History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 85

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

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Charles B. Harrison, a prominent farmer. of Lake Township, residing in section 6, was born in this township October 7, 1875, son of Baker and Mary (Merrill) Harrison. He was trained to agricultural pursuits. When starting in for himself he started on his father's farm, which is his inheritance. At the time it came into his possession it contained 80 acres, but he has increased its area to 120 by the purchase of adjoining land. It is well provided with buildings, the residence being a comfortable frame house. He has built a barn 30 by 68 feet, with a full basement of eight feet for cattle, and a lean-to 16 by 28 for horses, the barn being fitted up with steel stanchions and a Sharp-

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less milking-machine, and with running water in every stall. He has also erected a silo of 125 tons' capacity. Since 1902 Mr. Harrison has devoted his chief attention to dairying, milking from 25 to 30 Guernsey grade cows. He also breeds Guernsey cattle, and does enough general farming to furnish food for his animals, feeding to them everything that he raises on the farm, except what he and his family use. In this line of business he has achieved good results, and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He is a stockholder in the Lake City Co-operative Creamery and is now its presi- dent. Mr. Harrison is a man of good mechanical ability and erected all his own buildings. Politically he is a Republican and has served as school director. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. It was on De- cember 23, 1899, that he assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage with Minnie, daughter of Louis and Sabra Burg, of Mt. Pleasant Township, who came to Wabasha County in the early sixties. Of this union two children have been born: Claude, December 17, 1902, who is a stu- dent in the Lake City high school, and Ruth, born May 31, 1906, who is attending school. Mrs. Charles B. Harrison, who was born May 12, 1875, acquired her education in the Lake City high school and the high school at Colfax, Wash.

Samuel Peters, a veteran ship builder, and one of the best known and most respected citizens of Wabasha city, was born on Cape Breton Island, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river, Canada, January 31, 1829, son of Samuel and Mary (Anderson) Peters. He was reared on his parents' farm, in his boyhood attending the common school, after which his educational period, so far as schools were concerned, came to an end. After remaining at home until the age of 21, he went to East Boston, Mass., where he began to learn the trade of ship building, working there three years. In 1853 he returned to his native place, and soon after built his first boat, a sailing vessel, at Sidney, Nova Scotia. For a brief period after that he was engaged in bridge work, but soon returned to ship building. Late in the fifties he returned to Massachusetts, but when the Crimean war broke out in 1859, he returned to Nova Scotia, where he followed his trade. At the close of the war he went to Massachusetts, where he followed his trade both at Boston and Cape Cod, for a short period, then again returned to Sidney, Nova Scotia, and there followed the ship building business until 1880; coming that year to the United States, he located in Minnesota and entered the employ of the Batchelor Boat Building Co. at Stillwater. Later he went to Montana, where he superintended the building of the "Crescent," a freight and passenger steamer for service on Flathead Lake and River. This done, he returned to Stillwater, re-entering the employ of the Batchelor com- pany. He was a second time called to Montana, on this occasion to build a smaller vessel for the Flathead Lake and Columbia River service. His work in Montana occupied altogether about three years. After his second return to · Stillwater, he remained there until 1893, in which year he came to Wabasha and leased the Wabasha boat yard. This he purchased in the spring of 1894 and has since operated it, his son, William, having been for some years asso- ciated with him. Among the many boats he has built may be mentioned espe- cially the "Frontenac," the "Sam Peters," the "Orion," the "Ed Douglass," the "Phil Shackel," the "Gazelle," the "Virginia," the "Harriet," the "Keokuk," the "Blackhawk" and "The Crescent," and he has also done much repairing and rebuilding. Several of the boats he built he operated for a season or more. Mr. Peters has always been a hard worker and continued actively engaged until the summer of 1919. A Republican in politics, while in Stillwater he served as assessor for two terms. In Wabasha he served one term as alderman, and was elected for a second term, but resigned. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance and in favor of the prohibition movement. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Peters was married February 18, 1866, to Anne Muggah, a native of Nova Scotia, and of Scotch descent, who

SAMUEL PETERS

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church. She died October 2, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Peters were the parents of four children: Isabella, George, William and Emma. Both Isabella and George are now deceased. William, who was born in Nova Scotia, November 10, 1872, has been associated with his father since beginning industrial life. He is a practical ship builder, and now manager of the Wabasha yard. He is unmarried. Emma, who is also unmar- ried, was graduated from the Winona Normal School and subsequently taught school in Grand Forks, N. D., Spring Grove, Minn., and Wabasha, Minn. She is now engaged in keeping house for her father and brother. Mr. Peters comes of a sturdy line of Scotch-Irish ancestors, and is a remarkably well preserved man for his age. His wife was the daughter of an old sea captain, and in her family and among her relatives were no less than 42 masters of sea-going boats.

Leroy A. Goodrich, editor of the Lake City Graphic Republican, was born in Durand, Pepin County, Wis., April 8, 1875, son of Philo W. and Mary A. (Scott) Goodrich. Philo W. Goodrich, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Chautauqua County, New York, and was 13 years of age when he came with his parents to Durand, Wis., where he has resided for 63 years. He was reared on their farm, but subsequently engaged in mercantile business, in which he has been very successful. He is now engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Durand. His wife, Mary A. Scott Goodrich, was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and died in November, 1919. Leroy A. Good- rich was educated, so far as the usual branches of study are concerned, in the graded and high school of Durand. For several years thereafter he taught country school, and then took a business course at Red Wing. He began his newspaper experience as one of the proprietors and publishers of the Entering Wedge, of Durand, and was thus engaged for twelve years, during which time he gained a thorough insight into journalistic methods as practiced in small towns and cities. In 1907 he purchased the Lake City Graphic Sentinel, which he conducted successfully. In 1910 the Lake City Printing Co. was organized, Mr. Goodrich becoming vice president of the concern. A consolidation of the "Graphic Sentinel" was then made with the Lake City Republican, and the paper has since been issued as the Lake City Graphic-Republican, with Mr. Goodrich as editor and manager. The paper was issued bi-weekly until 1918 and has a circulation of nearly 2,000. In connection with it a first-class job printing office is maintained. Mr. Goodrich has been a hard worker, and his efforts have been well directed and have accomplished results. He enjoys a wide personal popularity due to the respect-inspired by his ability and to his cheerful and genial disposition. Mr. Goodrich was married in June, 1901, to Maude J., daughter of Wesley W. Gue, of Lake City. Her parents were early settlers in Pepin County, Wis., coming from New York state. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich: Leroy A., Jr., May 16, 1905; and Mary Evelyn, who is now deceased. Mr. Goodrich belongs to the Lake City Commandery K. T., No. 6, to the Odd Fellows' lodge, and other fraternal orders in Lake City.

Frank H. Ferguson, an enterprising farmer of Elgin Township, who is a prominent town official, was born in Elgin Township December 30, 1867, son of Daniel F. and Emma (Dodge) Ferguson. The father was a native of New York state, where he was educated. In 1856 he came west to Illinois, where for three years he remained engaged in farming. In 1859 he came to Wabasha County, Minn., and from that time until 1898 he was engaged in farming in Elgin Township. Then retiring, he moved to Elgin Village, remaining there until the death of his wife on February 18, 1906. The remainder of his life was spent at the home of his son, Frank H., where he died September 16, 1911. His marriage to Emma Dodge took place November 27, 1855. They had two chil- dren: Frank H. and Roy A., the latter of whom is now living in the state of Montana. Frank H. Ferguson was educated in the Elgin Village school. He

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worked with his father until 1895, in which year he became manager, and afterwards owner, of his present farm of 160 acres in sections 17 and 22, Elgin Township, on which he is successfully carrying on general farming, including stock raising and dairying. His equipment includes a B. L. K. milking-machine, in addition to a full complement of the usual farm machinery. His herds of Guernsey cattle and Duroc swine have full-blooded sires at their head. He has made some valuable improvements on his place, having erected a basement barn 34 by 50 feet, a large cow barn, and other outbuildings. Mr. Ferguson served nine years on the Elgin Township school board, and since 1911 has held the office of town treasurer, the affairs of which he has administered to the satisfaction of the community. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, including the Eastern Star Chapter; also to the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married May 27, 1895, to Maude Dickerman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Dickerman, and of this union have been born eight children: Hazel E., July 4, 1896; Milva E., November 12, 1897; Herbert L., June 13, 1899; Elmer R., February 10, 1901; Mabel L., May 9, 1903; Neil C., Septem- ber 14, 1906; Carol H., November 23, 1910; and Kenneth F., March 4, 1912. Hazel E. is now a student at Hamline University. Milva E. is the wife of Melvin Gilberts, of Rochester, Minn. Elmer R. died when nearly five years old, on January 27, 1905. Herbert L. and all the younger children are residing on the home farm. The Ferguson family is one of high standing in this com- munity, where Mr. Ferguson is recognized as an enterprising and public spir- ited citizen.

Frederick Betcher, a well known and respected resident of Lake City. now retired, was born in Pommern, Germany, July 25, 1850, son of Ludwig and Dorothy Betcher, who were farmers. He attended school i .. his native land, but relinquished his studies at the age of 15 to work on a large farm, ind was subsequently employed as a farm hand there until reaching the age of 22. On October 29, 1872, inspired by a letter received from a brother who had pre- viously settled in the United States, he, himself, resolved to seek his fortune in this country, set out and in due time was landed among a crowd of immi- grants at Castle Garden, New York. Thence he came directly to Goodhue County, Minn., where his brother, William, had arrived in 1870. With little trouble he found work as a farm hand, being employed largely in grubbing, fencing and teaming, and at the end of 13 months found himself in possession of $200-not a very large sum for that much work, but in those days farm labor was cheap, as also were farm products. For a number of years Mr. Betcher continued working for others, taking care not to squander his money, and at last felt himself able to establish a home and work on his own account and more directly for his own benefit. To secure the home a wife was neces- sary, and his affections were already engaged to Mary Ehlers, of Lake City, daughter of Martin and Elaine (Moult) Ehlers. She was born in Germany, December 24, 1855, and was 28 years old when she came to the United States. His marriage with her took place August 1, 1884, and they began housekeeping on the Berchtol farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, where they remained five years. Their next home was on the Petsinger farm in the same township, where three years were spent. From there they moved to the Al Maybe farm in that township, which proved a more permanent location, as they remained there 14 years. Mr. Betcher then bought the Reade farm in sections 21 and 22, Lake Township. This was an old improved place of 260 acres, with 180 acres under the plow, and situated four miles south of Lake City. Mr. Betcher increased the tilled area to 200 acres, rebuilt the house, making it a good frame structure of eight rooms, rebuilt the barn, and added other buildings. The barn measures 38 by 70 by 16 feet, having a full basement, and among the other buildings, mostly the product of Mr. Betcher's enterprise, are a machine shed 24 by 40 by 10, a granary 24 by 40 by 10, a double corn crib 18 by 24 by 10, a stone poultry house 18 by 30, and a steel windmill. There he carried on gen-

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HUGH R. SMITH

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eral farming with profitable results until 1915, when he rented the farm to his son, Edward L., and retired, buying a residence in Lake City, which he and his wife now occupy. During his active career he served as school director and for some years was treasurer of Lake Township. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with St. John's Lutheran congregation at Lake City. Mr. and Mrs. Betcher are the parents of five children: Catherine, born March 14, 1886, now Mrs. George Von Helmst, of Lake City; Margaret, born June 14, 1889, wife of Reinhardt Kuyath, a farmer of Lake Township; Anna, born April 27, 1890, wife of Charles Miller, residing near Zumbro Falls, this county ; Edward, born March 6, 1893, who is on the home farm; and Emma, born February 15, 1897, who is the wife of George Peters, manager of Dr. Shores' stock farm in Goodhue County.

Edward L. Betcher, one of the best known among the younger farmers of Lake Township, was born March 6, 1893, in Mt. Pleasant Township, son of Frederick and Mary (Ehlers) Betcher. He was reared on his parents' farm, and in his boyhood attended district school up to the age of 14 years. On his parents' retirement in 1915, and removal to Lake City, they left the farm in his hands, and he is the owner of the stock and operating equipment. The stock includes from 30 to 40 head of a good grade of Shorthorn cattle, and a herd of 20 to 30 Chester-White swine, not to mention an adequate number of good work horses; while in addition to the usual farm machinery, all of mod- ern type, Mr. Betcher owns a five-passenger Chevrolet car. Two hundred acres of the total farm area of 260 are under cultivation. Enterprising and indus- trious, Mr. Betcher is doing a good business with the goal of a comfortable fortune not far in the distance. For some years he has served as treasurer of School District No. 6, Lake Township. On June 10, 1914, Mr. Betcher was married at Lake City to Olive Revling, daughter of Olaf and Charlotte Rev- ling, of Pope County, Minn., and who was born at Starbuck, that county, January 15, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Betcher have two children: Dorothy L., born December 10, 1915, and Donald F., born September 12, 1918. He and his wife are members of St. John's Lutheran congregation at Lake City.

Hugh R. Smith, journalist, editor and publisher of the Wabasha Standard, with headquarters at Wabasha, was born in Kossuth County, Iowa, March 1, 1869, son of George and Jean (Ross) Smith. He received his first experience in journalism and printing while living with his brother, William F., at Web- ster City, Iowa. At the age of 16 he entered the employ of Ingham & Warren, of Algona, and remained with them as a printer for many years. After sev- eral other employments he became foreman of the jobbing department of the West Publishing Co. at St. Paul in 1905. In 1908 he came to Wabasha County and has since been an important factor in its public affairs. Upon his arrival in the county he established the Zumbro Falls Enterprise, which soon attained deserved popularity in Wabasha, Goodhue and Olmsted Counties. In Sep- tember, 1918, he purchased the Wabasha Standard, whose circulation and im- portance he has considerably increased. He still continued the Enterprise until March, 1919, when he sold that paper to Fred J. Barton. Mr. Smith has found relaxation from his strenuous daily toil in the charms of music. He is a director and performer of more than usual ability, and has taken a prominent place in the musical circles in the various towns to which his duties have called him. He is still a member of the St. Paul Association of Musicians. He is also a prominent Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Mazeppa, the Chapter and Commandery at Lake City, and the Osman Shrine at St. Paul, and is a member of their famous Shrine band, in which he plays the baritone. The family faith is that of the Congregational church. Mr. Smith was married at Luverne, Iowa, September 13, 1890, to Margaret Patton, daughter of Frank and Barbara (Ann) Patton, of Luverne, Ia. This union has been blessed with five children, Juno, Pearl, Maude, Rossie and Theodosia. Juno is the wife of C. E. Claflin, connected with the Western Union Telegraph Co. at Miles City, Mont. Maude

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is the wife of E. A. York, of Wabasha, a traveling salesman for Griesel Broth- ers, wholesale grocers of Winona, Minn. George Smith, father of Hugh R. Smith, was born in Scotland, came to America in the fifties, and lived for a while in Sullivan County, N. Y. At the close of the Civil War he came to Kos- suth County, Ia., with his sons, Alexander and George W., and took a homestead there. In the middle eighties he retired and moved to the City of Algona. He married Jean Ross, also a native of Scotland. He and his wife are both dead.

Clinton DeWitt Wentworth, a Minnesota pioneer, and for 22 years a resi- dent of Plainview Township, Wabasha County, was born in the town of King- sey, Canada East, July 25, 1836, son of Melzor and Judith (Blake) Wentworth. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and pre-empted a claim of 160 acres in the Town of Farmington, Olmsted County, the place being later known as Farm Hill. The land was wild, and his first house was a log shanty, in which for several years he led a bachelor's life; but in 1860, having made further improvements, he went to Canada, and was there married, February 7, to Jane Yale, who was born in Canada November 16, 1841, daughter of Theophilus and Lucinda (Wil- liston) Yale. Returning to Minnesota with his bride, Mr. Wentworth resumed his labor on the farm, subsequently erecting a better house and developing more of his land. In 1874 he moved with his family to Plainview Township, Wabasha County, taking a homestead three and a half miles east of the village. The farm contained 160 acres and was partially improved. In time he cleared the rest of the land, erected new buildings, or remodeled the old ones, and built up a comfortable home. There at last death came to him on August 2, 1896. The call was sudden. On the previous day, Saturday, he had not complained of feeling ill, and had even attended to his usual duties on the farm. But about 2 o'clock on Sunday morning his wife was awakened by his unnatural breathing, and found herself unable to arouse him. The rest of the family and a few neighbors were hastily summoned, who arrived just in time to see him draw his few last breaths. He had been afflicted with heart trouble and bronchial trou- bles for several years and had intended to spend the coming winter in the southern states, but God disposed otherwise. His funeral services were held in the Congregational church, and were attended by all the members of his family who were able to be present, besides numerous friends. He was a man highly respected, and had served his town for a number of years as a member of the school board. To Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth eleven children were born, as follows: Ernest L., October 31, 1860; Elmer E., October 20, 1862; Clara E., November 27, 1864; Aretus M., April 26, 1867; Lucy G., July 20, 1869; Judson T., January 31, 1872; Bertie I., May 11, 1874; Eleanor J., October 8, 1876; War- ren W., August 16, 1880; Walter R., September 21, 1883, and Clinton Y., October 14, 1887. Of these children the two eldest, Ernest L. and Elmer E., are now deceased, and merit special mention. Ernest Luman Wentworth, who was born on his parents' farm at Farm Hill, Olmsted County, on the date above men- tioned, received his education in the public schools of that county, and at Darling's Business College at Rochester, where he was graduated in 1884. On February 22, the following year, he married Tena Yackel, of Lewiston, Minn., and soon afterward he took up his residence with his wife in Minneiska, where he conducted a clothing store, with a jewelry department in connection there- with. After 12 or 13 years in that place he moved to Claremont, where he established a jewelry business, which he conducted until 1902. He then re- moved to Kasson, where he engaged in the same business, being thus occupied until his declining health caused him to sell out his business several weeks be- fore his death, which took place May 29, 1908. A man highly esteemed, his funeral services were largely attended, interment being made in the Kasson cemetery. Elmer Wentworth, who also was born in Olmsted County, resided on his parents' farm there until 12 years old, when he moved with the family to Plainview Township. After attending public school he took a course in the Rochester Business College. In March, 1885, he was married to Udora V.

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Evarts, and moved with her to Mellette, S. D., where they resided on a farm until 1892, when they returned to Plainview. Here he continued to farm until 1896, when he purchased a beautiful farm home in Pleasant Grove, where the rest of his life was spent. In February, 1913, he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, and for some time was confined to his bed. On Friday, June 27, he was taken suddenly ill, and was taken to Winona for an operation, from the effects of which, or from his disorder, he failed to rally, and his death finally occurred on Monday, June 30, 1913. As an honorable Christian man he was respected by all. Through hard work and frugality he had amassed a com- petence, and was about to prepare to enjoy his declining years in ease and com- fort when thus called away. His remains were laid to rest in Greenwood cem- etery. For eight years after the death of her husband, Clinton D. Wentworth, Mrs. Jane Wentworth continued to operate the home farm, with the assistance of her son, Judson T. She then bought a nice residence in the Village of Plainview, to which she removed and where she is now living in comfort and surrounded by agreeable friends and acquaintances. The farm is still con- ducted by her son, Judson T.

Aretus M. Wentworth, a prominent citizen of the Village of Plainview, whose active career has been spent chiefly in railroad work, was born at Potts- dam, Olmsted County, Minn., April 26, 1867, son of Clinton D. and Jane Went- worth. He was educated in the common schools and at Darling Business Col- lege, Rochester, where he was graduated in 1889. In 1884 he had come to Plainview, Wabasha County, and taken up his residence on a farm, but when equipped with a business education, he turned his attention to railroad work, beginning as operator with the Chicago & North Western road, at Plainview. After one year's servce here, he became relief operator with the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul road, on the river division. Later he returned to the em- ploy of the Chicago & North Western, working first at Chatfield, and then for two years at Canby. From there he went to Gary, S. D., where he remained until June 1, 1917, and during his residence there was mayor of Gary four years. He then returned to Plainview, where he has since been stationed. Mr. Went- worth is a man of strong personality, and good business ability, as shown by his election to the chief municipal office by the citizens of Gary. Of a com- panionable disposition, he has from time to time identified himself with various fraternal organzations, being a member of Illustrious Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Plainview; Unity Lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F., of Gary, S. D., also of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of that state; and of Canton No. 1, of the same order; and Camp No. 2415, M. W. A., of Gary. He attends and helps to support the Congregational church. Mr. Wentworth was married, February 1, 1893, to Anna C. Bowman, of Minneiska, Minn., who died April 9, 1915, leaving no chil- dren. Mr. Wentworth married secondly, April 5, 1916, Erena Yale, who was born October 30, 1873, and who before her marriage was a professional nurse. Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth own a pleasant home in Plainview, and are people well known and respected. Politically Mr. Wentworth is a Republican. He served six years as chairman of the school board in Gary, S. D.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 85

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