History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 64

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 64


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hearts of his fellow citizens. Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage December 8, 1887, to Emma, daughter of Henry and Christina (Frank) Amerland, of Green- field Township, Wabasha County. She was born November 20, 1858. Mr. Schmidt built a substantial home on Second street, near the court house, where he and his wife began housekeeping, and in which Mrs. Schmidt still resides. After her husband's death, Mrs. Schmidt continued his benefactions, presenting to the city of Wabasha land adjoining their home for a public park, which is now known as the Julius Schmidt Memorial Park. Mr. Schmidt was reared a member of the German Lutheran Church, but that denomination not being represented in Wabasha, he and his wife worshipped with and supported the Episcopal Church of this city.


Henry Umbreit, one of the leading farmers of Plainview Township, who is operating 240 acres in section 11, was born in Highland Township, Wabasha County, April 1, 1875, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Umbreit. His parents, who were also farmers, retired and moved to Plainview, where she died May 12, 1920. Henry Umbreit was educated in the district school in his native town- ship. He was early trained to agriculture in all its branches, and remained on the home place until 30 years old. He then rented his present farm in section 11, Plainview Township, which he bought in 1916, after operating it ten or eleven years under rental. Since it came into his possession he has made some valuable improvements, having fenced the entire farm, remodeled and stuccoed the house, and erected a barn 32 by 48 feet, and also a machine-shed and silo. Industrious and enterprising, Mr. Umbreit is making the property pay. He breeds grade Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes, also Duroc-Jersey hogs, and has gained a recognized place as one of the successful and representative farmers of his township. He has been a member of the school board two years and is now chairman of the Board. On February 22, 1905, he was married to Ella Neiheisel, of Winona, who was born in Beaver Township, Winona County, Minn., March 5, 1880, daughter of John W. and Bertha (Becker) Neiheisel, natives of Wisconsin. He came to Winona, Minn., when a young man and engaged in the manufacture of wagons, which he fol- lowed till he retired in 1918. Both are still living in Winona, where they have spent most of their lives. Three children are the issue of this union: Evelyn, born December 11, 1907; George C., born February 22, 1915, and Edward P., born January 2, 1918.


Rev. Silas Hazlett, pioneer preacher, and for many years one of the best known and most respected citizens of Lake City, of which at the time of his death, Thursday, November 6, 1919, he was the oldest resident, was born in Mif- flin County, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1824, son of William and Ann (Wilson) Hazlett. On the father's side he was of Irish descent, the mother's ancestry being Scotch. Of the family of eleven children, he and his brother John en- tered the Presbyterian ministry, both attending Jefferson College, Pennsyl- vania, and the Theological Seminary at Pittsburgh, where they were graduated. Silas Hazlett was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Oxford and Synod cf Cincinnati in October, 1850, being then a young man of 26 years. His first charges were at Harmony and College Corner, Ohio. On January 14, 1851, he was married, at Cincinnati, to Eliza Jane Patton. Somewhat less than five years later, on March 1, 1856, with his wife and daughter (now Mrs. J. B. McLean, of Lake City), he left Oxford, Ohio, on a trip to St. Paul, Minn. The journey was made mostly by boat, and on reaching Lake City, April 18, on his way up the river, he landed here with his family, in order to stop over for the Sabbath. There were but twelve persons here at the time, and to them on the following Sunday, April 20, he delivered the first sermon ever preached in Lake City, the services being held in a log shanty owned by Abner Dwelle. Impressed with the natural beauty of the location, and anticipating a prosper- ous future for the little settlement, Mr. Hazlett determined to remain here, a resolution which he never regretted, and for 65 years thereafter he was one of


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the leading figures in the community. He not only preached the first sermon, but also married the first couple, baptized the first child, taught the first public school, and organized the first Sunday school in the history of Lake City. He also performed the wedding ceremony for the first white child born in Wa- basha County, namely, F. H. Stauff, of Lake City. The first marriage ceremony was that of George W. Hathaway and Abigail J. Langley, in November, 1856; and it is interesting to note that years after he performed the funeral services of both husband and wife, those of the husband in 1878, and those of the wife in January, 1914, fifty-seven years after he had united her in happy wedlock. The first child he baptized in Lake City was the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Boody, and the first person over whom he performed the burial rites was Mary Doughty, a pioneer of that city. Mr. Hazlett's most active labors were those connected with the Presbyterian ministry. After his initial sermon he held services every Sunday in the second story of a frame building until more suitable accommodations were secured a few months later. It was in the same building that he opened the first public school here, in November, 1856, starting with about thirty pupils. By that time the city had a population of about 300, many new settlers having come in since his arrival seven months before. The lower floor of the building was used as a carpenter shop, and there was no regular stairway, the upper floor being reached by a ladder. On De- cember 31, the same year, the Presbyterian church was organized, with Mr. Hazlett as acting pastor, and B. C. Baldwin, A. V. Sigler and Mrs. Hazlett as members. Its more detailed history may be found on another page of this volume. Mr. Hazlett was pastor of the church for about ten years, and then turned his attention to other fields, and to the organization and erection of two other churches in the county-one in the township of Mt. Pleasant, and the other on Trout brook, in the midst of the "Scotch Settlement" in Glasgow Township. For more than 35 years he tended and cared for the needs of these two country congregations, making his headquarters in Lake City. Both churches are now closed, the organizations having disbanded owing to deaths and removals. Mr. Hazlett's first wife, Eliza Jane, who had accompanied him to this region, died on March 3, 1865, leaving but one child, the daughter previ- ously mentioned. After remaining a widower for four years, Mr. Hazlett mar- ried, in May, 1869, Mrs. Sarah Jane Greer, mother of Allan J. Greer, attorney and former state senator, Charles W. Greer, of Minneapolis, and Mary Greer, deceased. Mrs. Hazlett died a few years ago. After 1894 Mr. Hazlett lived in practical retirement at his home in Lake City, though even after he had passed his ninetieth year he officiated frequently at weddings and funerals. He taught a class in the Congregational Sunday school, and was an earnest Bible student. One of the most public spirited men in the city, he took great pride in its growth and prosperity. He lived to enjoy the fruits of his early labors, and to rejoice in the successful work of others. His death at the ripe age of 95 years and six months deprived Lake City of one of its most honored citizens. His life, rich in memories and achievements, was a blessing and benediction to the community in which he lived, and to all those with whom he came into personal contact.


Frederick Jacob, who developed a good farm from a tract of wild land in Gillford Township, was born in Germany in 1845, and came to the United States at the age of eleven years. In 1864 he returned to Germany, but re- mained there only three months, coming back to this country at the end of that time with a party which included Alvina Kuhfuss, who in 1865 became his wife. For one year he and his bride resided with his parents on the John Jacobs farm, after which they began independent domestic life on the William Jacobs farm of 80 acres in West Albany Township, which Frederick Jacob after six or seven years sold to his brother William. He and his family then moved to a tract of 160 acres in Gillford Township, known as the McCarl home- stead, which had some improvements, including a small frame house. With


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the passing of years other improvements were made until the place was a well tilled farm with suitable residence, barn and other buildings. Like the other settlers of his time, Mr. Jacob at first raised wheat, but in his latter years turned his attention to stock and barley. In 1899 he retired from active work, leased his farm, and moved to Lake City, where he died July 11, 1905, being buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His wife Alvina died December 6, 1915, having survived him ten years or more. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob had five children : Minnie, William F., Lena, Cassie and George F. Minnie, born August 1, 1866, in West Albany Township, is now Mrs. J. M. Danckwardt, of Miami, Florida. William F., born May 28, 1868, in West Albany Township, is a stock buyer at Lake City. Lena, born April 26, 1871, is now Mrs. Henry Lemmer, of Leaven- worth, Kans. Cassie, born November 8, 1873, is the wife of John Schmauss, an implement dealer of Lake City. George F., born August 21, 1883, is county treasurer of Wabasha County. Frederick Jacob, the father, was a Democrat in politics, and religiously a Lutheran, being prominent in the church. He was widely known and respected in West Albany, Gillford and Lake City.


George F. Jacob, the efficient treasurer of Wabasha County, was born in Gillford Township, this county, October 21, 1883, son of Frederick and Alvina (Kuhfuss) Jacob. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and then entered the Lake City schools, continuing his studies there until complet- ing his junior year at high school. Then called home by his father's death, he settled his father's estate. Subsequently he continued farming on the home place, which he still owns, but which he now rents to a tenant. It con- sists of 240 acres of good land, well cultivated, and equipped with good tools and machinery. The buildings are all good and in good repair. In 1914, Mr. Jacob entered the employ of his brother-in-law, John Schmauss, at Lake City. The next year he became a partner, and successfully continued until January 1, 1918, when he sold out to his partner. While farming, Mr. Jacob became well known throughout the county, and his work at Lake City further increased his friendships. In 1918 he was urged to run for treasurer and after thinking the matter over accepted. He made a successful run, was elected, and took office January 1, 1919, having moved to Wabasha with his family a few days previous. Mr. Jacob's fraternal relations are with the Masons, and he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Commandery at Lake City. He was married, November 25, 1912, to Clara, daughter of Henry and Katherine Tiedemann, of Lake City, and they have two children: Frederick H., born December 13, 1916, and Cath- erine A., March 2, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob are members of the St. Mark's Episcopal church at Lake City.


Harry A. Johnson, an active and successful farmer of section 25, Plainview Township, where he has been located for the last ten years, was born in Winona County, Minnesota, April 1, 1888, son of Fred and Anna (Carlson) Johnson. The parents were natives of Sweden who were married in Minnesota, and sub- sequently engaged in farming in Winona County until 1897. They then re- moved to Wabasha County, where they continued in agricultural pursuits for a number of years. The mother died in December, 1914, but the father is still living and is now a resident of Plainview. Harry A. Johnson was educated in the rural schools of Winona, Olmsted and Wabasha Counties. He early ac- quired a practical knowledge of agriculture, and in 1910 started in for himself, renting the Milton Smith farm in Section 25, Plainview Township. In May, 1919, he bought the property, which comprises 159 acres, and has since remod- eled the buildings and made various improvements. He is prosperously en- gaged in general farming, keeping Holstein-Frisian cattle and Poland-China hogs, and has gained a place among the well-to-do citizens of his township. Mr. Johnson was married, September 12, 1912, to Lydia Schultz, who was born in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, March 15, 1892, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schultz. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Ken- neth T., born August 14, 1913; and Virgil E., born August 4, 1916. Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Lutheran church.


GEO. F. JACOB


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MR. AND MRS. JOHN BIEVER, SR.


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John E. Schultz, a retired farmer residing in Plainview after a successful career in his chosen occupation, and who has served efficiently in local office, was born in Germany, November 19, 1856, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schultz. The parents, natives of Germany, came to the United States in 1858, settling first in Milwaukee, whence in the following year they came to Wabasha County, Minnesota. Here they took land in Zumbro Township, where Carl Schultz farmed until his death about 1869. His wife died in 1883. John E. Schultz was educated in the common schools. At the age of 21 he began farming for him- self, buying a farm of 160 acres in 1876, in Plainview Township. Later he bought 80 acres on the north, which gave him a farm of 240 acres. In these transactions he was in partnership with his brother, William Schultz, and they continued together till 1878, at which time John gave his brother a quit claim deed of 160 acres, he himself keeping 80 acres. He then went back to the home farm in Zumbro Township, where he stayed with his mother till 1887. In that year he bought 160 acres in section 24, Plainview Township, where he farmed until the fall of 1919. He had sold his original 80 acres to his brother at the time he purchased the above mentioned farm. Having by 1919 acquired a competency, Mr. Schultz retired from active work, and has since enjoyed a well earned leisure as a resident of Plainview village. During his active career he served for some time as a member of the town board, and always took an intelligent and helpful interest in the public affairs of his township. Mr. Schultz was married March 15, 1888, to Hulda Tornow, who was born in Ripon, Wis., January 16, 1870, daughter of Theodore and Amelia Tornow. Her parents were born in Germany, where they were married April 9, 1869, immediately before embarking on board a vessel for America, their trip to this country being their wedding journey. From Ripon, Wis., where they resided a short time, they came to Minnesota in 1870, settling in Olmsted County, where Mr. Tornow engaged in carpenter work. Later he and his wife resided a few years in Wabasha County, and then for two years in Winona County. He died Decem- ber 17, 1912. His wife is now living in Rochester, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Schultz have been the parents of eight children: Irene, born February 4, 1889; Lydia, March 15, 1892; Eleanor, March 31, 1893; Frances, January 9, 1897; Esther, November 7, 1901; Roy, February 28, 1890; George, March 1, 1891, and Mary, November 8, 1894. The three last mentioned are now deceased, each having died in early infancy, Roy on July 30, 1890; George, April 24, 1891, and Mary December 12, 1894. Lydia is the wife of Harry A. Johnson, of Plainview Township, and has two children, Kenneth and Virgil. Eleanor, who married George Huggard, who is now deceased and by whom she has two daughters, Dorothy and Virginia. She married secondly Gust Gleasmer and resides in Plainview. Frances, who resides at home, is bookkeeper in the Plainview State Bank. Esther is also residing at home. Mr. Schultz and his family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Illustrious Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M. One of the self-made men of Wabasha County, he is well known and respected, having a large circle of friends and acquaintances.


John Biever, Sr., one of the pioneer settlers of Pepin Township, was born in Luxemburg, April 29, 1837. He attended common school to the age of 14, served in the German army three years, and was industrially associated with his father, who was a granite worker. In 1858 he came to the United States and for some time was a common laborer in Dubuque, Ia. From there he went to Menominee, Wis., where he worked as a farm hand until he enlisted as a substitute for service in the Civil War, and was a soldier for 14 months. After his return from the army he came to Wabasha County and for a time worked here as a farm hand. At last he resolved to start in for himself and at the same time to take a life partner, and accordingly he was married at St. Felix church, Wabasha, by Bishop Trobec, to Mary Jacobs, like himself a native of Germany, and they began housekeeping on a purchased tract of 80 acres of wild land in


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section 22, Pepin Township. There was a small frame house of two rooms and some straw sheds for cattle, and the situation was elevated, overlooking Read's Landing. With such surroundings and no money Mr. and Mrs. Biever began the battle of life together, both grubbing and clearing the land, and she, a strong woman, doing her full part. More land was bought in time until they owned 400 acres and had a flourishing farm with good buildings. Often they drove in a lumber wagon, with a board seat, or went on foot, to Read's Landing or Wabasha, to church or for trade. In the early days they had to look out for rattlesnakes, and the Indians were quite as numerous, though not hostile. To Mr. and Mrs. Biever five children were born: Mary, October 15, 1867, who now resides with her mother; John C., residing in Pepin Township; Anna, who married Matt Marks of Mazeppa and is now deceased; Nicholas, residing at home; and William, now a farmer in Pepin Township. Mr. Biever died Septem- ber 24, 1905, after a long life of activity crowned with worldly success. He was a man of quiet disposition, a good husband and father, and held in esteem by his fellow citizens. In politics he was a Democrat, and he and his family members of the Catholic church, and of St. Felix parish. Mrs. Biever, who was born in Luxemburg in August, 1846, is still living, strong and well at the age of 74 years.


William Biever, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of section 22, Pepin Township, was born in this section and township March 11, 1886, son of John and Mary (Jacobs) Biever. He has always remained on the home farm, which he helped his parents to develop, and as a boy he acquired his education in the district school and at Read's Landing. He leased the farm in 1910, and is engaged in general agriculture, raising both grain and stock with profitable results. He has a good operating equipment and his industry, thrift and good judgment have placed him among the successful men of his township, where he also stands high as a citizen. Mr. Biever was married December 14, 1910, to Hazel Dorse, daughter of Marion and Lilly (Davidson) Dorse, of Read's Landing, this county, which was her birthplace, her father being an employe of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, in the bridge building depart- ment. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Biever: Mabel, December 23, 1911; Lucille, August 9, 1918; and Hazel, August 5, 1920. The family are members of the Catholic church, attending St. Felix church at Wabasha.


Horatio Gates Richardson, a notable pioneer of Wabasha County, farmer and merchant, and one who took a leading part in the upbuilding and develop- ment of Elgin village, was born in Topsham, Orange County, Vermont, Septem- ber 13, 1836. He was the son of Thomas Richardson and Ruth J. Smith, whose ancestry has been traced back to Captain John Smith who fought in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, during the Revolutionary War. After residing in his native town until he was twenty-two years of age, he came out west in 1858 to Wisconsin, where he taught school for one winter, coming to Minnesota the following spring. In the fall he went back to Vermont, where on October 26, 1859, he married Julia Anna Bowen of West Topsham, Vermont. Julia Anna Bowen was the daughter of William Bowen and Roxanna Pamelia Nye, whose ancestry has been traced back through the centuries showing that she was a descendant of David Nye who fought in the battle of Lexington at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War April 19, 1775, and still farther back into the ninth century in Denmark. Early in November Mr. Richardson brought his wife to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and in company with two other brothers; they occupied a little log house on what is now known as the J. Q. Richardson place, during the first winter. In the spring they moved over on to the land which became their homestead. Here they lived for thirty years on a farm of three hundred and eighty acres, one of the most beautiful farms in southern Minnesota. Eight children were born to them: Addie, the second child, died in infancy during an epidemic of diphtheria about 1863; the remaining seven children-Pamelia Ruth, Sylvia Emma, George Washington, Julia Elnora, Flora


MR. AND MRS. H. G. RICHARDSON


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May, Ada Geneva and Iva Myrtle were brought up on the farm and are still living. The six daughters became teachers, a profession which they inherited from their parents who were both teachers before they were married. The only son, George, became associated with his father in mercantile business. Mrs. Richardson was a most wondrful woman, and her influence was felt throughout the village. When her oldest sister died leaving seven children orphans she took three of those children into her home and cared for them as her own until they were able to earn for themselves. A testimony which is worth repeating was that of the late Mr. C. A. Morey, an attorney of Winona, Minnesota, who when he learned that she was the teacher who had taught him his "A B C's" back in Vermont, described her as a most beautiful woman-blue eyes, clear, fair skin, brown, wavy, auburn hair, beautiful color-a perfect picture of womanhood. About ten years after locating on his farm one mile northeast of the village of Elgin, Mr. Richardson bought out the merchant, Robert Jenness, in Elgin, and engaged in mercantile business, at the same time keeping up his interests in the home farm. Later he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles S., under the firm name of H. G. Richardson & Co. and the two brothers were associated together for thirty years, or until Horatio's death. The brothers carried on a large business of farming and general merchandise. In 1878 they established a lumber business and with another brother, Joseph, they built an elevator and engaged in grain buying. During all these years the two brothers were acquiring large tracts of land which at the time of Horatio's death amounted to about 2,000 acres. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs. Richardson moved from the farm into town, where they resided the remainder of their lives. In 1889 Mr. Richardson's only son, George, married Miss Mina E. Waste, daughter of Dr. J. P. Waste of Plainview, Minnesota. They located in Elgin and George became prominently identified with the store business. For a number of years subsequently George had the management of the store, but when his father passed away he decided to purchase a farm at Clark, South Dakota, where he lived till December, 1919. He sold his farm in South Dakota and purchased a new farm at Clear Lake, Minnesota, where he is now engaged in farming. One daughter, Helen Richardson Vogt, of Wolfe Point, Montana, and two sons, Horatio Gates and Marvin Waste Richardson are still living. Mr. Richardson's eldest daughter, Pamelia Ruth, married John W. Bryant who became a very prominent citizen in Elgin, having engaged in grain buying for a number of years. He sold his elevator and organized the First State Bank of Elgin, of which he was president and cashier. About 1905 Mr. Bryant sold his bank and moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he became president of a wholesale grocery under the name of Bryant-Sisson Co. Mr. Bryant passed away in 1913, leaving his wife, and daughter, Mabel Bryant Herron, and his son, Harold John Bryant. Mrs. Pamelia Bryant, together with her daughter and son, have re- cently moved to West Point, Miss., where they have purchased a farm of some two hundred acres. The third daughter, Sylvia, married Richard L. Wood, a farmer who lived about two miles east of the village. They have recently sold their farm and are now residing in the old home on Main street. Five children were born to them: Clayton, Gladys, Bernice, Florence and Mildred. Another daughter, Ada, married Charles P .. Goodwin of Marshall, Minn., where they lived for about three years. At that time Mr. Goodwin sold out his furniture business and moved to Elmdale, Montana, where he located on a ranch, devoting his time to stock raising. Two children: Fanchon Ruth and Julia Marie are still living. Iva M. married Paul H. Bryant, who now resides in Twin Falls, Idaho. Two children were born to them: Lucile Adeline and Frances Julia. Flora May Richardson and Julia Elnora Richardson were successful teachers for a number of years, but who now are successful Osteopathic physicians and surgeons located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Leamington Hotel. Horatio Gates Richardson was called to his final rest. on Wednesday morning, October 11, 1899, after an illness of but nine days, which was ushered in by




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