History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 79

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 79


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Elijah Ordway, one of the early merchants of the village of Elgin, where for a number of years he was engaged in the hardware business, and also held public office, was born in the town of Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont, February 27, 1834. His parents were Benjamin and Mary (Dickerman) Ordway, natives of the same locality, where the Ordways had been long established, and were numerous, as Elijah's paternal grandfather, Benjamin, was one of 22


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children. Elijah grew up on a farm in Orange County, and for a number of years agriculture was his regular occupation. In March, 1854, he was married to a distant relative, Rebecca Dickerman, who was born in Topsham, Vt. For a number of years they remained in their New England home, but in 1866 Mr. Ordway came with his family to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and settled on a tract of land in section 34, Elgin Township. After two years' work on it he removed to a location farther north, where he remained four years or more. Then in 1874 he removed to the village and engaged in the hotel business for a while. This he relinquished to open a hardware store, but apparently the move was premature, as he soon sold out, and the store was afterwards closed up. The coming of the railroad created new and better conditions, and Mr. Ordway, in the spring of 1881, in company with a son, again entered into the hardware business, opening a store on Park street, east of the depot. This time success crowned his efforts and he continued in the business for the rest of his life, except for a time under President Cleveland's first administration, when he served as postmaster. He died June 24, 1890. Aside from his business interests, Mr. Ordway proved himself a public-spirited citizen by devoting a part of his time to the affairs of the community. He was for five years or more supervisor of the town, serving two years as chairman of the board, and his energy and perseverance were the chief factors in the establishment of a handsome school building in the village, education being a subject in which he was always deeply interested. Politically he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a Universalist. His wife survived him a number of years, passing away November 2, 1909. They were the parents of four children: Benjamin S., now residing in Elgin village; Alonzo, now deceased; Mary Jane, who died in Vermont at the age of two years; and Stillman, who is also now deceased. The son Alonzo was for a number of years his father's partner in business. He married Augusta Beier, a native of Germany.


Benjamin S. Ordway, a well known and respected citizen of Elgin, of which village he has been a resident for many years, was born in Orange County, Vermont, October 17, 1854, son of Elijah and Rebecca (Dickerman) Ordway. , In 1866, as a boy of twelve years, he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, and subsequently spent some years on their farms in Elgin Township, acquiring his education in the public schools. His early industrial experience was along agricultural lines, but later, taking up his residence in the village, he engaged in the livery business, which he followed for 28 years. He also served as marshal for many years, and for twelve years was deputy sheriff. For the past seven years he has been engaged in light occupation as janitor. of the high school. He is a member of Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M. On January 24, 1880, Mr. Ordway was united in marriage with Elizabeth Sen- rick, who was born in Wabasha village, this county, August 7, 1857, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Frank) Senrick. Her parents were natives of Ger- many who were married in Wabasha. The father, originally a carpenter by trade, was later engaged in farming in Wabasha and Olmsted counties. His first wife died October 29, 1868, and he married secondly Emilia Block, who is also now deceased. Of the second union two children survive: Herman, of Cooperstown, N. D., and Anna, who is now Mrs. Albert Erdman, of Winona. Mr. Senrick spent his last years in Rochester, where he lived retired until his death, August 18, 1899. The children by his first wife Elizabeth were Eliza- beth, William, Henry, Mary, Charles, Pauline and Emma, of whom Charles is now deceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ordway: May Elizabeth, January 30, 1881; and Gertrude Hazel, August 1, 1888. May is now the wife of C. G. Lyon, of Vera, Wash., and has one child, Fern. Gertrude is the wife of Hollie Ketchum, of Slope Center, N. D., and has two children, Je- rome B. and Neil E. The family are connected religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Ordway is a member of the local Chapter of the East- ern Star.


GUSTAV STAUDACHER AND FAMILY


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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY


Charles H. Mancilman, who owns and operates a productive farm of 160 acres in section 33, Lake Township, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July 22, 1874, son of John and Caroline Mancilman. When he was nine years old his parents emigrated to Wabasha County, Minnesota, settling on a small farm in Gilford Township. They were in poor circumstances, the father having but $10 in money when he arrived here. They were hard working people, how- ever, and survived pioneer hardships, in time developing their farm. It is not many years since they passed away, John Mancilman dying in 1904, and his wife in 1916. Charles H., on account of his parents' impecunious condition, . had but slight educational opportunities, being obliged to help on the farm at an early age, and he also worked out when very young. School was a long dis- tance away, moreover, and there were no roads. He spent a number of years in practical farm labor working for others, but in 1910 he rented a farm of Henry Moechnig, in West Albany Township, which he operated for five years, making independent progress. In the fall of 1914 he bought the Matt Wise farm of 160 acres on section 33, Lake Township, which was an improved farm with a fairly good frame house and some other buildings. He has suited it better to his requirements by the erection of other and better buildings. These include. a modern frame barn, 36 by 80 by 14 feet, with a 9-foot basement and cement floor, furnished with the Moyer equipment of steel stanchions for cattle and running water, together with a cream-house in connection, 12 by 14 feet in size ; a machine shed, 20 by 30 by 8 feet; and a silo 14 by 40 feet, 120-ton capac- ity, built by the Kalamazoo Silo Co., poultry house and cribs. He has a first class operating equipment, and is carrying on general farming with profitable results, breeding high grade cattle, having at the head of his herd a full blooded Hereford sire. He also has a herd of Chester-White hogs which is in- creasing in size from year to year. His farm is situated six and a half miles from Lake City, which makes a convenient market. To attain his present pros- perous condition Mr. Mancilman has had to work hard, but he has also been aided by his wife, who has done her part in carefully directing the affairs of the household. He was married September 22, 1910, to Lydia Emma Moechnig, of West Albany Township, and who was born April 21, 1881. They are mem- bers of the M. E. church at Lake City, and in politics Mr. Mancilman is a Re- publican. Their children are: Dorence, born June 29, 1911; Wilbur, June 21, 1913; Henry, April 18, 1916; Alfred, November 5, 1917, and Caroline, May 9, 1919.


Gustave Staudacher, who is numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of Plainview Township, was born in Canada, July 7, 1868. He was educated in the district schools of the Dominion and in Minnesota. At the age of nine years he came to the States with his parents, Leonard and Augusta (Demm) Staudacher, who took a farm in Watopa Township, Wabasha County, which they operated until 1908, when they retired. The father died in 1919, but the mother is still living on the home farm with her daughter, Mrs. Annie Rollins .: Gustave Staudacher remained at home with his parents until arriving at the age of 21 years. During the next nine years he was in the employ of R. C. Wright and others at farming, working steadily and practicing economy, so that at the end of that period he was able to rent the Murray farm, which he operated on his own account for three years. He then bought his present farm of 160 acres in section 11, Plainview Township, on which he has made a number of improvements, and operating with profitable results, raising the usual crops, and breeding Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, having blooded sires at the head of his herds. As a citizen he takes an active part in local affairs, and is now serving as supervisor on the town board. For fourteen years also he has been treasurer of School District No. 71, having the confidence of his fellow citizens in all matters of public trust. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally a member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 16, of Plainview. Twenty- four years ago Mr. Staudacher assumed the responsibilities of domestic life,


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being united in marriage, February 15, 1896, with Gertrude Wood, who was born May 21, 1877, daughter of Orren and Esther (Smith) Wood, of Plainview Township. He and his wife are the parents of three children : Esther, born December 13, 1897; Merle, born January 19, 1902; and Naoma, born January 28, 1903. Esther is a graduate of the Plainview high school. All the children are residing at home, Merle and Naoma attending high school at Plainview.


Orren Wood, an extensive farmer owning and operating land both in Plain- view Township, Wabasha County, and in Winona County, was born in the state of New York, May 20, 1848, son of Arnold and Christina (Rorick) Wood. After acquiring his education in the public schools of his native state, he came west in 1869, and settling in Wabasha County, Minnesota, bought 80 acres of land in section 2, Plainview Township. From that small beginning he made steady progress until he had increased the area of his farm to 240 acres. This in- cluded land rented in 1887 from his father-in-law, Thomas Smith, which he bought in 1889. He also acquired the farm of 67 acres in Winona County on which his son is now residing, having rented the larger farm in 1918 to his son Byron. He is a man who has made a reputation as a successful farmer and a good citizen, and is widely known throughout this locality. Mr. Wood was married December 3, 1875, to Esther Smith, who was born at Read's Landing, Wabasha County, Minn., February 10, 1853, daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Williamson) Smith, natives respectively of Illinois and Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were among the earliest settlers in Wabasha County, having arrived here in 1849. In October, 1852, they settled on Greenwood Prairie, taking 160 acres in section 2, Plainview Township, and were therefore pioneers of that locality also. Thomas Smith died in January, 1887, his wife having passed away 18 years before, in 1869. They were the parents of ten children, the eld- est of whom, John, born February 21, 1850, was the first white child born in the county. Their second child was Thomas, and their third Esther (Mrs. Orren Wood), who was the second white girl born in the county, the first hav- ing been Jennie Read. Their other children were: Julia, now the widow of Marcenus Sargent, of Plainview Township; George, who is deceased; Edwin, now living in Minnesota; Francis, of South Dakota; Ellen, deceased; Mary, wife of Al Glenn; and Hannah, wife of Orrin Fuller, of Pepin, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Orren Wood are the parents of four children: Gertrude, born May 21, 1877; Byron, April 19, 1880; Flossie, June 1, 1884; and Iven, June 14, 1893. Gertrude, who is the wife of Gustave Staudacher, of Plainview Township, has three children : Esther, Merle and Naoma. Byron married Eleanor Wentworth, and also has three children, Leslie, Leah and Marvel. Flossie is the wife of Henry La Rocque, of Plainview Township, and has one child, J. Clifford. Iven, who is the active manager of his father's farm in Winona County, married Amanda Schukart.


Mrs. Elizabeth Steinke, who with the assistance of her children, is conduct- ing a profitable farm in Plainview Township, was born in a log house on the farm which she now owns and operates, April 12, 1868, daughter of Felix and Katie (Marnach) Har, her parents being well known pioneers of this locality. She was given the best education afforded by the rural schools, and both before and after her marriage continued to reside on the home farm, which was deeded to her on her father's death in 1906. It contains 1171/2 acres and is a good piece of agricultural property, the land being fertile and the buildings in good condition. On June 10, 1902, Miss Elizabeth Har was married to Augustus G. Steinke. He was born in Germany, August 7, 1869, and there received his education. Coming to America at the age of 16 years, he located at Modena, Wis., whence he came in 1900 to Wabasha County, where his mar- riage to Elizabeth Har took place, as above mentioned. Together they con- ducted the farm until his death on May 29, 1916. For two years subsequently Mrs. Steinke rented the property, but in 1918 she again took up its management, and with the help of her sons is making a success. Mr. Steinke had made a


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number of improvements, having, among other things, put a basement under the barn, dug a well, and erected a silo. Mrs. Steinke is now remodeling and repairing the barn, and making other improvements. She has four children, who were born as follows: Alta L., April 5, 1903; George I., August 16, 1904; Howard, December 11, 1905, and Nina R., November 2, 1907. Alta L. is now a student in the high school. All are living at home, George and Howard help- ing with the farm work.


Frank A. Kappler, proprietor of a farm of 160 acres in section 23 and 24, Lake Township, was born in West Albany Township, this county, August 20, 1869, son of John and Amstina Kappler. The parents were natives of Germany but were married in Pepin, Wis., in 1862, and soon after settled in West Albany Township, Wabasha County, Minn. Later, when their son, Frank A., was but a child, they moved to Lake City, where they remained for about four years, then moved to Lake Township and settled on 160 acres in section 13, the location commanding a view of Lake Pepin and the Wisconsin bluffs. There they developed a good farm, erecting a frame house, a barn and other buildings. The property is now occupied by their son Edward. John Kappler died a num- ber of years ago, but his wife is still living, being a resident of Lake City. Frank A. Kappler in his boyhood days attended school both in Lake Township and Lake City. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and in 1895 bought 160 acres of improved land on sections 23 and 24, Lake Township, the tract, however, being without buildings. These he has himself erected, and now has 120 acres of the land under the plow. His house is a comfortable two-story structure of ten rooms, and his barn measures 36 by 70 by 16 feet with a ten- foot basement. He has good teams and a modern operating equipment, and is successfully carrying on general farming, keeping a good grade of Shorthorn cattle. Religiously he was reared a Catholic and is a member of St. Mary's parish at Lake City. He is a member of the Farmers' Elevator Co., and the Lake Pepin Co-operative Creamery Co., both of Lake City and is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association.


Simon Failing, who for a brief period was numbered among the pioneers of Lake Township, and whose descendants are now prominent here, came of Puritan stock, and spent a part, at least, of his early life in Oswego County, New York. Seeking to better his fortune in the Northwest, he came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, in 1861, accompanied by his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Munger, and four children, Clarence Eugene, Charlotte, William and Emma. To pay the expenses of the journey and provide capital he had sold the little farm he owned in New York State, but it brought no large sum, and it cost something to move the family of six persons, so he began here with but little. They arrived July 4th, and doubtless celebrated the day in true American fashion. Of "Dick" Fitzsimmons, a pioneer, they bought 160 acres in section 19, Lake Township, three and a half miles south of Lake City. It was mostly wild grub and prairie land, but Mr. Fitzsimmons had cleared about 18 acres, and there was a small board house and one or two log structures for barns. There Mr. Failing began the laborious task of developing a farm, but misfortune soon overtook him and his family. Two of the children, William and Emma, died of diphtheria, and in 1868, seven years after their settlement, death called Mr. Failing, and he passed from this life leaving his widow with two children, Clarence Eugene and Charlotte. Confronted with this situation, Mrs. Failing hired help and kept her family on the farm, which she improved. Subsequently she married John O'Brien, a farmer of Lake Township. She is still living, being now 84 years old and a resident of Lake City. The daughter, Charlotte, became the wife of William Watson of Lake Township, but is now deceased. Clarence Eugene is now a prominent farmer of Lake Township, the owner and operator of the old home farm.


Clarence Eugene Failing, one of Lake Township's most progressive farmers, was born at Granby, Oswego County, New York, April 29, 1856, son of Simon


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and Sarah (Munger) Failing. He was a few months over five years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and settled with them on the farm on which he is now living. Of this, at the age of 21, he became the manager, and subsequently the owner by purchase, since which he has added 11 acres, making a farm of 171 acres. He has spent many years in its development and has something to show for his labor. One hundred and sixty acres are now under the plow and produce good crops, and he has greatly improved the place by the erection of new buildings, which include a com- fortable frame house; a frame barn 40 by 62 by 14 feet, a 120-ton stave silo, machine shed, granary and other necessary structures. With a good operating equipment he carries on stock raising and dairying, keeping grade Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and a visible evidence of his prosperity is a good automobile. For 35 years he has served as clerk of the school board, and for 10 years he was town assessor. Mr. Failing is a member of the M. W. A. of Lake City, and a stockholder in the Lake Pepin Co-operative Creamery, and in the Farmers' Elevator, both of Lake City, and is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association of Lake City. In all things he has proved himself a good American and a useful citizen. In his upward career he has had the help of a good wife, having been married April 5, 1882, to Ida, daughter of George and Margaret Watson, of Lake Township. Seven children have been born to them: Herbert, Clarence, Florence, Isabella, George, Ernest and Jesse, the last men- tioned of whom has the misfortune to be a cripple. Herbert is working as a farm hand. Clarence took part in the World War, serving about four months in France. He returned home on the steamer Northwestern, which met with an accident on the trip, being stranded, but he got ashore, and is now a member of the police force in Seattle, Wash. Florence is now Mrs. Harry Beck of Lake City. Isabella is the wife of Lloyd K. Johnson of Weaver, this county. George, who served in the recent war, was for several years located in Winona as dairy inspector. He is now a veterinary surgeon in Lewiston, Minn. Ernest is working on the home farm with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Failing are prominent members and workers in the Methodist Episcopal church at Lake City. Politically he is a Republican.


Francis M. Bigelow, an early settler in Wabasha County, and a joint owner with his son of considerable land in Elgin Township, though now residing in Rochester, Minn., was born in the village of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, September 25, 1843, son of Lawson T. and Mary (Hill) Bigelow. The founders of the Bigelow family in this county were John and Mary (Warren) Bigelow, who were among the early settlers of the Massachusetts colony in the early part of the seventeenth century. The parents of Francis M. were farmers, and he was early trained to agricultural pursuits, acquiring his educa- tion in the common schools. In 1864 he joined the stream of emigration to Minnesota, taking a farm of 160 acres in Elgin Township, Wabasha County. Later he bought 320 acres in section 29, Elgin Township, and after that 160 acres in Haverhill Township, Olmsted County, where he resided and was en- gaged successfully in general farming, stock raising, and the raising of small fruits and apples, his orchard at one time being the largest in the state. He resided on the farm till 1902, when he moved to Rochester. In 1904 he bought 210 acres in Rochester Township, all of which is now platted for city property, except three acres, on which tract he is living retired, and very well to do. During his career on the farm he became well known as a breeder and importer of high grade cattle. Politically he is a staunch Republican. Mr. Bigelow was married July 4, 1863, to May D. Hopson, by whom he has had nine children, namely: Albert W., born April 14, 1864, who died in 1916; Frank E., born April 4, 1866, who died in 1914; Arthur A., born January 20, 1868, now a :resi- dent of Claremont, Minn .; Schuyler, born November 27, 1869, who is on the farm at Haverhill, Minn .; Maude A., born December 29, 1871, now Mrs. E. Parker, of Shovel Lake, Minn .; Hattie L., born April 21, 1874, who is the wife


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F. M. BIGELOW AND FAMILY


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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY


of John Harvey of Rochester; Stella E., born February 10, 1876, now Mrs. Frank Titterington, of Marion Township, Olmsted County; Alfred W., born January 19, 1878, who lives in section 3, Rochester Township, Olmsted County ; and Howard H., born May 4, 1880, who is residing on the old home farm in Elgin Township, where in association with his father he owns 600 acres of land. Mr. Bigelow is a member of the Masonic order and of the Methodist Episcopal church. He also belongs to the Old Settlers' Association of Elgin. He was one of the builders up of this county, where he still has many friends, and his record as a Minnesota pioneer, successful farmer, and exemplary citizen is one in which his family can take pride.


Fred H. Markwardt, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Plainview Township, was born in Germany, November 2, 1864, son of Fred and Caroline (Schroeder) Markwardt. The father, a laborer by occupation, died in Germany in 1870, having survived his wife about a year. Fred H. Markwardt was edu- cated in his native land and was subsequently engaged in farming there until he came. to America in 1889. Locating first in Winona County, Minnesota, he worked out on farms for four years, after which for nine years he operated a rented farm on his own account. Having by that time made some financial progress, he bought his present farm of 160 acres in sections 2 and 3, Plain- view Township, Wabasha County, the residence standing in section 3. He has remodeled the buildings, erected fences and made general improvements, and is successfully engaged in mixed farming. As a stock raiser he is breeding into Durham cattle, and also raises Duroc-Jersey hogs and Percheron horses. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Markwardt was married March 29, 1894, to Martha Michael, of Olmsted County, who was born near Lewiston in Winona County January 17, 1876. He and his wife are the parents of four children, born as follows: Anna, September 29, 1895; Arthur, March 23, 1901; Emma, January 7, 1903; and Walter, February 28, 1915. All are residing at home.


Carl M. Holst, who passed from this life at his home in Plainview Town- ship, January 19, 1920, was a man who had achieved a good measure of success along agricultural lines, and developed a valuable property and a comfortable home. He was born in Germany, November 20, 1864, son of Christ and Louise (Raatz) Holst. As a youth he attended school in Germany, but in 1886, in his twenty-second year, came to Minnesota, locating in Plainview village. For a year he worked out at farming, and then for a few years operated farms under rental. Industrious and economical, he saved his money until he was able to buy a farm of 240 acres in section 20, Plainview Township. After operating it for three years he sold it and bought one of 200 acres in section 27. In 1918 he sold 125 acres of that property and moved onto his farm of 160 acres in section 28, which he had bought ten years before, and this he continued to operate until his death. Since that event the farm has been successfully con- ducted by his two sons, Carl and Herman. The property includes a new mod- ern house of eight rooms, provided with a hot air furnace. Mr. Holst was married February 2, 1888, to Gusta Schwartz, who was born in Germany, Decem- ber 7, 1867, and came to America in 1886. The issue of this marriage was eight children, all now living, namely: Amanda, born June 15, 1889; Carl W., December 15, 1890; Alvina, September 1, 1892; Herman, February 2, 1895; Mabel, March 13, 1899; Alta, June 26, 1902; Reuben, April 2, 1904; and Robert, June 15, 1906. Alvina is the wife of Henry Miller, of Plainview Township, and has three children, Ellen, Luetta and Milton. Herman married Anna Schultz. Mabel is the wife of Jonathan Loppnow, of Plainview Township. The family are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church. In April, 1920, Mrs. Holst moved to the village of Plainview, where she now resides with Alta, Reuben, Robert and Amanda:




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