History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 92

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

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John McGrath, proprietor of a good farm of 80 acres located in sections 24 and 25, Oakwood Township, was born in this township, October 5, 1866, son of Michael and Ellen (Nolan) McGrath, who had settled in this township about six years before his birth. He was reared on the home farm and in his boy- hood attended the rural schools. After remaining home until arriving at the age of 21, he went to Walsh County, North Dakota, where he resided for five years. On his return he bought his present farm, on which he erected build- ings which were subsequently destroyed by fire. He has replaced them by another set, bringing his farm into good condition, and as a general farmer is successfully raising grain and stock. Mr. McGrath was married March 7, 1905,

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to Bridget Ryan, and he and his wife have been the parents of six children: John Joseph, Zita Marie, Mary Rose, Ellen Honora, William Anthony, and Michael Aloysius, the last mentioned being now deceased. Mr. McGrath and his family are members of the Catholic church, and he belongs also to the Knights of Columbus.

Charles Harlan, one of the early settlers of Oakwood Township, arrived in the township about fifty years ago, taking 80 acres of land in section 23, which he began to improve and develop. Not satisfied with a small farm, from time to time he purchased more land until he owned 320 acres, in the meanwhile erecting buildings, including a good house, barns and outbuildings, fencing and otherwise improving his property until he had developed an excellent farm. After an active and successful career he died March 25. 1918, one of the best known and most respected citizens of his township. Mr. Harlan married Cath- erine Hall, who preceded him to the Great Beyond by only a few months, pass- ing away in September, 1917. They had been the parents of a numerous family numbering 14 children, namely: Edward, who lives in California; Agnes (first), deceased; Clara, now Mrs. J. J. Ryan; Harry, a resident of Lake City, Minn .; Arthur, who lives in Montana; Catherine, wife of E. R. Holzer, of Elgin Township; Loretta, now Mrs. Julius Gessner, of Highland Township; Gene- vieve, widow of L. W. Lyons; Angela, now Mrs. Paul E. Cruser, of Minneapolis; Eva, wife of Phil Abrahamson, of Plainview; Carl, of Oakwood; Ralph A., of Oakwood, and Agnes, residing in Plainview.

Carl R. Harlan, a prosperous young farmer of Oakwood Township, where the Harlan family has been established half a century, was born on his parents' farm in this township, February 23, 1894, son of Charles and Catherine (Hall) Harlan. He acquired his education in the rural schools and his agricultural training on the home farm, on which he resided until 1919. He then rented the Paul Polson farm of 200 acres in section 22, where he is now following gen- eral diversified farming and stock raising, keeping grade Durham cattle, Duroc- Jersey swine and Percheron horses. The cattle he raises both for beef and dairy purposes. He owns 120 acres of the home estate willed to him by his father and in the spring of 1920 bought 160 acres which his grandfather home- steaded, making in all 280 acres in a body. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus. On June 13, 1918, Mr. Harlan was married to Mae Lyon, daughter of G. H. and Mary (Ryan) Lyon, of Highland Township, and early settlers in Wabasha County. They had a family of eight children, five of whom are now living: Patrick, George, Edward, Margaret, wife of Joe Langer of Texas, and Mae, wife of Carl R. Harlan. Those deceased are: Rebecca, Lawrence, and Theresa, who married Herman Wempner. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan are the parents of one child, Catherine, who was born April 7, 1920.

Julius Reiter, an early settler in Plainview Township, who subsequently through industry, perseverance and sound judgment achieved a notable success, becoming one of the most prominent and well-to-do citizens in the southern part of Wabasha County, was born in the province of Posen, Prussia, Germany. He was there married to Henrietta Wegner, and a few years after emigrated with his family to America, landing in this country June 19, 1868. His first settlement was made in Olmsted County, Minn., where he remained through the harvest, in the fall of the same year locating in Elgin Township, Wabasha County. There he remained for a few years working out. In 1874 he bought 80 acres in section 7, Plainview Township, on which he built a residence and outbuildings and began to establish a home. From time to time he bought more land until he owned 425 acres in sections 7, 8 and 5, and also 160 acres in Elgin Township, making a total of 580 acres. In addition to conducting a large and successful farming business, he helped to organize the First National Bank of Plainview, and was for many years a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. For a long time also he was chairman of the board

WILLIAM O. REITER AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

of trustees of the Lutheran church, and acted as secretary for the society. After retiring from farm work, he resided for some years in Plainview village, where he served as a member of the village council. He is now living retired in Pine Island, Goodhue County, and is president of the First National Bank of McGregor, Minn. He and his wife have been the parents of a family num- bering twelve children: W. O., now a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen living in section 5, Plainview Township; Augusta, the wife of Emil Schwantz, of Elgin Township; J. J., of Rochester, Minn .; E. H., also of Rochester; A. F. and E. F., of Pine Island, Minn .; Bertha, wife of August Hanson, of Louis- berg, Minn .; Anna, deceased; Laura, now Mrs. August Greiger, of Louisville, Minn .; A. G., of McGregor, Minn .; Ida, wife of William Boice, of Appleton, Minn., and G. A., of McGregor, Minn.

William O. Reiter, who was one of the active and enterprising citizens of Plainview Township, where he made a record as a capable and successful farmer, was born in the province of Posen, Prussia, Germany, October 24, 1864, son of Julius and Henrietta (Wegner) Reiter. He was a young child when he accompanied his parents to the United States, residing with them a short time in Olmsted County, Minn., then in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, where he attended school, and later, after 1874, in Plainview Township, where his studies were continued until his services were needed on the home farm. Under his father's mentorship he acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture, and when 24 years old began farming for himself on an 80-acre farm in section 5, Plain- view Township, on which the buildings consisted of a few old shacks. He later bought the west "eighty" in the same section, on which he spent the rest of his life, and where he died very suddenly July 13, 1920. He had erected a fine set of buildings, including a house, barns, and various outbuildings. One of these is a circle barn 60 feet in diameter, a frame structure with stone basement, equipped with the most approved modern conveniences. After taking posses- sion of that property Mr. Reiter followed diversified farming and stock raising, and having been a hard worker, well equipped with practical knowledge, he achieved gratifying results. In other respects, also, Mr. Reiter was what is colloquially termed today a "live wire." He was a member of the American Society of Equity and was its vice president in 1907 and 1908. He was a mem- ber and active worker in the Non-Partisan League, being president of the County League and also of the local Union, and was chairman of the Non- Partisan League of Plainview. For four years he served as assessor of the township. He was one of the organizers of the Plainview Co-operative Cream- ery and was its president for many years. He was vice president of the Wa- basha County Leader, published at Wabasha. Religiously a Lutheran, he served as secretary of the local congregation. Mr. Reiter was married, Decem- ber 6, 1888, to Bertha Kuhlmann, of Elgin, who was born in Farmington Town- ship, Olmsted County, Minn., October 27, 1869. Of this union seven children were born: Amalia H., July 12, 1890; Elenora E., November 23, 1892; Elsie C., February 10, 1894; Elmer J., September 30, 1900; Edna B., August 23, 1902; Walter A., July 19, 1896, and Herbert W., July 12, 1894. The two last men- tioned are now deceased, Walter A. having died February 28, 1901, and Herbert W., March 23, 1907. Amalia H. is the wife of John Zabel, of Elgin Township, and has four children, Ruth, Durward, Thelma and Anita. Elenora E. is now Mrs. George Lamprecht, of Plainview Township, and has one child, Forest. Elsie C. is the wife of Adolph Zabel, of Plainview Township. Elmer J. and Edna B. are residing at home with their mother.

Charles Jacob, who is operating the old Jacob farm in section 18, West Albany Township, engaged chiefly in stock raising, was born in this township, March 28, 1873, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Scherer) Jacob. He was educated in District School No. 86, which he attended to the age of 15 years, and re- mained on the home farm until 1900. On October 11, 1898, he married Anna Burkhardt, daughter of Rudolph and Barbara Burkhardt, of Pepin Township,

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where she was born June 15, 1876. Her parents had come to this country at an early date from Switzerland. Mr. Jacob began domestic life on the home farm, but has been away from it at times, spending some time in Wabasha en- gaged in farming and railroad work, about three years in Plainview, where he manufactured brick with his brother-in-law, Alfred Burkhardt, and five years in Hammond, where he operated the William Anderson farm. In the spring of 1916 he returned to the home farm in West Albany Township, buying out his brother John's interest in the stock and machinery, his mother having a life interest in the farm, which contains 230 acres. Of its entire area 90 acres are under cultivation, the balance being in pasture and timber. Mr. Jacob feeds everything he raises on the farm to his stock, which consists of grade Durham and Hereford cattle, Chester-White hogs and Shropshire sheep. . He has a good operating equipment and is doing a successful business. His principal market is Lake City, ten miles north. Mr. Jacob is a stockholder in the Wabasha "Leader." Previously a Republican, he is now a member of the Non-Partisan League. He and his family belong to the Reformed Lutheran church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob are: Harry R., born March 26, 1901; Bessie B., September 9, 1902; Dorance A., March 12, 1904; Secavera E., November 16, 1906; Roy F., September 19, 1908, and Florence, May 7, 1909. Mr. Jacob was one of a family of six children, of whom he was the second in order of birth. His elder brother, Frederick Grinnell, is a farmer in North Dakota. Another brother, Edward, lives in Lake City. Josephine is the wife of Charles Lange,. of St. Joseph, N. D. Louisa, who married Lester Cottin, of West Albany Town- ship, died in 1913. Derna is the wife of Frank Schucardt, of Rochester, Minn. John is a farmer in West Albany Township. Clara is the wife of Jacob Daw- son, a farmer of New England, N. D. Henry Jacob, father of Charles, is now deceased, having passed away on the home farm.

Herman Henry Moechnig, one of the largest stock farmers in Oakwood Township, of which he is also a public official, was born in West Albany Town- ship, Wabasha County, Minn., September 21, 1880. His parents were Gottleib and Mary (Fick) Moechnig, the father a native of Germany, the mother of West Albany Township, this county, where they were married. In the latter town- ship they have resided ever since, except for five years, from 1885 to 1890, when they lived on a half section which they bought in Mt. Pleasant Township. Herman Henry Moechnig was educated in the district schools of West Albany Township, and at St. Paul's College, where he took a business course. He re- sided on the home farm with his parents until 24 years of age, and then settled on a farm in Wisconsin, where he remained for a year and a half. At the end of that time he bought his present farm of 320 acres in sections 9 and 10, Oak- wood Township, where he is carrying on general agriculture, and was the first one in his section to start tractor farming, and is giving particular attention to stock raising. He keeps 65 to 100 head of Hereford cattle, which he raises mostly for beef purposes, shipping 40 to 50. head yearly, and keeping a full blooded sire at the head. Of Shropshire sheep he has 70 head, and ships about 60 head yearly. His swine are of the Duroc-Jersey breed. In addition to these interests, Mr. Moechnig is a member and was one of the organizers of the Mill- ville Farmers' Co-operative' Company, and a stockholder in the Wabasha Leader, and the Terminal Packing Plant at Newport, and served five years as supervisor. On November 16, 1904, Mr. Moechnig was united in marriage with Emma Jacob, who was born in West Albany Township, November 27, 1879, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Jacob. He and his wife are the parents of five children : Helen A. R., born February 13, 1906; Walter H., March 21, 1908; Florence, born March 19, 1910; Evelyn H., November 30, 1914; and Lucille B., October 24, 1917. Mr. Moechnig and his family are members of the Evangel- ical Lutheran church. They have a wide social acquaintance, and a high stand- ing in the community, of which they are worthy and helpful members.

Michael Quigley, the pioneer, was born in Nanagh, County Tipperary, Ire- land, and there married Judith O'Donoghue. After his marriage for some

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years he served as steward on the estate of J. J. Kilkelly, and on this estate all his children were born. In 1853 the family came to America and lived for a while in New York state. In 1855 they came to Wabasha County and settled in Greenfield Township. Their nine children were: Ellen, wife of John Starr; John, Martin, Michael H., Philip; Maria, wife of John Enright; Jeremiah, Ed- ward, and Cornelius F.

Martin Quigley, for many years a representative farmer of Greenfield Township, was born in Nanagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1831, son of Michael and Judith (O'Donoghue) Quigley, with whom and other members of the family he came to America in 1853, and to Wabasha County in 1855. He achieved success as a farmer and respect as a citizen, and died May 24, 1887. Shortly after his arrival here he married Ellen Ryan, who was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1843, and came to this county in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley were the parents of seven children: Edward, Mary, Julia, John R., Martin, Stephen M. and Nora. Edward farms in Anoka County, this state. Mary is the wife of Daniel Kinsella, a farmer of Oakwood Township, this county. Julia is the wife of Frank J. Schenach, a machinist of Red Wing, Minn. John R. operates and owns a farm in Wright County, Minnesota. Martin, for many years a rail- road agent in Butte and Helena, Mont., is now in the oil distributing business in Pasadena, Cal. Stephen M. is postmaster and editor at Wabasha. Nora is the wife of Morris M. Wheeler, of Wabasha.

Stephen M. Quigley, postmaster, journalist, educator, banker, and man of affairs, is one of Wabasha's leading citizens, and is well known throughout the Northwest, especially in political, educational, fraternal, civic and business circles. He was born on a farm in Greenfield Township, this county, December 3, 1875, son of Martin and Ellen ( ...... ) Quigley. He was reared to agri- cultural pursuits, on the home farm, and acquired a good education in the public schools, which he rounded out with studies in the Winona State Normal School. His education was further increased by courses in evening schools, institutes, and the summer sessions of Teachers' Training Schools of Minnesota, as well as by self instruction and wide reading. He started teaching rural schools in the late fall of 1896, and in 1899 was made principal of the school at Kellogg, this county. In the summer of 1902, he was employed as salesman for the Champion Harvester Co., but soon resumed his educational work, for in the fall of 1902 he was elected superintendent of schools in Wabasha County, a choice which proved pleasing to parents, trustees, teachers and children alike. This position he held for two terms. This, however, was not the limit of his educational work. In 1900 he was one of the organizers of the Wabasha County Teachers' Association, serving as the president and secretary of his division for several years. As county superintendent he was a member of the State Reading Circle Board for four years, one year of which he was its treasurer. Upon retiring from the county superintendency, he was made deputy county auditor, taking office January 1, 1907. January 1, 1911, he left this position. In that month he assisted in organizing the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Wabasha, and entered its employ as assistant cashier. In the spring of 1914, he was appointed postmaster at Wabasha, in which position, by reappointment on September 13, 1918, he is still serving. In the meantime, Mr. Quigley had been busy with many other interests. In September, 1905, he bought a half interest in the Wabasha Herald from estate of J. F. McGovern, and the firm continued as Keating & Quigley until October 16, 1908, when Mr. Quigley be- came the sole owner, since which time he has continued as its manager. In 1911 he helped to organize the Wabasha Ice Cream & Butter Co., of which he has been the only treasurer. Mr. Quigley has been a life-long Democrat and stands high in the councils of that party. In the old caucus and convention days he served as a leading figure on numerous committees and delegations. For many years he was an official of the County Democratic Central Committee, and at one time was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee. Frater-

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nally he has been likewise prominent. He helped organize Wabasha Council, No. 881, K. C., has passed through the chairs and is now Grand Knight. He was also a charter member and has passed through the chairs of the Kellogg Coun- cil, No. 50, Modern Samaritans. Among other orders he belongs likewise to the Wabasha Camp No. 2077, M. W. A. Interested in everything that has for its object the progress of the community, he has been a "live wire" in the Com- mercial Club, of which he has served as secretary, and in the Wabasha Club. He gives his religious allegiance to the St. Felix Catholic church, of which he has been a trustee for many years. All in all he is a useful citizen, he has done much for the community, and has attained success for himself, and holds the respect and admiration of all who know him. Mr. Quigley was married November 27, 1913, to Mary C. O'Leary, daughter of J. C. O'Leary and Mary O'Leary. Before her marriage she had been for some years a teacher in the Wabasha schools. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have three children: Abigail, born April 17, 1915; Elizabeth Ann, born June 17, 1916; Ellen Patritia, born March 15, 1918.

Blake C. Fisk, member of the board of county commissioners of Wabasha County, and a popular citizen of Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, this county, May 22, 1873, son of Chauncey and Sarah (Finch) Fisk. His educa- tion was acquired in the Plainview public school, and he remained on his parents' farm until 25 years old. Then starting out for himself, he bought a farm of 360 acres in Glasgow Township, which he operated for two years. Then he removed to another farm, one of 160 acres in section 10, Plainview Township, but retained his ownership of the other, and operated both for seven or eight years. At the end of that time he sold them and purchased the old home farm in section 8, Plainview, where he is still carrying on general farming and stock raising, keeping full blooded Shorthorn cattle, of which he has a fine herd for breeding purposes. He has leased 21 acres of his farm for 15 years to the Wabasha County Industrial Fair Association. Mr. Fisk was elected county commissioner from the First District in 1916, and for one term was chairman of the board. He also previously served on the Plainview Township board. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Redwing Lodge, No. 845, B. P. O. E. On December 28, 1898, he was married to Grace Landon, who was born February 9, 1874. They have five children, who were born as follows: Millard L., April 15, 1903; Wyman B., March 25, 1905; Charles S., February 15, 1909; Russell A., May 17, 1911; and George H., September 18, 1916. The family attend the Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Fisk is a Republican. He has, however, always placed the public interests before party, and his vote and influence are cast in support of progressive measures, subject only to such modifications as may be rendered necessary by economical considerations, and his public action has been in accord for the most part with that of his colleagues and endorsed by the great mass of citizens.

William Goihl, a well known and prosperous farmer residing in section 10, West Albany Township, was born on the farm he now owns and operates, October 26, 1877, son of Carl and Anna (Schader) Goihl. The parents were early immigrants in this county, coming from Germany, and the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, conducted a shop in addition to farming. He be- came prosperous, and finally retired in 1908, removing to Lake City, where he owns a fine residence. He and his wife Anna have had four children: William, subject of this sketch; Carl, who is deceased; Paul, a well-to-do farmer in Lake Townishp; and Anna, now Mrs. Frank Ramer, of Pepin Township. William Goihl in his boyhood attended school in the Scotch Settlement near his home, continuing his studies to the age of seventeen. He remained on the home farm, and until he was thirty, assisted his father. In 1908, on the father's retirement, he bought the property and has since operated it on his own account. It con- tains 160 acres of cultivated land and 20 acres of timber. It is well stocked

B. C. FISK

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with grade Shorthorn cattle and Chester-White hogs, and the operating equip- ment is modern and complete, the farm being one of the best in West Albany Township, both as to the buildings and the productiveness of the soil. Mr. Goihl is one of the prominent citizens of his township, where he has lived all his life. He is chairman of the district school board. Aside from his direct farming interests he is a stockholder in the Lake City Co-operative Creamery and in the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator Co. of Theilman village, and a stock- holder in the Terminal Packing Co. of Newport, Minn. He owns and operates a threshing outfit for himself and neighbors, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is independent. Mr. Goihl was married November 10, 1908, to Elizabeth Schmidt, daughter of Carl and Anna Schmidt, of Glasgow Township, where she was born March 9, 1884. He and his wife have three children: Carl, born September 27, 1919; Julius, born November 23, 1912, and Dorothy, born March 31, 1918. Mr. Goihl and his family are members of the Catholic church and of St. Joseph's parish at Theilman.

William J. Schmoker, a large land owner and well-to-do citizen of Green- field Township, now living retired, after a successful career in agriculture, was born in Fountain City, Wis., September 8, 1863. His parents, Paul and Rose (Staili) Schmoker, were natives of Pennsylvania who settled in Wisconsin in 1853, and who spent the rest of their lives in farming. They have both died within recent years, the mother in 1905 and the father in 1906. They had eight children, Jacob, John, Anna, Mary, William, Paul, Frederick and Lora, of whom Jacob and Anna are now dead. William J. Schmoker was educated in the dis- trict school, and subsequently worked a number of years for his father. After that he rented the home. farm for two years and worked it on his own account. He then went to South Dakota, where he remained six years engaged in similar pursuits. Returning to Minnesota at the end of that time, he located in Winona, where he worked six years in the Chicago & Northwestern railway shops. He then spent a year in Plainview as an agent for agricultural ma- chinery. At the end of that time he determined to resume farming, and accord- ingly bought 160 acres in section 30, Greenfield Township, Wabasha County, on which he made his start. Since then Mr. Schmoker has accumulated more land until he now owns 500 acres, on which he has erected all the buildings, besides fencing. He continued actively engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1919, when, having acquired a competency, he retired, turning over the management of the place to his son Paul, who is now operating it, Mr. and Mrs. Schmoker retaining their residence on it. They are Lutherans in religious faith, and Mr. Schmoker formerly served three years as a member of the Kellogg school board. Mr. Schmoker was married May 2, 1882, to Helen Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Martin. Her parents were natives of Ger- many who came to this country in the fifties and engaged in farming in Wis- consin, whence they came to Glasgow township, Wabasha county where they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Martin dying in 1886 and Mrs. Martin in 1896. They were consistent members of the Lutheran church. Their children, eight in number, were Frederick, Albert, Herman, Ernestina, Helen, Minnie, Emma and Clara; Minnie is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. William J. Schmoker were the parents of seven children, the living ones as follows: Paul, born March 3, 1884, now working the home farm; Clara, born February 23, 1885, who is the wife of Joe Schurhammer; William, born July 9, 1888, who owns a farm in Greenfield Township; Ralph, born July 15, 1894, of Indiana; Earl, born October 17, 1896, of Kellogg; and Vernie, born September 30, 1904. Vernie resides on the home farm. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 92

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