USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 77
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129
466
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
Minn. Charles, born April 9, 1881, is a farmer in Belvidere Township, Good- hue County. Peter, born March 18, 1884, and John, born March 29, 1886, are farming in the same township as John. Fred is operating a farm in section 33, Mt. Pleasant Township. William, born January 19, 1898, was a grocer and mu- sician in Lake City, but died from influenza November 11, 1918. His wife and three children are now residing in Lake City near the home of Mr. Dankers. The Dankers family are members of St. John's congregation (Lutheran) in Lake City, of which the subject of this sketch was a trustee for many years.
Fred Dankers, a general farmer of section 33, Mt. Pleasant Township, who within the last few years has made rapid strides in prosperity, was born in this township, January 2, 1889, son of Deidrich and Margaret (Martin) Dankers. In his boyhood he attended district school regularly up to the age of 15 years, and after that during the winters until the age of 17. After that he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked intermittently until 1912, residing on the home farm until 1906, and working on it when not engaged at his trade. On September 9, 1907, he married Leona, daughter of Peter and Adelia Merkens of Mt. Pleasant Township, and subsequently until 1913 lived on the Merkens' farm, working for his wife's brother, John Merkens, with Mrs. Dankers as house- keeper. In 1913 Mr. Dankers leased the Lewis farm of 240 acres in section 33, Mt. Pleasant Township, which he is still operating, being engaged in general farming, in which he is a thorough adept. He has a good operating equipment and is profitably raising high grade Shorthorn cattle, of which he keeps from 30 to 40 head, and Poland-China hogs, of which he has 40 to 50 head, with full blooded sires at the head of both herds. His political principles have caused him to join the Non-partisan League, and he and his family are affiliated re- ligiously with the Belvidere congregation in Goodhue County. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dankers are: Luellen Alice Anna, March 25, 1909; Melvin William, January 19, 1911; Harry Frederick, September 13, 1912; Erane Flor- ence Lydia, August 9, 1915; Verone Marie, April 2, 1917, and Noranda Cath- erine, January 30, 1919. Mrs. Dankers was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, October 18, 1888, and has always resided in Wabasha County, where she and Mr. Dankers are widely known and enjoy a good social standing.
Fred Sprick, who died June 24, 1920, on his farm in section 30, Mt. Pleasant Township, was a good example of the value of industry and self-reliance, as through the possession of those qualities, together with patience, he rose from a condition of poverty to one of comparative affluence. He was born in Hanover, Germany, September 10, 1848, son of Gustav and Sophia Sprick. His early life up to the age of about 28 years was spent in his native land, where he attended school and subsequently became a farm hand. When he was 14 his mother died, and twelve years later the father, who was a brickmaker, followed his wife to the grave. In the meanwhile, in 1870, the subject of this sketch had assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, marrying Adeline Ehlers. In 1876, with the view of bettering his condition, he came with his wife and three children to the United States, landing in New York City, July 4, just 100 years after this country became a nation. Four days later he and his family arrived in Red Wing, Minnesota, whence they proceeded to Belvidere Township, Goodhue County. There Mr. Sprick found employment for a while at grubbing and general farm work, turning his hand to anything he could find to do, as he was very poor, the expenses of the journey having used up all his funds. He and his family at first lived in a little shack, and when he had contrived to get a cow he had to cut a hole in the side of the bluff to shelter it, covering the entrance with hay and straw. He often walked five or six miles to and from his work and split rails and chopped wood for fifty cents a day. Two more children were born to him, and with the advent of the youngest child, Lydia, the mother took her flight to the spirit land. Mr. Sprick drowned his sorrow as well as he could in hard work, and made gradual progress to a more pros- percus condition of life. In the fall of 1881 he went back to Germany, where
MR. AND MRS. FRED SPRICK
467
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
he found another wife, being married May 21, 1882, to Margaret Klein. With her and her parents he returned to the United States soon after his marriage, and continued to reside in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County until the fall of 1887. He then rented the Follett farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, and was engaged in its operation until 1891. By that time he was becoming prosperous and attracting attention as a man bound to make his way in the world. His next move was to buy the farm on which he died, an improved farm of 160 acres in section 30, Mt. Pleasant Township. There was a fairly good house, but after he had lived in it a while it burned down, and he then erected the present residence, a good, two-story frame structure, substantial and commodious. Other improvements, which he added from time to time, and which now stand on the place, were a frame barn, 30 by 40 by 18 feet in dimensions; a horse barn, 30 by 76 by 16; a granary, 24 by 30 by 12, with a lean-to for tools, 16 by 30; a stave silo, garage, and ice-house, and another residence, 18 by 26, in which his wife's mother now lives, the father, Mr. Klein, having died about 1905. As a general farmer, stock raiser and dairyman, Mr. Sprick made a good record, and continued at work until 1911, when he rented the farm to his son, John, and until his death he and his wife enjoyed a well- earned leisure. Though not a strong party man, he usually voted the Republican ticket, and he and his family were members of the Zumbro Falls M. E. Church, and widely known as useful and respected members of the community. Mr. Sprick was no advocate of race suicide, but, on the contrary, obeyed the scrip- tural command to "increase and multiply," having been the father of eighteen children, five by his first wife and thirteen by his second. All those by his first wife, except one, are now living. They were: Fred, a resident of Lake City; Metta, wife of Henry Luckow of Red Wing; Claus, of Lake City; Minnie, now deceased, who was the wife of Albert Smith of Minneapolis; and Lydia, now Mrs. John Weick of Mt. Pleasant Township. The children by the second Mrs. Sprick have been as follows: Christopher, born June 9, 1883, who died January 13, 1895; Sophia, born October 10, 1884, who is the wife of John Heitman of Mt. Pleasant Township; Margaret, born April 2, 1886, who married Fred Holst of the State of Washington, and died January 31, 1913; John, born April 22, 1887, who is operating the home farm; Henry, born February 8, 1889, now a carpenter residing at home, who was in the World War, serving in France, and in Germany in the army of occupation, and who returned home June 22, 1919; Anna, now Mrs. John Fick of Zumbro Falls; Lillian, born August 15, 1892, who is the wife of Arthur Belmont, of Lake City; Raymond, born July 12, 1894, a farmer and engineer living in Mt. Pleasant Township, and who is married; Amanda, born May 14, 1896, now Mrs. Clarence Klenwood of Dumont, Minn .; Emma, born November 19, 1898, now Mrs. Harold O'Brien of Mt. Pleasant Township; Alfred, born January 6, 1901, who died April 10, 1903; Harry, born April 6, 1903, and Elda, born April 25, 1905, the two last mentioned residing at home. The fact that so few have died out of so large a family gives evidence of good stock on both sides, and it may be added that all the children were well brought up, the survivors reflecting credit on their parents.
Paul Casparis, superintendent of the Wabasha County Poor Farm, was born in Wabasha City, this county, December 9, 1870, son of Paul and Ocenia Casparis. Coming to Minnesota from Germany in 1860, the parents located in Wabasha, where the father followed the occupation of school teacher and dealt in machinery and insurance. Such were his business pursuits for over thirty years except two years which he spent in Big Waumandee Valley, Buffalo County, Wis., engaged in farming. He died in Wabasha in 1891, and was survived by his wife, who is now living in South Wabasha. They had four children: Octavia, now Mrs. John Schallenberg of Wabasha; Paul, subject of this sketch; Anna, wife of Ernest Morin of Wabasha, and Catherine, who is the widow of Bert Edwards and lives in Wabasha. Paul Casparis acquired his education in the common school of Wabasha. He was about 14 years old
468
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
when his father died and was independently active in industrial pursuits there- after, following any profitable employment. On June 18, 1896, he was united in marriage with Caroline Bott, daughter of Frederick and Minnie Bott, both of Wabasha, where he and his wife began housekeeping. In the same year he began work for R. E. Jones, in the latter's grain and coal business and so continued for a number of years. In 1903 he was made electrican and given charge of that part of the business, Mr. Jones then operating the lighting system of the city, including business places and private homes. In that occupation he con- tinued until 1908. After that he worked one year in a lumber yard, and at the end of that time rented a farm in Wabasha Township, which he operated until the end of the year 1916. In the following spring he entered the employ of the county in his present position as superintendent of the county poor farm and has continued in that capacity up to the present time, giving good satis- faction. He is the owner of a nice residence property in Wabasha. Mr. and Mrs. Casparis are the parents of four children: Hazel Fayette, born October 30, 1897; Thelma Ruth, born September 15, 1901; Alleyn Ione, born September 23, 1907, and Anna Louise, born August 13, 1915. Hazel Fayette, who was graduated from the Wabasha High School and the Normal Training School, was a teacher for one year and is now living with her parents. Thelma Ruth and Alleyn Ione are attending school in Wabasha. Mr. Casparis was reared a German Lutheran in religious faith, but he and his family are now affiliated with the Congregational church. Mrs. Casparis has lost both her parents, her father having died in Wabasha, January 1, 1902, and her mother in Minneapolis, June 30, 1919. The father was a miller by trade. Mr. Casparis has two sisters . and a brother, namely: August, in California; Anna now Mrs. Chalmers Robb of Minneapolis; and Louise, who married Robert English.
William Schultz, an early settler in Plainview Township, and now a well known and respected resident of Plainview village, was born in Germany Octo- ber 15, 1848. He came to the United States in 1855, settling in Milwaukee, Wis. From there in the early sixties he came to Minnesota, and for some time resided at Potsdam in Olmsted County. In 1870, being then a young man of 22 years, and his own master, he began farming for himself, buying 240 acres in section 27, Plainview Township, Wabasha County. There he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for 47 years, or until his retirement in 1917, by which time he owned 700 acres, having from time to time made additional land pur- chases. By industry, perseverance and thrift he acquired a competence, and is now enjoying a well earned leisure as a resident of Plainview village. Mr. Schultz was married in 1878 to Ernestenia Rosolack, and he and his wife have had five children: Clara, now Mrs. August Fenske; Amanda and Edward; Reno, wife of Albert Rietlor, and Orlanda, who is living at home. Mr. Schultz and his family are members of the German Lutheran church.
Edward J. Schultz, whose career as a farmer in Plainview Township has been marked by enterprise and rewarded with a high measure of success, was born in this township, February 2, 1884, son of William and Ernestenia (Roso- lack) Schultz. He was educated in the Plainview village school. After assist- ing his father on the home farm until 1909, he began his independent career by renting a farm of 240 acres in sections 10 and 15, Plainview Township, which farm he afterwards purchased. In 1917 he traded that farm for another of the same size, also located in Plainview Township, in section 27, on which he is now living. Here he has continued in general farming and stock raising, keeping a good herd of Hereford cattle, with a full blooded sire at the head. He is doing a prosperous business and has improved his place by the erection of a new residence and out-buildings. He was married, June 12, 1912, to Ida Boehlke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Boehlke, of Plainview Township. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Le Etta L., born May 5, 1913; William E., born June 11, 1915; and Dorothy M., born May 5, 1918. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and have a good social standing in the community.
469
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
Arthur H. Davis, for a number of years one of the hard-working and suc- cessful farmers of Plainview Township, who has recently passed away, was born in this township, December 12, 1866, son of Daniel M. and Virginia (Hale) Davis. The parents, natives respectively of New York and Virginia, at an early day took a claim with Jonathan Fisk in Plainview Township, this county, of which they were pioneers. Both are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1909, and the mother in 1872. Arthur H. Davis was educated in the local schools, and until the age of 26 years resided on his parents' farm, except for one year which he spent in Chicago. He then bought out a livery business in Plainview, which he carried on for about three years. In the year 1900 he gave it up and bought a farm of 100 acres in Olmsted County, where he was engaged in agriculture until 1915. He then sold that farm and bought one of 160 acres in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, on which he made improve- ments, conducting it successfully until his death. That event was to some extent unexpected even by himself. During his early years he had taken a prominent part in athletic sports, in which he obtained a reputation among his associates. Stout of heart, and apparently with a rugged constitution, he had for many years easily performed the strenuous labors of farm life. But the dread disease, tuberculosis, which is no repecter of persons, attacked him about a year ago. He spent a few months at the Wabasha Sanitarium, and for a time seemed greatly improved. After returning home he continued to gain in health, but about eight days before his death he was seized with a severe hemorrhage, which was followed by others, and at 5:30 o'clock, on Mon- day afternoon, March 15, 1920, he passed away, the news coming as a shock to his many life-long friends, few of whom knew that he was ill. Mr. Davis was a man of strong character and type of manhood, vigorous in the pursuit of any undertaking to which he gave his mind. Successful as a farmer and valued as a neighbor and friend, his personality and service to the community will not soon be forgotten. His funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. L. Jones of the Congregational church, and interment was made in Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Davis was married on June 26, 1895, to Carrie G. Boyd, who was born in Plainview, December 10, 1872, daughter of H. P. and Florence (Hamlin) Boyd. Her father and mother were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maine, the former settling in this county in 1866. They were married in Wabasha December 22, 1867, and were subsequently the parents of five chil- dren: Minot, Hattie, Carrie G., Olive Blanche, Chatfield M. and Walton H. Minot is now deceased. Hattie is the wife of Fred Minck, of Winona. Carrie G. is now the widow of Arthur Hale Davis, subject of this sketch. Blanche married William Druey. Walton H. is residing in Plainview. H. P. Boyd, the father of Mrs. Davis, died June 10, 1909. The latter's mother is still living and resides with her. To Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Davis five children were born : Dorothy Leone, September 30, 1896; Florence Virginia, February 16, 1899; Kenneth Arthur, June 16, 1902; Alton Hamlin, June 19, 1904, and Alice Hale, February 18, 1911. Dorothy Leone is the wife of George H. Vermilya and has one child, Shirley J. The other children are residing at home with their mother. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Congrega- tional church, to which Mr. Davis belonged. Politically he was a Republican, but his activities were more along the lines of business and home making than in politics, and in those spheres of action his work was well and faithfully done.
James M. Christison, one of the thriving farmers of Plainview Township, where he has resided for 29 years, was born in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, March 27, 1867, son of Thomas and Jane (Miller) Christison. The parents were Wisconsin farmers who were married in that state, and who are both now deceased, the father having passed away in 1908 and the mother in 1915. James M. received his education in the district schools of Waukesha County, and resided at home on his parents' farm until 22 years of age. He then worked out for two years, after which, in 1891, he came to Wabasha County. After
470
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
working four years for others in this county, he began independent farming, buying 80 acres in section 30, Plainview Township. On that farm he resided until 1912, making good progress financially. When he sold it he bought his present farm of 160 acres, one-half of which lies in section 7 and the other half in section 18. Here he is following mixed farming and dairying, having a herd of 30 Guernsey cattle with a full blooded sire, and also raising Poland-China hogs. With a good practical knowledge of the business and abundant industry, ne is well advanced on the road of prosperity. For three years he has served as clerk on the school board of his district. On February 13, 1901, Mr. Christi- son was united in marriage with Inga M. Christensen, who was born near Co- penhagen, Denmark, May 16, 1879. In 1882 she came to Appleton, Minn., with her parents and resided there nine years, then went to Paynesville, Minn., where she resided until two years before her marriage. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Christison are: Mary J., born October 24, 1902; Florence, July 19, 1904; Alice, September 14, 1906; Helen, November 6, 1908; Lester J., March 6, 1911; and Charles M., February 7, 1915. Mr. Christison and his family are members of the Congregational church. They are people of wide acquaintance, highly esteemed in Plainview Township and the vicinity.
Joseph Richardson, a notable pioneer of Elgin Township, now deceased, was born in Topsham, Vt., July 1, 1832. His early life was spent on the home farm and in attending the common school. At an early age he sold the old home farm for his parents and set out to try his fortune in the great North- west. This was in 1854, and he went first to Barrington, Ill., where he had an uncle for whom he worked two years. In 1856. he came to Wabasha County, Minn., and pre-empted land in sections 22 and 23, Elgin Township. Then re- turning to Vermont, he remained there two years, and settled here permanently with his family in 1858. On March 24, that year, he married Ursula E., daugh- ter of Stephan and Susan Miles, and that summer they spent near Janesville, Wis., moving to Minnesota in the fall. His wife was a native of Waterbury, Vt., born February 28, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson started housekeeping in a little log house that was the pioneer log cabin of the township, having been built by the Bryants, and their farm was what is now known as the J. Q. Rich- ardson place. There they remained for a little over three years, and in Feb- ruary, 1862, moved to the farm about a mile northeast of town, the place Mr. Richardson took as a homestead. For seven years Mr. Richardson conducted farming operations with his brother, to whom he sold an undivided one-half and gained a capital to work on. No books were kept, and at the end of the seven years they divided land (then embracing 280 acres), stock and tools in half a day without words or disagreement of any kind. Mr. Richardson was a shrewd and successful farmer, and from an early day he combined grain rais- ing and stock raising, to which he owed much of his success. Another branch of his business was the raising of fine horses, of which he shipped a number of car loads east. He and his wife remained on the old homestead until 1905, when they moved to Elgin village. On March 24, 1908, they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, on which occasion 108 guests were present, in- cluding many relatives from distant points. Forty-one of the whole number present bore the name of Richardson. It was a notable gathering and the occasion was one long to be remembered by all who participated in it. A bountiful dinner was served, the tables being decorated with white roses, and the names of all the guests were taken down in a dainty little hand-painted book, prepared by Mrs. R. W. Richardson especially for the occasion. Some humorous verses, historically reminiscent, and composed by H. A. Dike, of Spokane, Wash., were read by him during the afternoon, this event taking place on the old home farm then operated by his son Frank. Mr. Richardson was a charter member of the Elgin Masonic lodge. He was politically a life- long Democrat. For six years he served his town as constable, and as town supervisor for two years. He was the senior member of the firm of Richardson
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH RICHARDSON
471
HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
Bros., a grain firm established in Elgin when the railroad went through in 1878. The firm name was changed to Richardson Brothers & Son in 1899. The Richardson farm, consisting of 340 acres, on which his son, Frank J., resided until the fall of 1919, is one of the finest farm homes in the township. Early in 1915 Mr. Richardson's health began to fail, and the last time he was able to get down town was on December 2, after which he was confined to his bed. The end came on Thursday morning, March 30, 1916, when he was relieved from his sufferings, which he had borne with patience and fortitude. Besides his wife, he left six children to mourn his loss, namely : Susan S., (now deceased), wife of D. W. Searles; Clara C., wife of D. G. Ellsbury, of Lucca, N. D .; Lenora, wife of H. A. Filkins ; William H. and Frank J. of Elgin, and Dr. Walter E. Richardson of Slayton. Thomas S., another son, died when about 14 years old. He was also survived by one brother, Charles S. Richardson, the only one remaining of a family of 20 children. Mrs. Ursula E. Richardson survived her husband but a little over four years, passing away at her home in Elgin village, on Monday afternoon, April 26, 1920, at 2:30 o'clock. She had been active up to her eighty- fifth birthday. On the day following she contracted a severe cold, which ter- minated in pneumonia, and from the weakness following this she never re- covered. During her sickness she was always sweet, patient and hopeful and ever mindful of others, which were well known characteristics of her whole life. The funeral services were conducted from the home on Wednesday after- noon, the Rev. E. W. Haley, pastor of the M. E. church, officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Elgin cemetery.
Nicholas Edward Bricher, cashier and director of the Theilman State Bank, and a man who has had a long and honorable business career, was born in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., March 3, 1878, son of John and Mary Bricher. The father and mother were natives respectively of Luxemburg and Bohemia. The former, John Bricher, came to Wabasha County in 1855 among the pioneers, locating on a tract of wild "script" land. In early days, besides improving his property and building up a farm, he taught school for some time. His career was a very successful one. He erected good buildings on his place and developed an excellent farm, and for four years served the county as register of deeds, during that period residing in Wabasha. He died in Kellogg, Minn., in March, 1915. His wife, Mary, came to America as a young girl with her parents, the family settling in Glasgow Township, close to the Bricher home in Highland Township. She is now living with her two daughters in Pasadena, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. John Bricher had ten children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Klein of Highland Township; Frank, who is engaged in the truck farming business at Kellogg; Joseph, who is conducting a fruit farm at Cottage Grove, Ore .; Mary, wife of Andrew McDonough of Highland Township; John D., of Kellogg, who is president of the Minneapolis firm of Lydon, Bricher Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of table pads; Anna, now Mrs. Coleman Lydon, of Pasadena, Cal .; Susan B., wife of Thomas Lydon, of the same place; Nicholas Edward, of Theilman, Minn .; Catherine, wife of John Schneider, of Pasadena, Cal .; and Christopher C., a member of the Lydon, Bricher Co., of Minneapolis, where he resides. Nicholas Edward Bricher acquired his elementary education in the common school, and was subsequently a student at the Wabasha high school and the La Crosse Business College. About 1896 he became manager of the New Wabasha Lumber Co.'s business at Theilman, and was with that company for four years. Then in the spring of 1900 he went with the American Malting Co., of Winona, as manager of their business at Theilman. After a while, however, that company sold their Theil- man interests to the Western Grain & Elevator Co. of Winona, and Mr. Bricher was manager of the Theilman interests of the latter company up to 1911. In June of the year last mentioned he became cashier of the Theilman State Bank, of which institution he was one of the organizers and incorporators, and this position he has since retained. The village of Theilman has found in him an
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.