History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 66

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

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Charles Tradup was educated in the common schools of Farmington Town- ship, Olmsted County, and remained on the home farm until he was 23 years old. In 1880 he bought a farm of 80 acres in section 9, Elgin Township, where he farmed until 1900. Then he sold the place and bought an improved farm of

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278 acres in sections 28 and 33, in the same township. Though improved, the place was much run down, the buildings especially being poor. Some of them he rebuilt, besides erecting others, and continued his operations in this direc- tion until he had a fine set, including a good modern residence. He also fenced almost the entire farm with woven-wire fencing and made it one of the best improved and equipped farms in the township. There he followed general agriculture for a number of years, also dealing largely in cattle, which he bought, fed and shipped to market, usually about three or four carloads a year. These enterprises proved profitable, and in 1913 he retired from general farm- ing, renting the place to his son-in-law, Herman Uecker. In 1916 Mr. Tradup built his present residence in Elgin, which is thoroughly modern in every par- ticular, with an inside finish of hardwood, and which is heated by the vapor system. It is now one of the most artistic and comfortable homes in the village. Mr. Tradup is still engaged in stock buying, and also in the raising of produce. He is a stockholder of the First State Bank, and a member of the Elgin Co- operative Creamery Association. While residing on his farm he took an active part in public affairs, serving for some time on both the town and school boards. On December 25, 1881, Mr. Tradup was united in marriage with Louise Quentin, who was born in Boston, Mass., June 28, 1865, daughter of Louis and Katherine (Lierman) Quentin. Her parents, who were married in Boston, came west about 1870, locating first at St. Paul, and later at Potsdam, Olmsted County, Minn., where Mr. Quentin followed his trade of harness- maker. He is now dead, but his widow still resides in Potsdam. Their chil- dren were Louis (first), now deceased, Louisa, Charles, Della and Louis (sec- ond). To Mr. and Mrs. Tradup ten children have been born: Edward, January 1, 1883; Leanora, August 18, 1884; Ruby, May 20, 1886; Lilly, February 19, 1889; Alma, April 21, 1891; Verna, July 11, 1895; Adelaide, June 20, 1897; Carlton, March 31, 1904; Quentin, October 6, 1908; and Harold, July 14, 1910. The family are members of the Lutheran church ..

John C. Kettner, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Elgin, was born in Nicollet County, Minnesota, September 11, 1877, son of William and Wilhelmina (Stolt) Kettner. The parents were natives of Germany who came to America when young and single, and were married in Illinois. In 1857 they came to Minnesota and located in Nicollet County on a farm of which but little had been broken. There was work for a stout-hearted pioneer, and William Kettner proved himself the man for the occasion. The task tock time, but he developed the land, erected buildings, enlarged the farm to an area of 1,090 acres, and became one of the prosperous and representative farmers of that community. There he died on June 9, 1908, but his wife, who survived him, is still residing at the old home. Of their ten children, five died in infancy, the survivors being: Christian, now of Truman, Minn .; Louis W., living on the home farm with his mother; Fred A., a resident of Truman; Mary, now Mrs. E. A. Zimmerman, of Morgan, Minn .; and John C., of Elgin. The last mentioned, the subject of this sketch, acquired his literary education in the public schools, and subsequently completed a commercial and banking course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Ill. Then returning to Nicollet County, and became a candidate for the office of register of deeds of Nicollet County. This was in 1900, and being elected, he served subsequently through re-election for ten years. He was then elected justice of the peace at St. Peter, which office he held for four years. During this last period he was also assistant county surveyor for two seasons, and for a year and a half deputy county treasurer. In the fall of 1914 he came to Elgin to accept the position of cashier with the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and as such he has since continued, having proved himself efficient both with the bank manage- ment and the general public. His ability as a man of affairs has been recog- nized by his fellow citizens, and in 1917 he was appointed on the board of educa- tion to fill the unexpired term of Dr. W. F. Bleifuss, and at the next election of

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the board he was duly elected to the same position, which he has since con- tinued to fill. In 1917 Mr. Kettner was also elected village treasurer, to which office he was re-elected in 1918, 1919 and 1920, being now its incumbent. His public service has given general satisfaction, and he has taken his natural place as one of the leaders in the community. On June 21, 1904, Mr. Kettner was married at St. Peter, Minn., to Augusta Olson, who was born September 7, 1876. He and his wife have one child, Rosalie Estelle, who was born July 5, 1906, and is now a student in the public schools. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Kettner is a Republican.

Herman C. Schroeder, dealer in automobiles, and proprietor of a garage and repair shop in Elgin village, was born on a farm in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, February 13, 1886, son of Henry and Louise (Scheer) Schroe- der. The father, Henry Schroeder, was a pioneer of the township and county, settling here when the land was covered with timber, which he cleared from his farm, making improvements, and residing on his property until his death in 1905. His wife died in 1904. They had a family of eight children, all of whom are now deceased but two, Herman C. and Alice. The latter is the wife of Otto Streich, a farmer of Elgin Township. Herman C. Schroeder attended district school until arriving at the age of 13 years, after which he continued his studies in the Elgin common -school and high school. After residing on the home farm until reaching the age of 27 years, he moved to the village of Elgin, and for two years drove a car for Dr. Hugh Slocum. Then bought a barn and established a garage, thus beginning an independent business career. In 1919 he erected a tile and brick fireproof garage, 50 by 84 feet, where he conducts a repair shop, and also handles the Hudson and Essex cars and accessories. In addition to this occupation he also operates the village water and power plant. Mr. Schroeder was married in 1907 at Hammond, Minn., to Emma Schalinske, of that place, daughter of Mitchell and Pauline Schalinske. Her mother died in 1918, and her father now resides in Farmington with a daughter. Of their seven children, six are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder are the parents of two children : Della, born in September, 1908, and Lavern, born in June, 1911, both of whom are attending school. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Evangelical Association at Farmington.

Clyde S. Richardson, manager of the Richardson Elevator Co., Inc., of Elgin, was born in Elgin Village, December 27, 1876. He acquired his education in the public and high schools of Elgin, and then began business life in the Richardson Bros.' elevator here, and has since been connected with the concern, becoming vice president and manager of the incorporation. Through long experience he is thoroughly familiar with all its details, and has proved him- self as competent as one of the chief officials of this large and important con- cern as he did when occupying a subordinate position. The First National Bank of Elgin also numbers him among its stockholders. As a good citizen in- terested in the affairs of the community in which he resides, he has served twelve years as a member of the village council. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affilations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Richardson was married December 20, 1894, to Isabelle K. Dunn, who was born in Elgin Township, this county, April 25, 1877, daughter of Walter and Helen (Seeley) Dunn. The children of this union are: Herbert D., born March 2, 1896; Edith S., August 24, 1900; Charles W., August 18, 1911; Eileen R., June 27, 1912; Lois K., August 5, 1914; and Beth L., February 29, 1916.

Walter Dunn, who died at his home in Elgin, December 18, 1916, was for many years one of the leading stock breeders in Wabasha County, of which he was a pioneer settler. He was born in Great Valley Township, Cattaraugus County, New York, November 27, 1846, and there resided with his parents until he was 9 years old, when he came west with them to Dixon, Ill. Ten years later, when he was 19, his parents decided to move to Minnesota, and the family made the trip by team from Dixon to Wauseca. Three years later Mr.

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Dunn came to Elgin to live, and on December 2, 1874, he was united in marriage with Helen Seeley, daughter of Alfred E. and Louise E. Seeley. She was born at Topsham, Vt., June 16, 1856, and when very young had accompanied her parents to Wisconsin and a number of years later to a home near Elgin, Minn. When married to Mr. Dunn she was residing with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richardson. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn began housekeeping in the little house of Mrs. Seeley's, at Seeley Corners, two miles east of Elgin. In the spring of 1876 they moved to the Gould farm, just south of the Corners, where they made their permanent home. . For many years Mr. Dunn was a breeder of blooded stock, his efforts along that line being of great benefit to the farmers of this section. He was prominent in township affairs, holding the office of supervisor for several years, and was an active member of the local creamery association. In the home he was a loving husband and father, a man who took great pleasure in his home life. He was an active member of the local Masonic lodge, and a charter member of the Woodmen lodge of Viola, for a number of years being consul of the order. He was always interested in any progressive move in the community, usually taking an active and leading part therein, and his integrity and sterling qualities won the respect and esteem of a large num- ber of friends and associates. His death came as the result of a severe attack of pneumonia, he having taken cold while attending a cattle show in Chicago the week before. But a few weeks before he had lost his wife, who, after being an invalid for many years, passed away on October 11, 1916. She had been long identified with the order of Royal Neighbors at Viola, and her usefulness as a member and entertainer had secured her a warm corner in the hearts of all. Though not a member of any church, she had warm sympathies with church work, and her life had been an example of unselfish devotion to her family, and her time and energies for the good of the community in which she lived were given with a prodigal hand. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn had six children, all of whom survive, namely : Mrs. J. D. Siem and Mrs. Clyde Richardson, of Elgin; Mrs. C. W. Woodruff, of Chatfield; Mrs. Henry Schroeder, of Viola, and Mrs. Carl Houghton and George Dunn of Elgin.

Nathaniel Hall Moody, who was for 38 years an esteemed citizen of Elgin village, and is now numbered among the departed, was born in North Tun- bridge, Vt., July 23, 1827. He was married March 8, 1851, to Lydia Dickerman, of Topsham, Vt., and for 15 years, or more, thereafter continued to reside in his native state. In January, 1867, he came to Minnesota and settled in Elgin. For two or three years he lived in different houses, successively, and then found a more permanent habitation in which he resided for the rest of his life. He had early learned the trades of carpenter and wagon-maker, which he followed here until his later years, when, on account of failing health, he opened a har- ness repair shop, which he conducted until the last two or three years of his life. He was always a good citizen and neighbor, and enjoyed the love and respect of all, and in the home he was a devoted husband and father. Though for many years more or less of an invalid, he bore his affliction with fortitude, and his sufferings were much mitigated by the unceasing ministrations of his devoted wife. He died at his home in Elgin, December 12, 1905, at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 19 days. On account of the large number of relatives present, his funeral was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his re- mains were sorrowfully laid to rest in the Elgin cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Moody had two children, both daughters: Sybil, wife of Charles S. Richardson, and Sylvia, wife of W. H. Woodward, both of whom survive him. His wife, Mrs. Lydia Dickerman Moody, survived her husband a few years, passing away Sunday morning, January 29, 1911.

Lydia Dickerman Moody was born in the little village of Topsham, Vt., August 28, 1828, daughter of Samuel and Jane Dickerman. Her happy child- hood was spent among the hills of her native state, where she felt herself in close touch with nature, and enjoyed the free, healthful life in the open air

MR. AND MRS. CHARLES RICHARDSON

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amid beautiful scenery, landscapes dotted with flocks and herds, and rippling streams which not far away. were harnessed by man to drive thousands of in- dustries. There she grew to womanhood, trained in the industry and frugality of her generation, skilled in the operation of the old-fashioned spinning-wheel, from which she turned out skeins of snowy yarn, and in all other household duties, which she performed songfully and with cheerful heart and spirits, the tresses of her dark hair making a fitting setting for her pleasant face, which was strikingly beautiful. At the age of 23 years she was married to Nathaniel H. Moody, and with him entered into a fuller life, first at Tunbridge, where his daughter Lydia was born, and shortly after at Wait's River, Vt., where he built up a thriving business. It was there that his other daughter, Sylvia, was born. In 1867, as elsewhere narrated, she came with her family to Elgin, Minn., where the rest of her life was spent, the last year and a half at the home of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Richardson. Mrs. Moody was a woman of very lovable disposition who gathered sunshine from the commonest things of everyday life and spread it around her. In her early youth she had adopted the liberal religion of her father and was a Univeralist, a faith to which she clung to the end, though in Elgin she was far removed from any church of that denomination. As her heart turned lovingly to Vermont, she made its churches the channel of her giving, and was their constant benefactor from as early as 1863. She gave to the Centenary Missionary Fund in 1870, and several times to Goddard Sem- inary; also to the Buckner Home for Girls in Japan, and missions and charities of various kinds and in various localities. Sometimes she clothed her thoughts in poetry, and near the end of her life she said: "I have seen worry and pain, but have enjoyed all the days of my life. God's victory is sure; unto him every knee shall bow; there shall be one field and one shepherd; all evil shall be put down. I rejoice that the day of release is not far off," with other expressions breathing of Christian faith and hope. Her last illness was of about two months' duration and was not accompanied by much suffering. To the last she was surrounded by loving relatives and friends. Her end was peaceful and she left a memory that will long endure. Mrs. Moody came of a numerous family, her father having been twice married. There have been four half brothers and four half sisters, in order as follows: Samuel, Polly, Mary, Lemuel, Elijah,

Betsey, Sally and Lewis. Of her full brothers and sisters there were Rebecca, Persis, Enoch, John and Ezra. Of the half brothers, Elijah was the only one to come to Minnesota to live. Of the full brothers and sisters all except John, who died in Vermont, have been honored citizens of this community. All of the entire family preceded her to their final home, the last to answer the sum- mons being Rebecca, familiarly known as "Grandma Ordway," who passed away in November, 1909, at the ripe age of 82 years. Nearly all the members of the family attained an advanced age.

Charles S. Richardson, who for many years has been one of the leading factors in the commercial development of Elgin, and also a force in the agri- cultural industry, is a native of New England, born in Topsham, Orange County, Vt., October 13, 1844. His parents were Thomas and Ruth (Smith) Richardson, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Vermont, in which lat- ter state the father died when his son, Charles S., was nine years old. In 1858 the mother came west to Rock County, Wis., and in the following year to Elgin, Minn., where she died at the age of 68 years in August, 1862. Charles S. Rich- ardson acquired his education in the district schools of Vermont and of Elgin, Minn., and during his school days gained industrial experience as a farm hand during his vacations and out of school hours. At the age of 15 he worked on a farm in Rock County, Wis., for eight months for $60. When 24 years old he formed a partnership with his brother, H. G., in the operation of a farm of 160 acres, and subsequently he bought his brother's interests and became sole owner. In 1871, with the same brother, and his brother Joseph, he engaged in mercantile business in Elgin, under the firm name of H. G. Richardson & Co.

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Meeting with success, they enlarged the scope of their business, in 1878 estab- lishing a lumber concern under the style of Richardson Bros. Subsequently the Richardson brothers built the elevator west of the present depot, con- ducting it under the firm name of the Richardson Elevator Company, In 1899 Charles S. sold out his interests in the store, retaining those in the lumber yard and elevator. In the meanwhile he and his brother, H. G. Richardson, invested extensively in land, owning together about 2,000 acres, which subsequently they sold. The lumber interests were also closed out about 1889, but the sub- ject of this sketch has still a financial interest in the elevator company. Since giving up the store he has been actively interested in agriculture, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres. He also owns half a section in the southwestern part of North Dakota, and is financially interested in the Zumbro Valley Land Co., of Rochester, Minn., whose holdings are in North and South Dakota. He is also treasurer of the Elgin Co-operative Creamery. While push- ing his own fortunes Mr. Richardson has not been neglectful of the public in- terests, but has always been ready to lend a helping hand to every practical project for the welfare of the community. During his mercantile career he served for a number of years as postmaster, keeping the office in his store, and for a long period he was village treasurer. Whatever he did was done in a whole hearted and thorough manner, giving evidence of that native force of character that has always been one of his chief characteristics. His recollec- tions extend back to an early period and cover the time of the Sioux outbreak in 1863, when, as a youth of 17 he, in company with others, set out for the scene of action, expecting to have a chance to render service. They went by way of Wabasha, up the Zumbro to St. Peter, securing blankets at Wabasha, but having to lay out all night in the rain. Though they did not get into the fighting, they had a memorable experience and after a short time returned home. On March 5, 1871, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Sybil Moody, who was born in Tunbridge, Orange County, Vt., August 3, 1852, and who came to Wabasha County in 1866 with her parents, Nathaniel H. and Lydia Moody. Six children have been born to them: Cylde S., who is now manager of the ele- vator; Thomas W., born December 11, 1894, who is operating the Richardon farm with his nephew, Herbert D. Richmond; Jessie and Ruth, deceased, and two who died unnamed in infancy. Thomas W. married Florence Dewitz and has one child, Hubert. Mr. Richardson is politically a member of the Repub- lican party, and in religion a Universalist. He is a member of Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., and is one of the citizens of Elgin whose character is held in high esteem and whose influence is widespread and powerful for good.

Frank J. Richardson, of Elgin, is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Wabasha County, the best traditions of which he has ex- emplified in his own industrious and successful career. He was born in Elgin Township November 25, 1870, son of Joseph and Ursula E. (Miles) Richardson. His education was acquired in the public schools, and his agricultural training on his parents' farm. For many years he worked for his father, then renting the home farm, he conducted it on his own account for some twelve years, buy- ing it in 1916, after his father's death. It contains 320 acres, situated in sec- tions 22, 23 and 27, the residence being located in section 27. Mr. Richardson followed general farming successfully until 1919, when he sold the farm and retired to Elgin village, where he purchased his present neat and comfortable residence. For eight years he was a member of the Creamery board, and for two years of the town board. Mr. Richardson was married April 16, 1893, to Lizzie Siem, who was born at Breman, Oakwood Township, this county, May 15, 1875, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Siem. Of this union two children have been born: Margaret L., September 11, 1905, who is now attending high school; and Catherine U., February 28, 1912, who is a student in the public school. Mr. Richardson and his family occupy a high social position, and enjoy a wide per- sonal popularity. They are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.

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Richardson belongs to the Masonic order, to the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics is a Democrat. Mrs. Richardson is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter. The comfortable circumstances they now enjoy, with the educational advantages afforded their children by a village residence, have been gained by hard work and thrift in that important industry that is Wabasha County's chief source of wealth, agriculture.

Augustus Eleazer Patchin, father of James Patchin, of Elgin village, was born at Newberry, Ohio, November 21, 1817. He was brought up to farm work, and was married in his native state, January 18, 1838, to Margaret A. McNish, who was born in the town of Salem, Washington County, N. Y., May 31, 1818. In 1848 or '49 Mr. Patchin came with his family to Wisconsin, and for two years resided in the vicinity of Kenosha. He then moved to Wyocena, Columbia County, Wis., where for the rest of his life he was engaged in farming. He died February 14, 1891, having survived his wife just ten years, the date of her death being February 14, 1881. Mr. Patchin was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company D, Tenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, he was incarcerated in Libby prison, and was there when a large number of prisoners made their escape by tunneling, but being incapacitated on account of his wound, he was unable to join them. He was later transferred to the prison at Danville, Va., and still later to that at Macon, Ga., where he was located at the time the great Fourth of July celebration was held there. Altogether he spent some 15 months as a prisoner-from September 20, 1863, to December 23, 1864. He was finally released and was discharged from the service with the rank of first lieutenant. He and his wife were the parents of five children: James, of Elgin, Minn .; Orlo C., of Wyocena, Wis .; John A., a resident of Montana; Herbert, of Wyo- cena, Wis .; and Elbert, who is now deceased.

James Patchin, a highly esteemed resident of the village of Elgin, where he has lived retired for the last 13 years, and who is also a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Newberry, Geauga County, O., March 8, 1844, son of Augustus Eleazer and Margaret A. (McNish) Patchin. His parents having moved to Wyocena Township, Columbia County, Wis., when he was young, he there at- tended the district school, and subsequently engaged in farming in that vicinity until reaching the age of 20 years. The Civil War was then raging, and wish- ing to do his duty as a good patriot, he enlisted May 27, 1864, in Company B., Fortieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as a private. His service, for 100 days, ended with his muster out on September 16, 1864, and he returned home. But in February, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company I, Forty-seventh Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, with which he served until September 4, 1865, when he was mustered out with the rank of corporal. Until 1871 he remained in Columbia County, Wis., engaged for the most part in farm work, and, as he had married soon after the war, having a family to support. Then he came to Minnesota, and made a temporary location in Olmsted County, but soon went to Nobles County, where he took a homestead. On account poor health, however, he found himself unable to work it, and accordingly returned to Olmsted County and rented a farm in Viola Township, of Nelson Stoddard, on which place he re- mained for one year. He then bought a farm of 90 acres in the same township, which he operated for eleven years. He next removed to a farm of 160 acres which he purchased of Henry Stanchfield in Viola Township, and that place he made his home until the spring of 1907, when he retired and bought his present residence in Elgin, subsequently selling his farm. His active career was marked by intelligent industry and was rewarded by success, and he has well earned the prosperity and leisure which he now enjoys. He formerly served several years on the school board, and has always been interested as a good citizen in whatever was for the benefit of the community in which he lived. He is a member of Custer Post, No. 44, G. A. R., of Rocheser. Mr. Patchin was united in marriage March 27, 1866, with Eliza A. Spear, who was

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 66

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