History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 61

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

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

State board of equalization. Also active in business, and watchful for an op- portunity to advance himself, he became engaged in the grain business and with H. P. Krick and others organized the Wabasha Elevator Company, and was made its president. This new organization constructed a line of elevators along the Chippewa Valley division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- way Company. In 1888 Mr. Lawrence, associated with R. E. Jones, organized the R. E. Jones Company. They installed the electric light plant in Wabasha and engaged in the buying of grain and produce, incorporating in 1889, Mr. Lawrence being president up to 1896, at which time he sold his interests to H. J. O'Neill. In 1877 Mr. Lawrence acquired the Wabasha mill and incor- porated it, and it is this organization that has received his greatest attention. Through his efforts he has brought this institution to the point where it stands second to none-not in size, but in the quality of its production. Mr. W. B. Webb, his son-in-law, is vice-president and manager. In recent years Mr. Lawrence has organized and has beeen made president of the Red Front Flour and Feed Co., Eau Claire, Wis., the Coppins and Lang Flour and Feed Co., Rockford, Ill., and the Eau Claire Baking Co., Eau Claire, Wis., and while he has in a sense retired from actual business, it is his influence that helps keep the machinery of all these organizations running smoothly and successfully. Prominent among the achievements of Mr. Lawrence is the Wabasha ferry across the Mississippi, the connecting link between the rich agricultural fields of Wisconsin and the markets of Wabasha. Handicapped since its establish- ment nearly fifty years ago because of wretched road conditions in the Wiscon- sin bottoms, the ferry had virtually been abandoned when, in 1918, Mr. Law- rence leased it from the city, rehabilitated it and with characteristic enterprise and success converted the entire stretch of three miles to Nelson, Wis., into one of the finest roads in that state. Permanent in foundation, surfaced with gravel and shale and with excellent bridges, the road has taken its place as a prominent factor in the progress of the section it serves. Through the initia- tive of Mr. Lawrence and under his guiding influence the beautification of the city was undertaken, beginning with the Mill River Gardens which stretch along the river bank for 650 feet with their beautiful wild and glorious culti- vated flowers, redeeming what was once a mute picture of desolation wrought by mighty forces of wind, frost and water. Arbors, walks and flowers make it one of the most attractive river fronts in Minnesota. The spirit of the beauty of these river gardens reached out into the city, and as a result Wabasha is becoming more beautiful from year to year. Mr. Lawrence was married in 1872 to Alice G., daughter of Charles D. and Mary A. Wyman, of Wabasha. Seven children have been born to them: Eliza C., W. H., Fanny M., Charles W., Mary W., James G., Jr., and Henry O'Neill; Eliza C., Fanny M. and Henry O'Neill are now deceased. The two eldest sons, William H. and Charles W., served in the Thirteenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, during the Spanish-American War, seeing service in the Philippines. Charles W. also served in the capacity of chief of his section in the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps with the French army during the late World War, his services being voluntarily rendered. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre and made a lieu- tenant in the French army. James, Jr., is an attorney in Manila. Mary W. is the wife of W. B. Webb, vice-president and manager of the Wabasha Roller Mill Company. Mr. Lawrence is now 84 years of age, still active and in good health. He has been thoroughly identified with all the interests of Wabasha, its railroads, improvements, industries, etc., and is one of its foremost living citizens. His career has been a notable one, and his name is entwined so closely with the history of Wabasha County that it becomes almost a part of it.

Gottlieb Rother, one of the early settlers in Highland Township, was born in Germany, April 4, 1844. He acquired his education in his native land, where he remained until 1868, when he emigrated to Minnesota, settling in West Albany Township, Wabasha County. For several years he worked as a farm

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hand, practicing economy and saving his money with a view to future inde- pendence. On April 14, 1874, he married Catherine Saueressig, who was born in Fredonia, Wis., February 17, 1852, and immediately or soon after their mar- riage he and his wife settled on a farm in Highland Township having an area of 160 acres, but ill provided with buildings, there being only a shanty for a residence, and a straw stable. There he made his home for 35 years, or until 1909, in which year he retired and took up his residence in Plainview, where he died March 26, 1916. A year after his death his widow returned to the home farm and resided there with her son, Edward, until October, 1919, when they moved to a farm in Oakwood Township, where they are still living, Mrs. Rother keeping house for her son. Mr. Rother was a steady and industrious citizen, respected in the community, and for two years served as school treas- urer. He and his wife had thirteen children: Paulina, now Mrs. John Welti; Charles of Highland Township; Henry, living in Texas; John, deceased; Anna, deceased; George, a carpenter in Plainview; Mary, now Mrs. George Schultz, residing on the old Rother farm in Highland Township; Fred, deceased; Ed- ward, of Oakwood Township; William of Highland; Albert, now at Hamline University; August, deceased; and Walter, of Plainview. Mr. Rother and his family were affiliated with the Lutheran church, of which the survivors are members.

Edward V. Rother, a general farmer residing in section 33, Oakwood Town- ship, was born in Highland Township, December 30, 1886, son of Gottleib and Catherine Rother. He received a district school education, and being brought up on the home farm early acquired a knowledge of agricultural methods. From 1907 to 1912 he and his brother, William, operated the farm together under rental, after which they bought it, and continued in partnership for three or four years. It contains 220 acres, which they farmed successfully. In 1912 Edward purchased his brother's interest in the property, and operated it alone until October, 1919. He then rented it out to a tenant and bought his present farm of 160 acres in section 33, Oakwood Township, on which he has erected a new, modern house of tile stucco construction. He follows diversified farming, keeping Durham cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, and is a member of the local shipping association. He is also engaged in breeding Rhode Island Red poultry, with good results, and is numbered among the progressive and well to do citizens of his township.

Carl Fuhrman, one of the early settlers in West Albany Township, long since deceased, was a native of Germany, and came to this country and to Minnesota at a very early day in the history of Wabasha County, accompanied by his widowed mother. On their arrival in West Albany Township, Mr. Fuhrman homesteaded 160 acres of rough land in section 15, and on the farm which he developed spent the rest of his life. The land was not only rough but wild and he had a pioneer's work to perform. Besides bringing his land to a high state of cultivation, he built a fine frame house, which was one of the best in the county when first erected, and also made other valuable improve- ments in the way of buildings. Though he began poor, he in time became the owner of 321 acres, 53 of which he sold to a neighbor, Carl Goihl, and at his death, which occurred in 1882, he owned 268 acres. Mr. Fuhrman was in his day a well known and popular citizen of West Albany, and was seldom called by his real name, Carl, but was familiarly known as "Charley." He was mar- ried in this country to Ida Neuman, who survived him 22 years, dying on the home farm in November, 1904. They were members of the West Albany Luth- eran congregation. In early days when new immigrants were frequently arriv- ing, Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrman were noted for their hospitality, and during their first winter here gave temporary shelter to no less than eight different fam- ilies. They had six children: Minnie, who is now Mrs. Henry Pries of Maiden Rock, Wis .; Emma, wife of Fred Horning, of Stone, Canada; Frederick, who is deceased; William Charles, now on the old home farm in West Albany Town-

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ship; Anna, wife of John Couter of Theilman, this county; and Alvina, who is the wife of Robert Halpans of Williams, Minn.

William Charles Fuhrman, the present proprietor of the old Carl Fuhrman farm in section 15, West Albany Township, established by his father in pioneer days, was born on this farm June 26, 1876, son of Carl and Ida (Neuman) Fuhrman. He was educated in the common school of this locality, which he attended up to the age of 13, afterwards attending school at Bremen, Minn., for two winters. In 1882, when he was six years old, his father died, and the farm was subsequently carried on by the mother and elder children. William C., when he grew old enough, was made of use on the home place and became a. good practical farmer. After he had attained to manhood he cut loose from home and, going to North Dakota, homesteaded 160 acres of land in Bottineau County. This he subsequently sold, coming back to the home farm where he now lives, and which he purchased in 1902. He has improved the barns, built a new machine-shed, and made other valuable improvements. He has 180 acres under the plow, the rest of the farm being in timber and pasture. The operat- ing equipment is good, and Mr. Fuhrman is doing a successful business as a general farmer. The son of pioneers, and himself a native of this locality, he is known by everybody and has a wide popularity. Politically he is indepen- dent, and was for nine years clerk of his school district. Mr. Fuhrman was married June 6, 1905, to Mary Rutz, daughter of Nicholas and Madeline Rutz of Highland Township, this county, but who was born in La Crosse, Wis., No- vember 8, 1886. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Ambrose Nicholas William, born September 6, 1906; Leona Clara Henrietta, July 11, 1908, and Leslie Francis, October 16, 1915. Mr. Fuhrman was reared a Lutheran and confirmed in the Lutheran church, but his wife being a Catholic, their children have been christened in the Catholic church.

Karl Moechnig, a pioneer of Wabasha County who settled in West Albany Township among the early arrivals, was a native of Germany, where he grew to manhood and was married. With his wife Caroline and their family he left Germany, August 11, 1858, bound for Minnesota. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel to New Orleans, from which port they came up the Mississippi rived to Read's Landing, where they arrived November 1. They took a claim in section 15, West Albany Township, but as it was late in the season they did not settle on the land until the following spring, stopping for the winter at the home of Charles Fuhrman. Mr. Moechnig had but $80 when he arrvied in this county, and by spring had but $5 left. His land was wild and rough, but as soon as the weather permitted he began his improvements, building a log house with a slab roof and floors, the logs for which he bought of William Sturhman on Zumbro Bottoms for $1. The slabs for roof and floor cost $2, delivered at the farm, so his last dollar was soon gone, and the family started home making with little or no furniture. Mrs. Moechnig worked out to earn a little money or provisions, and also attended to the affairs of her own household, mixing her bread and carrying it to a neighbor's half a mile away to have it baked, as for awhile they had no stove. In the meanwhile Mr. Moechnig was clearing and grubbing land for others for a dollar per acre, but was able to grub but one acre a week. As they had neither oxen nor horses, the stone for the founda- tion of the log house was carried and hauled by ropes by the father and mother from the coolie half a mile away. A neighbor who owned oxen broke for them two acres of their land, on which they raised their first crop of 60 bushels of wheat. The parents were so much discouraged by the hardships they had to endure and the difficulty of making progress, that they were ashamed to let their friends in Germany know of their experiences, and so re- frained from writing home until after they had harvested their first crop. Then they wrote a joyous letter. They were both at this time nearly fifty years old, and Mr. Moechnig was not strong, though he worked hard. His wife was a willing worker and faithful helpmate, and used to carry butter and eggs to

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Read's Landing, 14 miles distant, sometimes bringing home 50 pounds of flour on her back. Such were the experiences of many, if not most, of those who tamed the wilderness and laid the foundations of the present prosperity and wealth of this county which their descendants now enjoy. Karl Moechnig him- self was not fated to enjoy improved conditions for many years. Probably the hardships he underwent and the hard labor affected his health, and he died in March, 1873, at the age of 63 years, as he was born in 1810. His wife, who was born February 14, 1811, enjoyed a longer life, as she passed away at the age of 80 years on March 10, 1891. Her latter years were passed in comparative · ease and comfort.

Gottlieb Moechnig, a prominent farmer of West Albany Township, resid- ing in section 15, on the farm established by his parents in pioneer days, was born in Ober-Schloesing, Germany, August 2, 1850, son of Karl and Caroline Moechnig. He was but eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minn., and his boyhood days were often days of privation and want, owing to the wild nature of the country and his parents' poverty. He had little chance for schooling, and as soon as he was able to be of use on the farm his services were put into requisition. He remained on the home farm, which he helped to develop, and it ultimately came into his possession. On May 20, 1878, he married Mary Fick, who was born in West Albany Township, September 21, 1862, daughter of Frederick and Mary Fick, who were very early settlers in the township. After his marriage Mr. Moechnig bought 320 acres in Mt. Pleasant Township, where he and his wife went to reside. They re- mained on that farm for five years, but owing to drought and chinch bugs were unable to make any progress, and in fact were nearly ruined; so, dis- couraged with his misfortunes there, Mr. Moechnig let the land revert back to the previous owner, and returned to the home farm in section 15, West Albany, which he owned, together with an additional tract of 70 acres. He has replaced the original buildings with a comfortable two-story brick house, and has built good barns and sheds. When his father died, in 1873, only 60 acres of the land had been broken, but it is now nearly under cultivation. Mr. Moechnig has been a hard worker on his farm and has prospered. He acquired alto- gether about 1700 acres of land, some of which is in Wabasha County and some in North Dakota. He sold to his son Herman 360 in Oakwood Township, 143 acres to his son John, near the old home, and 160 to his son Fred in Lake Township, the balance being still in his own possession. In addition to his direct farming and land interests, he owns stock in the Farmers' Co-operative Elevators in Lake City and Thielman, the Terminal, the Terminal Packing Co. of Newport and the Pepin Co-operative Creamery in Lake City. His farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn and Durham cattle, and Duroc swine, the herds having full-blooded sires at the head. He has 19 milch cows, and his operating equipment includes 12 good work horses. Mr. Moechnig is a Re- publican politically, and has served his township as supervisor, and also for some years as treasurer. He has been exceedingly prosperous and is today the heaviest taxpayer in the county among the farmers. He and his family are members of the West Albany M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Moechnig are the parents of eight children: Herman, born September 21, 1880; Frederick W., born May 11, 1883; Lena, born April 26, 1885; John, January 11, 1887; Emma, August 12, 1890; Elsie, March 10, 1893, when one and one half year old, Elsie met with an accident which is the cause of her being an invalid since; Charles, November 4, 1896, and Harry, September 5, 1901. Herman is now a successful farmer in Oakwood Township. Frederick W., who is on the home farm, married Mamie Sass. She died January 29, 1915, leaving two chil- dren, who are now living with the subject of this sketch. Lena is the wife of Louis Sass of West Albany Township. John is a successful farmer in West Albany Township adjoining the old home farm. Emma is unmarried and re- siding on the home farm. Elsie is also at home. Charles is a farmer in. Lake Township. Harry is on the home farm assisting his father.

GOTTLIEB MOECHNIG AND FAMILY

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Julius B. Blattner, an industrious and well to do farmer of Oakwood Town- ship, operating 200 acres in sections 20 and 21, was born on Long Creek, this township, October 11, 1869, son of J. H. and Ernestina Blattner. He was edu- cated in the rural schools and followed agricultural pursuits on his parents' farm until attaining his majority, at which time he bought his present farm. On this he has made a number of improvements, including considerable fencing, and is carrying on diversified farming with much success, raising grade Short- horn cattle and Chester-White swine. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Democrat and formerly served in the office of constable. In 1914 he had the misfortune to lose his left leg as the result of blood poisoning. Mr. Blattner was married June 1, 1881, to Amanda Polson, daughter of Emric and Sophie (Johnson) Polson. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children: George, Ella, Henry, Elmer, Lester, Eli, Julius, Jr., Arthur, Lulu, and Vera. George, who married Ella Austin, is engaged in farming in Oakwood Township. Ella is the wife of William Rosenberg, a shoemaker of Plainview. Henry is operating a farm of 160 acres in section 9, that was bought by his father in 1903. Elmer is now conducting the home farm. Lulu is a resident of Rochester, Minn.

William H. Brunkhorst, the enterprising proprietor of a good farm in West Albany Township, was born in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County, Minn., March 10, 1881, son of John and Caroline (Holst) Brunkhorst. The father was a native of Hanover, Germany, born November 24, 1850. He came to America, and directly to Goodhue County, Minn., in 1868, landing at Red Wing, but soon took up his residence at Frontenac, and for some time worked out as a farm hand. He was married to Caroline Holst in Goodhue County about 1880, and they settled in that county on a farm, on which they are still living, though now retired from active work, the farm being under the manage- ment of their sons Clarence and Edward. They had in all six children, of whom William H. was the eldest, the others being Amelia, Richard, Clarence, Edward and Edna. All except William are now living in Goodhue County. William H. Brunkhorst, who was brought up on his parents' farm, attended country school up to the age of sixteen, at which time he began working out. He lived with his parents until 1913, in which year, on August 10, he was mar- ried to Anna Margaret Bruer, who was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, this county, August 5, 1890, daughter of John and Marie Bruer, of Lake Township. Her parents were natives of Germany. After their marriage Mr. Brunkhorst and his wife began housekeeping on her parents' farm in Lake Township, which they rented for three years. In the spring of 1916 Mr. Brunkhorst bought an improved farm, known as the Schmusser farm, of 160 acres, in section 4, West Albany Township. It was provided with a two-story brick house, and with fair barns and outbuildings. He also purchased 20 acres of timberland in section 34, in the same township; and thus provided with land and buildings, he has since pursued a successful career as a general farmer, now having 125 acres under the plow. He keeps a good grade of cattle and swine, and his operating equipment is up to date and adequate. The farm lies seven miles south of Lake City. Mr. Brunkhorst and his family are members of St. John's (Lutheran) congregation of Lake City. He and his wife are the parents of four children : Arnold John, Norman Lawrence, Evelyn Mary, and Wilbert Edward. Politically Mr. Brunkhorst is independent. As an industrious and capable farmer and good neighbor he stands high in the community.

Herman E. Lohse, a retired farmer, formerly of Oakwood Township, but now living in Rochester, was born in Germany, January 3, 1862, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Lohse. His mother's family name was Bornhold. The parents. were also natives of Germany, where the father died in 1880. The widowed mother came to this country three years later, in 1883, and resided with her son in Oakwood Township until her death in 1907. She and her husband were

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members of the German Lutheran church. They had three children: Henry, now living at Potsdam, Minn .; Johannas, who is deceased; and Herman E., of Rochester. Herman E. Lohse was educated in Germany and came to the United States in 1880, at the age of 18 years, settling at Millville, Wabasha County, Minn. For 16 years thereafter he was engaged in farm labor near Bremen's Corners. In 1895 he married, his bride being Martha Lubitz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Lubitz, natives of Germany who came to America in 1889, and farmed for a number of years in Oakwood Township, this county. In the year following his marriage Mr. Lohse began farming for himself, renting a farm for three years in Oakwood Township. In 1899 he bought a farm of 160 acres in sections 7 and 13, on which he erected all the buildings, also fencing the entire farm and setting out an orchard, besides shade trees. He followed mixed farming and kept a large amount of stock, his hogs being of the Poland- China breed. In March, 1916, the Lohse household was afflicted by a tragedy, Mrs. Lohse being accidentally drowned while driving with a team of horses to visit her mother. After her death Mr. Lohse rented his farm, and moved to Rochester, where he is now living with his wife's sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Duell. In 1919 he sold his farm in Oakwood. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran church. While not a pioneer of Wabasha County, he resided within its limits for nearly forty years, and was identified with its growth and development, and his numerous friends and acquaintances are for the most part residents of the county.

Ernest E. Schultz, formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Zumbro Township, but now retired and residing in Rochester, Minn., was born in Wi- nona County, Minn., January 17, 1859. His parents, Christ and Caroline (Ger- win) Schultz, were natives of Germany who came to the United States in the late forties, settling in Wisconsin. Thence they moved to Winona County, Minnesota, and later to Wabasha County, where they took a homestead farm, which property they developed. There they finally passed away, Christ Schultz on April 27, 1895, and his wife on April 17, the same year, death thus separat- ing them for only ten days. They were members of the German Lutheran church. They had ten children, Charles, Godfrey, Christ, Jr., August, Ernest, Herman, Adolph, Louisa, Anna and Emily. Of these children four are now deceased, namely, Christ, August, Adolph and Louisa. Ernest E. Schultz acquired his education in the district school, Wabasha County. Brought up on the home farm, he worked for his father for a number of years, but in 1884 started out for himself, renting a farm in Zumbro Township, which he carried on for two years. In 1897 he bought 160 acres in section 24, the same town- ship, and was there engaged for several years in general farming and stock raising. In 1891 he began operating a threshing-machine, an occupation at which he continued during the season for ten years, at other times doing vari- ous kinds of manual labor, principally of an agricultural nature. In 1914 he bought the old home farm, which he operated until the spring of 1920, when he retired. Since then he has resided in Rochester, where he has a nice residence. Mr. Schultz was married November 9, 1892, to Emma Waltman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Waltman, her parents being natives of Germany who came to Minnesota in 1880 and engaged in farming in Hyde Park Township, Wabasha County. Their family consisted of three children, Otillia, Emma and John. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are the parents of one child, Arthur F., who is at present residing at home with them. Mr. Schultz and family are members of the Luth- eran church.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 61

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