History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 57

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 57

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ARTHUR SCHLEICHER AND FOXES

345

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Their union has been blessed with six children, one of whom, Milton Francis, died in infancy. The survivors are : Helen C., born March 16, 1907; Francis L., March 25, 1911; Alice M., December 29, 1914; Harriett L., May 12, 1918; and James W., Jr., February 25, 1920.

John August Danckwart, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of West Albany Township, residing in section 4, was born in this township, just across the road from his present residence, on August 14, 1891, son of John and Sophia (Herning) Danckwart. The father, a native of Germany, came to the United States about 1859, and was an early settler in this locality, subsequently de- veloping a farm in section 9, West Albany Township, and also the farm on which his son, John A., now lives. This latter, in 1914, he sold to his sons Frank and John August, and moved to Lake City, where he is now living retired. He owned altogether 480 acres of land, 320 being in one farm. His wife Sophia was born in Wabasha County. They are esteemed residents of Lake City and members of St. John's German Lutheran congregation. Their children were Fred, Edward, Ida, Martha, Clara, Frank, William, Louis, John August, Agnes and Harry. All are living except Edward, Ida and Agnes. William and Louis are twins. John August Danckwart in his boyhood attended the district school and was brought up to farm life and labor on his parents' farm, remaining at home until 1914. Since then he has made independent progress in agricultural pursuits, and in time came into possession of his present farm of 280 acres, of which he now has 240 under the plow. He has built a comfortable, 8-room frame house, and also a fine set of buildings, all of modern construction, in- cluding a horse barn, 32 by 52 by 16 feet; machine shed, 18 by 50 by 8; stock barn, 34 by 60 by 14, with a 9-foot basement, steel stanchions and stalls, cement floors and running water; besides a granary and cribs. His cattle are of the Shorthorn variety, which he is breeding to a higher grade, using full-blood sires for cattle and hogs, which latter stock are of the Duroc-Jersey breed. Mr. Danckwart's equipment included a five-passenger Chevrolet car, and aside from his direct farming interests he is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Associa- tion, and a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Lake City; and is interested in the new Farmers Milling Co., of Lake City, and operates a threshing rig for himself and neighbors. He is serving as clerk of the school board and is an active and enterprising citizen, interested in everything that pertains to the good of the community in which he resides. Mr. Danckwart was married, June 24, 1918, to Mabel, daughter of William and Lena McCracken, of Glasgow Town- ship, this county, and who was born October 24, 1895.

Arthur Schleicher, secretary and manager of the Rest Island Fox farm, and a resident of Lake City, was born in Millville, Wabasha County, Minn., August 31, 1891, son of Charles R. and Augusta (Springer) Schleicher. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools of Millville, and in 1910, after two years' study, he was graduated in the business course from St. Paul's Col- lege, at St. Paul, Minn. On his return to Millville he became his father's part- ner in the lumber and agricultural implement business, the style of the firm being C. Schleicher & Son. He was thus engaged when, one day in June, 1911, a farmer's boy brought to town some red foxes he had captured. Young Schleicher bought three of them, for which he paid $2.50. To most young men of his age this would have been merely an incident devoid of any noteworthy result, but Mr. Schleicher was thoughtful and ambitious, and into his mind came the idea of possible profit. At that time fox breeding was carried on to some extent in Canada, chiefly on Prince Edward's Island. Young Schleicher read all the books and pamphlets he could get hold of on the subject, but as the breeders' methods were kept as secret as possible, he had to find out many things for himself by experiment. He ascertained that the fur of the silver fox was by far the most valuable, a pair of these animals, owing to their rarity, having sold for as high as $30,000. After absorbing all the information he could obtain, he sold his red foxes at from $12 to $40 each, and bought a few

346

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

silver foxes, for which he paid from $500 to $1,200, and began scientific ex- periments in breeding. By 1915 he was ready to go deeply into the game, and accordingly bought six pairs of registered, standard-bred silver foxes on Prince Edward Island. From that beginning has been developed the present large and growing industry, the site of which was transferred from Millville to Rest Island in 1919. The company now owns about 200 pairs of foxes, valued at more than $150,000. Besides filling the positions of secretary and manager, Mr. Schleicher is a heavy stockholder in the concern. While a resident of Millville he served three or four years on the village board. He is a Scottish Rite Mason, and a noble of the Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Elks. Politically he is a Republican. On Jan- uary 1, 1913, Mr. Schleicher was united in marriage with Evelyn Scriby, who was born at Zumbro Falls, Minn., September 4, 1893, daughter of Levy E. and Mary E. Scriby. He and his wife began housekeeping at Millville, but on Sep- tember 1, 1919, moved to Lake City, where they own a nice, modern residence at No. 518 Lyon avenue. They are the parents of two children: Charlotte Evelyn, born November 8, 1913, and Lois Ellen, born December 28, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Schleicher are members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Lake City.

Frank F. Danckwart, proprietor of the old Danckwart farm in section 7, West Albany Township, was born here February 15, 1888, son of John and Sophia Herning Danckwart. He was educated in the district school, and under his father's direction became familiar with all the multifarious details of farm life and work. He came into possession of the farm in sec 4, by pur- chase in 1919, and has since been successfully engaged in its operation. It contains 320 acres, all under the plow, and is provided with a fair set of build- ings, including a nine-room frame house, barn, granary, tool shed and steel windmill. Mr. Danckwart, who is a hard worker, and has a good equipment, has a productive place and is making good financial progress. He owns a five- passenger auto, and is a member of and stockholder in the Lake City Farmers Shipping Association, the Farmers Elevator Co. of Lake City, and the Terminal Packing Co. of Newport. On November 6, 1913, Mr. Danckwart was united in marriage with Hilda, daughter of Bernt and Andrena Amundsrud Benson of Rushford, Minn., of which place she is a native, born December 12, 1892. Their marriage took place in Lake City. Mr. and Mrs. Danckwart have two children: Dorothy Lucille, born March 5, 1915, and Agnes Bernice, born August 29, 1917. The family are members of St. Johns congregation, German Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Danckwart is a Republican, and has been clerk of the school board 3 years. A practical agriculturist and a useful and progressive citizen, he is highly regarded in the community, and he and his wife have a large circle of friends.

August Mischke, a farmer in section 36, West Albany Township, who is making good business and financial progress, was born in Schlesien, Germany, April 29, 1861, son of Frank and Mary Mischke. He grew to manhood in his native land, where he was married, May 3, 1892, to Anna Seivert. In the same year he came to Minnesota, and settled at Theilman, Wabasha County, having friends here. For a year after his arrival Mr. Mischke worked out as a farm hand. At the end of that time he took up railroad work, and was for eight years in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway as section hand on the Zumbro branch. He had $1,000 when he came to America, and being industrious and frugal, saved a large part of his earnings, steadily increasing his bank account. In 1901 he gave up railroad work for farming, buying 120 acres in section 36, West Albany Township. The tract was mostly bottom lands and was partly improved, having a fair house and other buildings. In 1906 he bought 80 acres of upland and has worked industriously in improving his place so that he is now well-to-do. He carries on general farming, keeping Red Poll cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and improving his stock by the use of full- blooded sires. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery

MR. AND MRS. CHARLES MOECHNIG

347

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

at Theilman. In 1920 Mr. Mischke built a cement biock garage at Theilman, 46 by 80 feet, which his sons Frank and Albert are now operating. Mr. Mischke became a fully naturalized American citizen in 1906 and is a Republican in politics, though with independent tendencies. He and his wife have eight children : August, Frank, Mary, Albert, Theresa, Julius, Lena and Paul, all living at home and doing their share in advancing the family fortunes.

Alfred J. McDonough, who is engaged in handling dairy products, and also in the general insurance business, at Theilman, was born in Highland Town- ship, Wabasha County, Minn., October 8, 1891, son of Andrew and Mary (Bricher) McDonough. The parents were both born in Highland Township, and were there married. Andrew McDonough is of Irish descent, while his wife's parents came from Luxemburg. Mr. and Mrs. McDonough own a good farm of 120 acres in Highland Township, well improved and with good build- ings. The father served the township many years as a member of the town board. In politics a Democrat. He and his wife have had six children, all now living, namely: Alfred J., of Theilman; Viola, residing at home; Eugene, who is assisting his father on the home farm; Myrtle, Marion and Lloyd, all living on the home farm. Alfred J. McDonough spent his early years on the farm, remaining there until 1909, when he went to Minneapolis, entering the employ of Lydon, Bricher & Co., manufacturers of table pads. For two years he worked for them as traveling salesman and for two years as superintendent of the shipping department. In 1913 he returned to Wabasha County, and locating in Theilman village, opened a station for buying dairy products, a business in which he has since continued. He also does a general insurance business, including fire, life, health, accident, hail and liability insurance, and as sole proprietor is conducting both branches of his business successfully and with profitable results. In addition to this he is also a notary public. Mr. McDonough was married September 24, 1915, to Louise Weigele, who was born at Wabasha, Minn., September 28, 1895, daughter of Charles and Madeline Weigele. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Victor, born April 16, 1917; and. Earl, born April 14, 1919. The family are members of the Cath- olic church and of St. Joseph's parish at Theilman. Mr. McDonough is one of the stirring business men of the village, and a live factor in its prosperity. He has a wide acquaintance and enjoys a well deserved popularity.

Charles Moechnig, a prosperous farmer in section 35, Lake Township, was born in West Albany Township, this county, November 4, 1896, son of Gotleib and Mary (Fick) Moechnig. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1849, and were married in this country, to which Gotleib Moechnig had come when ten years old. After their marriage they settled in West Albany Town- ship on a tract of wild land, building a log shack for their first residence. Both parents are still living. They had eight children: Herman, now living in Oakwood Township, this county; Fred, of Lake Township; Lena, wife of Louis Sass, a farmer of West Albany Township; John, a farmer in West Albany Township; Emma and Elsie, living with their parents; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Harry, residing at home. Charles Moechnig was educated in the district school and received a good agricultural training on his parents' farm. He began farming for himself on section 34, renting 160 acres of his father, and has since made good progress, being engaged in general farming, breeding Shorthorn cattle, Chester-White and Duroc Red swine, and keeping good horses. He has a good equipment, and is active and enterprising. In politics he is a Republican, while he and his family attend the M. E. church in West Albany. Mr. Moechnig was married, December 14, 1916, to Lillian Dahling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dahling of Lake Township. Their family circle has been enlarged and brightened by the birth of two children: Ethel and Orlin.

Michael L. Klatt, who for the last 19 years has carried on agricultural oper- ations in Oakwood Township, of which he is a prominent citizen, was born in

348

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Germany, September 22, 1852, son of Christ and Rosa Klatt. He was reared and educated in his native land, coming to the United States in 1875, when he located at Potsdam, Minn., and a short time afterwards in Plainview, Wabasha County. In 1901 he took his present farm of 160 acres in section 34, Oakwood Township, which at the time was provided with a small house and a straw barn. The house he has rebuilt and remodeled, transforming it into a more commodious and convenient structure, and he has also built a good barn, 36 by 60 feet, with full basement, besides making other improvements, so that his farm is now in excellent condition. He keeps grade cattle and other good stock, and as a general farmer is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Klatt was married in Germany, April 2, 1876, to Mary Ludwitzke, who was born in that country August 15, 1855, and came to America with her husband soon after her marriage. They have had nine children, namely: Gusta, deceased; John, born November, 1880; Edward, born January 3, 1883; Michael, deceased; William, born December 17, 1885; Mary, deceased; George, born February 23, 1891; Arthur, born February 22, 1894; and Ida, born September 21, 1896. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Henry W. Rheingans, who owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in section 19, Oakwood Township, was born in this township, June 15, 1880, son of Jacob and Margaret (Helz) Rheingans. The parents, natives of Germany, came to America when young, the father at the age of twelve and the mother at that of four years, with their respective families. They were married in Wisconsin and came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, about 1877, locating in Oakwood Township, on 160 acres of land in section 1, where they began farming. Later they purchased additional land until they owned 560 acres. Jacob Rheingans continued actively engaged in agriculture until his death in March, 1901. His wife Margaret is now living in Zumbro Township with her son George. Henry W. Rheingans acquired his education in District No. 41, Oakwood. He worked for his father on the home farm until the latter's death, and after that con- ducted the farm for three years in association with his brother Rudolph. For two years subsequently he operated a rented farm, and at the end of that time, in 1907, bought his present farm in section 19. On this he has erected nearly all the good buildings now standing. In 1912 he built a good modern house of eight rooms, installed with a hot water heating system. He has also erected a barn 36 by 80 feet, with a full basement and modern equipment, a windmill and most of his outbuildings, and has put up new fencing on the entire farm wherever needed, thus bringing the place into excellent condition. The farm is well stocked with grade Durham cattle, Chester-White swine and Shropshire sheep, Mr. Rheingans keeping from 18 to 20 head of sheep. In addition to his home farming interests, which are prospering, Mr. Rheingans is a stockholder in the Millville Farmers' Co-operative Co. of Millville. As a good citizen he has devoted some time to public affairs. For several years he was treasurer of School District No. 44, and in 1920 he was elected clerk of Oakwood Town- ship. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religion his family are Catholics. Mr. Rheingans was married September 20, 1904, to May Harlan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harlan. He and his wife are the parents of seven children, all residing at home, namely: Lester, Francis, Paul, Lois, Bernard, Glenn and Charles. Politically Mr. Rheingans is affiliated with the Republican party.

Charles Rother, a thrifty and prosperous farmer of West Albany Township, residing in section 35, was born in Schlesien, Germany, December 1, 1873, son of Karl and Caroline (Kuschman) Rother. The family came to the United States in the summer of 1882, proceeding directly west to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and settling in Highland Township, where the father worked as a farm hand until 1891. He then began farming on his own account on a small tract of 15 acres in section 35, West Albany, gradually adding to the area of his farm until he brought it up to 142 acres, its present size. When he bought

MR. AND MRS. FRED J. DANKWARDT

349

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

it, it was cut-over land, all grown to brush, which he cleared away, also having some grubbing to do. He built a comfortable house and other buildings and kept on working and improving his place until his death on December 6, 1916, at the age of 74 years, he having been born July 21, 1842. His wife, who was born March 11, 1849, is still living, and is keeping house for her son Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Karl Rother had eight children, one of whom died in infancy. The three youngest were born in Wabasha County, the others in Germany. The record in brief is as follows: Charles, operating the old home farm; Anna, born April 11, 1875, who died March 30, 1878; Ernest, born September 26, 1878, who died November 28, 1889; Ida, now Mrs. Henry Heil, her husband being a farmer in Oakwood Township; Emma, born October 23, 1883, wife of Charles Johnson, a farmer of Pepin Township; Louisa, born April 22, 1893, now deceased; and Helena, born September 25, 1894, now Mrs. Joseph Ramer of Theilman; and Henry, who is now deceased. Charles Rother attended school for three years in Germany and seven years after coming to this country. In early youth he became associated with his father in the work on the farm, and has since continued to reside on and operate. it. He carries on general farming profitably, keeping a good grade of cattle and hogs, and getting good results from his land. He served as clerk of his school district for four years, and was elected town assessor to serve two years, but resigned at the end of a year, as his farm made full demands on his time. He is a stockholder in the Theilman Dairy Association, and as a citizen and neighbor has the respect and good will of his fellow townsmen. He and his mother are members of the Evangelical church at Theilman, he occupying the position of president of the church association.

Joachim Dankwardt, an early settler in Lake Township, where he farmed for a number of years, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, March 17, 1827. He learned and followed the weaver's trade, and also acquired a 10-acre farm, which he operated, working at his trade when he could spare time from the farm. In 1853 he married Annie Arnst, by whom he had seven children, five of whom were born in Germany. In 1869 he came with his family to America finding the means by selling his farm, the price added to what he had saved making a sum about $1,600. This amount was nearly all swallowed up by the expenses of transportation, so he arrived here with but little capital. Locat- ing in West Albany Township, this county, he worked one year as a farm hand. In 1870 he bought a partly improved tract of 80 acres in section 35, but there were no buildings, and he had to erect a small log house, with some straw sheds for his stock. On that farm he lived until 1876, in which year his wife died. He then bought a farm of 120 acres in sections 24 and 25, which he made his home until his death, September 16, 1918, at the venerable age of 91 years and six months. He was a strong and sturdy man until 1910, when he had a stroke of paralysis, and in 1914 he suffered from another. He had never mas- tered the English language, but was a hard-working man, respected by his neighbors. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran congregation at Lake City, and in politics a Republican. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Dankwardt were: Mary, now Mrs. John A. Klint of Minneapolis; Joseph, residing in Maumee, Fla .; Fred J., a prosperous farmer in Lake Township; Minnie, now Mrs. George Innis of Lake City; Henry L., of Lake City; Louisa, who married a Mr. Halden- mar of Chicago and is now deceased, and Anna, wife of Michael Pendergast of Sage, Mont.

Fred Joseph Dankwardt, a well-to-do farmer residing in section 25, Lake Township, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, May 19, 1862, son of Joachim and Annie Dankwardt. He was seven years old when he came to America with his parents, who settled in West Albany Township on a farm, where he was trained to agricultural pursuits, attending school at intervals up to the age of 18. After his mother's death in 1876 he remained on the farm with his father until he was 24, when he had accumulated $75, a rifle and a watch, which were

350

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

his sole possessions besides his clothes. From that time until 1891 he worked out as a farm laborer. He then rented the G. W. Covey farm of 200 acres in section 25, Lake Township and started in for himself. In the fall of 1896 he and his brother Joseph bought this farm, of which 85 acres were then under cultivation, and there was a frame house on it, with some old sheds. To these slight improvements they added a frame barn, 34 by 64 by 16 feet, with a full stone basement of 8 feet; also a steel windmill, poultry house, stone cisterns and other necessary structures. As general farmers and stock raisers they keep grade Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs, and are well equipped with teams, tools and machinery, including a good touring car. Their operations have been profitable and they are numbered among the prosperous farmers of the town- ship. A Republican politically, Fred J. Dankwardt has served two years as supervisor, and was an ardent and active supporter of the United States dur- ing the recent war. . On October 29, 1907, he was married to Mary, daughter of Frank and Caroline Bush, of Lake Township. Since 1909 he and his wife have given a home to Frank, Anna and James Russell, the orphaned children of Mrs. Dankwardt's sister. Frank Russell served in the recent war with Germany. Mr. Dankwardt was reared a Lutheran and he and his wife are members of St. John's congregation at Lake City.

Martin Erickson, who is prosperously engaged in general farming, stock- raising and dairying in Oakwood Township, was born in this township, May 22, 1888, son of Eric and Emma (Carlson) Erickson. The parents were natives of Sweden who came to America in 1870, the father coming with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Erickson, who settled in Oakwood Township, this county, on a farm of 340 acres. On the death of Peter Erickson, his son Eric bought the farm, which he carried on until 1916, when he sold the property to his sons. He and his wife are now living retired on the old homestead with two of their sons. They had in all eight children, three of whom, Alfred, Ina and Freda, are now deceased. The survivors are Swan, Edward, Martin, William and Minnie. Martin Erickson was reared on his parents' farm and in boyhood attended the district school. He worked at home until 1916, in which year he bought 80 acres from his father. His purchase consisted merely of land, and in the way of improvements there was not even a fence-post. Now all is well fenced, and the farm has good buildings, Mr. Erickson, as soon as he came into possession, having erected a tile and stucco house of eight rooms and bath; also a barn, 26 by 32 feet, with a tile basement, for horses and cattle, and a good windmill. Industrious and enterprising, he is making steady progress and has taken rank among the reliable and useful citizens of his township. Not being married, his sister Minnie keeps house for him. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, as are all the other members of the Erickson family.

Erick Erickson, a representative citizen of Oakwood Township, who was for a number of years successfully engaged in farming, but is now practically retired, was born in Sweden, July 22, 1849. He was educated in his native land, where he remained until twenty years of age, at which time, in 1869, he emi- grated to the United States, with his parents, who took a homestead of 106. acres of wild land in section 21, Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, Minn. The earliest settlers had arrived here but 14 or 15 years before, and most of the farms were small and had but crude buildings, the almost universal resi- dence being a log cabin. The elder Erickson broke and cultivated his land, built a house, barn, and other outbuildings, and farmed until 1881, when he sold the place to his son Erick, and moved to Big Stone County, where he died in 1890, having for some years been a widower. Before purchasing the old homestead, Erick Erickson had worked for his father for twelve years. After starting out for himself he from time to time bought more land until he finally became the owner of 466 acres. He followed diversified farming with satis- factory results, keeping mixed grade cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. In 1915 he sold his property to his four sons-to Swen 160 acres, William 120, Edward

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 57

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