M., March 11, 1918. Donald A. is now engaged in assisting his father on the home farm. Ida E. is a student in the Plainview high school. The family is affiliated religiously with the Metho- dist Episcopal church.

August Schulz, proprietor of a model farm in sections 10 and 15, Plainview Township, was born in Germany August 19, 1858, son of William and Louisa Schulz. Both the parents died in Germany, in which country August received his education. In 1885 he came to America, locating on Greenwood Prairie, this county, and for one year worked for William Schulz, and two seasons for Mr. Mahon, and one year for Henry Wedge. At the end of that time he began his independent career as a farmer, buying 80 acres of land in Winona County. Later he purchased more land until he had 155 acres there. In 1909 Mr. Schulz bought a farm of 90 acres in section 12, Plainview Township, which he operated for three years. His next removal brought him to his present farm of 200 acres in sections 10 and 15, which he purchased. In 1912 he sold his Winona County farm and also the 90-acre farm in Plainview Township. On his present place he has made great improvements, having built a fine residence, equipped in modern style with running water, furnace heat, bath and electric lights; and

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has also erected a milk house with an electrically-driven washing machine and separator; a silo, machine sheds, and a power house. He has also fenced 160 acres of his farm with woven wire fencing. His herds of grade Durham cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine have full blooded sires at their head, and his farm produce finds a quick and profitable market. Mr. Schulz is a member of the local creamery and shipping associations. He is one of the elders and was formerly a trustee of the Lutheran church. On April 29, 1890, he was married to Bertha Becker, who was born in Niekosken, Germany, August 5, 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Schulz six children have been born: Otto, born in Whitewater Township, Winona County, July 14, 1891; Lena, born September 27, 1893, who died December 26, 1893; Adolph, born January 17, 1895; Anna, December 21, 1899; Edwin, August 12, 1903; and Arthur, October 12, 1906. Otto, who is a carpenter now residing in Colby, Wis., served with the rank of sergeant in the World War.

Alois Holzer, one of the pioneer settlers in Watopa and Elgin townships, was born in Baden, Germany, and there grew to manhood. After his marriage to Sophia Stehle, he set out with his wife, in 1856, for the United States, and on arriving in Minnesota, located in Wabasha village. In his native land he had learned the trade of cooper, but his mechanical acquirements in that line being of little or no use to him here at that time, he took a claim of 160 acres of wild land in Watopa Township, and began to carve out a living from the soil. After three years he removed to Elgin Township, where he bought 160 acres of land that was partly broken. Continuing the improvements, in time he developed a fine farm, on which he lived until about 1885, when he sold it and retired, subsequently making his home in Wabasha, where he died November 25, 1899. His wife survived him several years, passing away January 8, 1904. Their children, five in number, were: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph Fugina, of Fountain City, Wis .; Wilhelmina, now deceased, who was the wife of Lyman Gregg; Adolph D., a resident of Plainview; and Mary, who married W. F. Hobbs and lives in Eau Claire, Wis.

Adolph D. Holzer, whose former enterprise as a developer of farm lands secured him an ample competence on which he is now living in the Village of Plainview, was born in Baden, Germany, April 6, 1847, son of Alois and Sophia (Stehle) Holzer. At the age of about nine years he accompanied his parents to the United States, and remained with them on their farms in Watopa and Elgin townships until 1875, his education in the meanwhile having been continued in the district schools. In 1876 he bought a farm in Elgin Township, an im- proved tract of 120 acres in section 7, which he still further developed, and finally sold at a profit in 1883. His next farming venture was in section 5, Oak- wood Township, where he bought 80 acres, to which he added 120 acres of wild land in Oakwood and 160 in Elgin, uniting all the land into one farm, on which he erected a complete set of substantial buildings, put up fencing, and installed modern machinery. There he engaged in general farming, continuing to de- velop the property until 1905, when, finding himself in comfortable circum- stances, he retired and bought a comfortable residence in Plainview, where he has since made his home. He rents the farm to his two sons, Clayton and Edgar. It will thus be seen that Mr. Holzer has been the architect and builder of his own fortunes, and that what he has he owes to his own foresight and individual exertions, plus the assistance of his wife and children. His has been the guiding hand, and his the larger part of the actual labor, but the re- ward has been commensurate with the exertions put forth. He has always been noted as a good citizen, and though his private concerns made heavy demands upon his time, he served for 13 years in school office. Mr. Holzer was married December 5, 1875, to Chloe A. Marshall, who was born in Elgin Township, this county, November 20, 1857, being the eldest member in a family of sixteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Holzer have had six children: Clayton L., born September 9, 1876; Mary A., April 27, 1878; Flora E., April 30, 1880; Ella

MR. AND MRS. A. D. HOLZER

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D., September 12, 1881; Edgar R., December 8, 1883; and Harry E., July 30, 1890. As already mentioned, Clayton L. and Edgar R. are now engaged in operating the old home farm. Clayton married Theresa Simon, and has two children, Kenneth and Franklin. Mary A. is residing with her parents. Flora E., who married Albert Koenig, died November 13, 1918. Ella D. is the wife of John Simon and resides with her husband on the old Marshall place in Elgin Township. She has two children, Ward and Mabel. Harry E. is now living in eastern Saskatchewan, Canada, where he is following the occupation of a barber. The family attends the Congregational church, and Mrs. Holzer is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter and of the G. A. R. Circle in Plainview.

William L. Blattner, a representative citizen of Oakwood Township, of which he is one of the officials, was born in Long Creek in this township, Sep- tember 16, 1875, son of John Henry and Lena Blattner. He received such edu- cation as was afforded by the district schools of his day, and then took up farming at home, where he grew to manhood. At the age of 21 years he branched out for himself, purchasing a farm of 80 acres in section 20, Oakwood Township, on which there were few or no improvements in the shape of build- ings. He at once set to work with a stout heart and strong hands, and soon the appearance of the place began to improve with the erection of buildings, and is now an ideal farm, with a fine residence, large and commodious out- buildings for the housing of his crops and stock. In addition, he has erected a new, large barn, with a full basement of hollow tile, 36 by 90 feet in dimen- sions. Aside from his original 80 acres he has 50 acres more which he rents and works with the rest of his farm. As a general farmer he is meeting with good success, breeding Shorthorn cattle of good grade, Chester-White hogs and Shropshire sheep. As a citizen he is known and respected throughout the township, and in 1919 was elected a member of the Oakwood town board. Twenty-four years ago Mr. Blattner assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage April 8, 1896, with Emma Schuchart, who was born at Millville, Wabasha County, Minn., April 10, 1880, daughter of John and Atillia (Lehman) Schuchart. Her father died January 12, 1912, and her mother is now a resident of Millville. To Mr. and Mrs. Blattner eight children have been born: Walter, March 4, 1898; Frank, April 14, 1901; Clara, February 3, 1903; Andrew, October 28, 1905; Anna, July 19, 1907; Alfred, September 19, 1909; William, Jr., March 8, 1912, and Irene, May 17, 1916. All the children are residing on the home farm. Mr. Blattner and his family attend the Metho- dist Episcopal church.

Christian Brueshaber, proprietor of a well-equipped and productive farm in section 2, West Albany Township, and a man well known and respected, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 16, 1850, son of Frederick and Louise Brueshaber, the father being owner and operator of a 200-acre farm, on which young Christian was brought up to agricultural work. At the age of 15 he left school. Three years of his subsequent life were spent in the German army, after which he returned to the parental farm. At the age of 25 he was super- intendent on a large farm in Germany, where he spent four years. The next four years were spent on the home farm. Then in 1883 he came to America, landing at New York September 12. Near Buffalo resided an uncle of his, Christ Brueshaber, with whom he spent a year and a half. Then coming west, he reached Lake City, Wabasha County, Minn., April 9, 1885. Employment was soon found, and for a year and a half he worked on the farm of Ed Wise in Mt. Pleasant Township, and for John Danckwart in West Albany Township. On September 29, 1886, Mr. Brueshaber married Ida Haase, born September 5, 1865, daughter of John and Minnie (Lange) Haase of West Albany Township, and rented the Gotleib Moechnig farm in West Albany, where he and his wife resided four years. He next rented and moved to the farm on which he still lives in section 2, West Albany, a farm of 120 acres, which he bought after a two or three years' residence on it. It has been improved by him to a consid-

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erable extent, the improvements including the rebuilding of the house, which is now a good dwelling of eight rooms; the erection of a frame barn, 36 by 60 by 16 feet, with full 8-foot basement; and a machine shed, 22 by 40 feet. The farm has now a good set of buildings, and is pleasantly situated, the surround- ings being beautified by evergreens set out by Mr. Brueshaber. It is six and a half miles southeast of Lake City. Mr. Brueshaber raises both stock and grain, his cattle being of the Shorthorn variety. He has been a hard worker, and has accomplished gratifying results; but he has never been robust and owing to his somewhat indifferent health, he now leaves the active operation of the farm to his eldest son Henry, who was born June 15, 1887. The other children are as follows: Laura Wilhelmina, born May 31, 1890, now Mrs. Frank Vomastic of Lake City; Minnie Marietta, born May 31, 1893; Margaret Adeline, born May 18, 1900; Marie Emily, born August 8, 1901. The family are mem- bers of St. Johns German Lutheran congregation at Lake City.

Patrick Shields was for many years a familiar figure in Wabasha County life. All who knew this genial old man of Erin's soil were charmed with his lovable personality, and his wont was to scatter sunshine in the daily lives of all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the few remaining pioneers of this section. It is said that when he first came here there were but a few buildings in Plainview, and those small and primitive. During his early life on Greenwood Prairie he endured many hardships. But though he was in no better circumstances than his neighbors, he believed in a full observance of all the amenities of cultured life, and he took pride in presenting a neat and trim appearance. For his was a will full of courage, and he labored incessantly until he had accumulated a competence. No one knew Pat Shields, as he was lovingly called, but to honor and respect him. He was a man among men, honorable in all his dealings, and honest to a fault. Best of all he was of that happy, jovial disposition that spread happiness, and brightness wherever he chanced to be. A true friend who never forgot a kind act or word, ever ready to assist the needy, and do for others in less fortunate circumstances, he could not countenance a wrong. Although he had nearly attained his eighty-seventh birthday; those who were not aware of the fact could not realize his advanced years. Spry, active and buoyant it was his pleasure to announce that he was still young and active. That he is missed by young and old need not be said. There are few who can number more friends than he. He was a devoted member of the Catholic church, independent in politics, thought and deed. He died January 1, 1918. His time had come and he was willing to go, for he had often expressed the desire that when he became feeble he might not linger longer on this earth. Patrick Shields was born in Dayls- town, County Galway, Ireland, in 1831, son of Stephen and Bridget (Laylor) Shields, who lived on a small farm. The original family name was Shiel, sev- eral of that name having taken a prominent part in the early history of Ireland. Patrick was reared as a farmer. At the age of twenty-two he came to the United States and found employment at the cotton mills of Manchester, N. H. In 1858 he came west to Fox Lake, Wis., where he resumed his former occupa- tion as a farmer. At about the outbreak of Civil War he came to Wabasha County, and bought out a squatter on section 30, Highland Township. By strenuous effort and self sacrifice, he developed this farm until four years later when he was enabled to sell it for $2,000 in cash, a very comfortable sum in those days. Then he purchased a farm in section 29, in the same township. To this he later added an eighty-acre tract in sections 20 and 21. With the passage of the years he acquired a competence, and was held in high regard by his neighbors and associates as a man of honesty and uprightness, rich in the possession of an untarnished name. Patrick Shields was married in Manches- ter, N. H., to Margaret Beegan, also a native of County Galway. This union has been blessed with five children: Elizabeth, John, Margaret, Hanore and Mary. Elizabeth was born in Manchester, N. H., January 14, 1855, married

HABLARE

PATRICK SHIELDS

JOHN WELTI

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Thomas Rodney, and died November 17, 1884; John was born in Fox Lake, Wis., February 5, 1858, and died November 7, 1918. Margaret was born at Fox Lake, Wis., October 12, 1859, and married John Curran, now of Highland Township. Hanore was born in Highland Township, July 30, 1861, and married G. L. Car- penter, now of Oakwood Township. Mary was born in Highland Township, September 29, 1867, and is the wife of Philip Welti, of Plainview. Mrs. Shields attended faithfully to the duties of her household, and was her husband's sym- pathetic helpmeet in all his undertakings. She was a faithful wife and a dutiful mother, and her death July 9, 1895, was sincerely mourned.

John Welti, pioneer farmer, came to this county in 1855 and spent nearly all of the remainder of his years in Oakwood Township. He was an honest, in- dustrious man, a good neighbor and true friend. His word was as good as his bond and he was respected by all who knew him. By hard and persistent ef- fort he opened a large farm, and had his part in the upbuilding of the com- munity in which he lived. A native of Switzerland, he was born December 9, 1826. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and engaged in business at Wabasha. From there he moved to a farm in Snake Valley, Watopa Township, this county. About 1858 he secured 120 acres in Oakwood Township, this county, and here spent the remainder of his life. To the original track he added 80 acres, mak- ing a good farm of 200 acres, which he developed and improved, and where he attained a competence, bringing it from a wild stretch of prairie to a well- cultivated, well-fenced place, with substantial buildings and good equipment of tools, implements and machinery. After a long and useful life, he died July 12, 1903. Mr. Welti was married at Wabasha, May 28, 1856, to Mary Frank, who was born in Germany in 1830, came to America as a young woman, with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Philip Frank, and lived with them in Watopa Town- ship until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Welti had ten children: John, of Oak- wood Township; Mary, wife of John Schumann, of Elgin; Christina, now Mrs. Ernest Stoll, of Elgin; Fred, of Winona; Elizabeth, wife of Herman Schmeling, of Winona; Philip and Henry, twins, of Plainview; Emma, living on the home farm; William of Rochester, and Jacob, living on the home farm.

Philip Welti, a well-known resident of Plainview, was born in Oakwood Township, this county, March 4, 1865, son of John and Mary (Frank) Welti. He attended the schools of his neighborhood and assisted on the home farm. As a young man he purchased 80 acres in section 29, Highland Township, this county, and to this he later added another 80 acres not far away. In addition to operating his own place he rented from time to time so that each year he farmed extensively. He carried on general farming successfully, but made a specialty of stock raising. He was a breeder and dealer, raising, buying and selling. He was especially well known for his fine Percheron horses and for his excellent drove of sheep. In the summer of 1919, he sold one farm and moved to Plainview, where he has a beautiful modern home. Mr. Welti is a member of the M. W. A. and the K. of C. He is a prominent member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. Mr. Welti is a man who is always ready and willing to give comfort and aid to those in less fortunate circumstances. He is well known and liked by old and young, for his kindness, possessing a sterling character and excellent reputation. Mr. Welti was married October 7, 1901, to Mary Shields, born September 29, 1867, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Beegan) Shields, and this union has been blessed with two children: Mary Evelyn, born December 24, 1902, and Patrick James, born August 24, 1905, both attending school.

Henry J. Wurst, whose farm of 190 acres lies partly in Oakwood and partly in Elgin Township, was born in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, April 27, 1862. His parents, Vincent and Amalia (Gregor) Wurst, were born in Austria, but married in Wisconsin, and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1860, locat- ing on the northwest quarter of section 33, Oakwood Township. The land was wild and years of pioneer work and hardship lay before them, but in time they

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developed a farm, Mr. Wurst erecting a house and outbuildings, and breaking and cultivating his land. His wife died in 1882, and he survived her many years, passing away in 1905. They had five children: Henry J., subject of this sketch; Alvena, now Mrs. Herman Plattner of Elgin Township; Matilda, who is deceased; Joseph L., of Rochester, Minn., and Rosa, who married Edward Meiser and lives in Missouri. Henry J. Wurst as a boy attended District School No. 85, Elgin Township. He remained on the home farm until 29 years old, after which for three years he operated a rented farm in Elgin Township. He then returned to the home farm, which he conducted for eleven years. About 1905 he bought his present farm, or rather, 110 acres of it, 70 acres lying in section 2, Elgin, and 40 in section 35, Oakwood. Later he bought 80 acres adjoining in section 35, Oakwood, thus bringing the area of his farm to 190 acres. His residence and buildings are in Elgin Township. He has remodeled the house, erected a good barn and outbuildings, and made other improvements, adding much to the value of his property, and is following general farming with profitable results. He raises Poll Angus cattle, mostly for beef purposes, also Duroc-Jersey hogs, and white leghorn poultry, and is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while in politics he is a Republican. Mr. Wurst was united in marriage, April 9, 1890, with Dora Springer, who was born in Oakwood Town- ship, this county, June 23, 1870, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Springer. Of this union there are three children, namely: Clarence L., born January 7, 1892, now a farmer in Oakwood Township, who married Vivian La Rocque, and has two children, one son, Maurice O., and daughter, Bertha; Josephine B., born January 16, 1894, wife of Ole Olson of Oakwood, has one daughter, Helen Dorothy; and Carold J., born January 19, 1900, who is assisting his father on the home farm. Mr. Wurst and his family are members of the Lutheran church and are socially popular.

Caleb W. Olin, who has taken rank among the successful farmers of Oak- wood Township, was born in Jackson County, Minn., December 13, 1873, son of John A. and Mary (Hanson) Olin. The parents were natives of Norway who were married in this country. John A. Olin served three years in the Civil War in a volunteer infantry regiment. After the war he and his wife settled in Jackson County, Minn., whence he later removed to Belvidere, Good- hue County, and still later, in 1885, to Wabasha County. In sections 21 and 29, Oakwood Township, he bought 160 acres of land, to which he subsequently added 93 acres on Long Creek, in section 28 of the same township. His first wife, Mrs. Mary Olin died about 1876, when her son, Caleb, was about three years old, and John A. Olin subsequently married Mrs. Rosa (Olson) Helger- son, who is still living. He continued farming at the same location until his death, which occurred in March, 1909. By his second wife he had two children: Edna, now residing in Minneapolis; and Phoebe, now Mrs. Carl Polson of Mill- ville. Caleb W. Olin acquired his education in District School No. 44, Oak- wood Township, this county. After he became industrially active he went to Brainerd, Crow Wing County, where he remained for one winter. From there he went to Cass County, Minn., where he took a homestead of 160 acres, work- ing on it and improving it for about seven years. His next removal was to Stutsman County, N. D., and there he continued farming for six years. At the end of that time he returned to the home farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, which he rented and operated on his own account until 1914. He then bought the original tract of 160 acres, and later the 93-acre tract, so that he now owns the old home farm, and in addition works 80 acres belonging to his uncle, Bent Olin. He has made a number of improvement on his place, and has made plans for erecting a good modern barn in 1921. As a general farmer and stock raiser he is meeting with good success, breeding Durham cattle and Chester-White swine. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and in the Shipping Association at Millville, and is also serving as clerk of School Board

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 54

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