USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 44
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 44
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Hamilton, who was a teacher in manual training, but is at present in the United States service. Rose, a teacher, followed her profession four years in her home town, seven years at Neenah, Wis., and for an equal length of time at Bloomer, this state, and is still occupied as a teacher. Sara is the wife of J. J. Young, a merchant of Chandler, Minn. Edward, who is a merchant at Creighton, Neb., married Emma Hahn, and has one child, George Edward. Lillian is the wife of H. H. Berg, of Towner, N. Dak., her husband being vice president of the First National Bank there. She has two children, Marguerite and Eileen. Thus, after a long and eventful life, this venerable couple are taking their repose, with most of their chil- dren still living, and some of them the parents of families. Though well advanced in years, they take an interest in the younger generation, who will do well if in years to come they equal their honorable record.
Edwin Davis, a thriving farmer of section 25, Albany township, oper- ating 280 acres of land, was born in Galva, Iowa, Jan. 18, 1862, son of David and Amelia (Ayers) Davis. David Davis, who was a native of Michigan, in early life was engaged in sawmill work, but later in farming. Coming to Pepin county, Wis., in 1865, he rented a farm which he operated for a short time, and then went to old Meriden, where he was employed in a sawmill and worked 18 winters in the pineries. At the end of that period he took up farming in Dunn county, later followed the same occupa- tion at Fall Creek, Pepin county, and then in the west part of Albany town- ship. His death took place in 1910, while he was on a visit to his daughter at Withee, in Clark county. His wife had passed away a number of years previously. They were the parents of seven children, of whom their son Edwin was the third in order of birth. Edwin Davis, in his boyhood, attended district school in Albany township. Married at the age of 25 years, he then bought a farm in the west part of Albany township, which he operated until 1911. Then selling it, he moved to his present location. His farm of 280 acres consists of valuable land, with good improvements, and which he operates in a general way, raising various crops, and breed- ing Holstein cattle and full-blooded Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has served five years on the school board of his district, three years as director and two as clerk. In politics he is independent, while religiously he is a member of the Brothers' church. In 1918 he erected a modern 10-room house, gas lights and running water. The marriage of Mr. Davis occurred July 3, 1887, to Huldah Belden, daughter of George W. and Ardelia Belden, her father being a native of Beloit, Wis. Her parents were early settlers in Lima township, locating not far from Red Cedar, Mr. Belden farming for a short time in the township. He later removed to Durand, where he is now en- gaged in the harness business, and is a well known and respected citizen. Their daughter Huldah was educated in the schools of Pepin county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had a large family circle, numbering in all ten chil- dren, some of whom, however, are now married and have homes of their own. The record in brief is as follows: Earl D., who married Ethel Wig- gins; he is engaged in farming in Chippewa Falls. Eva is the wife of Charles Scott, a farmer at Rock Falls, Wis. Verna is the wife of Ray Lawrence, a farmer of Albany township, Pepin county. Elsie is the wife
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EDWIN DAVIS AND FAMILY
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of Clyde Hicks, a farmer in Pepin township. The other children, Nona, Wilfred, Mattie, Walter, Roy and Elmer are single and residing at home.
Orrin A. Knapp, who is engaged in agricultural work on a farm of 80 acres in section 30, Waterville township, was born in Winona, Minn., Dec. 15, 1868, son of Jesse and Marietta (Pennock) Knapp. The father, Jesse Knapp, was born in Canada, Nov. 6, 1832, and when a young man located in Winona, Minn., where for some time he was clerk in a store. Realizing that such a career presented few chances for future independence, in 1873, he took a homestead in Minnesota, and was engaged in farming on it for eleven years. He then crossed the river and settled on a farm at Porcupine, Pepin county, Wis., where he continued agricultural operations, and in time be- came prosperous. He is still a resident of Frankfort township, being now 84 years old. While living in Minnesota he served in various township offices. His wife, Marietta, died in March, 1905. Their son, Orrin A., was the third born in a family of five children. He attended district school in Minnesota, also for one winter at Porcupine and one at Shoofly. When but 11 years old he began working out at times for others, and at 14 was able to take his place as a harvest hand. Until he was 26, however, he made his home with his parents, assisting his father when not otherwise engaged. The great change in his life came with his marriage in 1894, when he be- came an independent farmer, buying a 40-acre farm in Frankfort town- ship. This, however, he later sold and purchased his present farm, which at that time was all wild land, covered with stumps. The latter he removed with the help of dynamite, and has since changed the aspect of the place into that of a flourishing, well managed farm, with neat buildings, and all necessary accessories. Mr. Knapp is now preparing to give special atten- tion to the raising of berries and small fruits. He was one of the first men in this vicinity to invest in telephone stock, having had a financial interest in the old Columbia Heights Telephone Company, and is now a stockholder in its successor, the Farmers' Telephone Company. Religiously he is a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and in politics is a Re- publican with independent proclivities. On Nov. 10, 1894, Mr. Knapp was united in marriage with Josephine Bashaw, who was born in Waterville township, Pepin county, daughter of John and Elmira (La Fleisne) Bashaw. Her parents were natives of Canada and were early settlers in Pepin county, where they passed the rest of their lives as farmers, Mr. Bashaw dying in 1884, and his wife in 1892. They were industrious, intelligent people, Mr. Bashaw taking a special interest in school work. Their daughter Jo- sephine (Mrs. Knapp), was a twin child, and one of a family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have had seven children: Frank, who married Gladys Bowen, and is now a truck farmer at Black River Falls; Ralph, who died at the age of one year and ten months; Eunice, unmarried, and residing at home; Gladys and Hazel, who both died at the age of six months, and Jesse and Vergie, who are living at home. The Knapp family is one well known and respected in this part of Pepin county.
Fred C. Markman, who is engaged in operating a good farm in section 29, Waterville township, which he rents from his father, was born at Frontenac, Minn., March 24, 1882, son of John and Fredericka (Betcher)
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Markman. The parents were born in Pommern, Germany, the father June 20, 1840, and the mother in 1855. They were married in Minnesota, John Markman locating at Frontenac, that state, on coming to America in 1866. He was a mason by trade, and worked as such for a while. After residing in Frontenac for a number of years he and his family came, in 1885, to Waterville township, Pepin county, and engaged in farming. His farm, containing 114 acres of excellent land, is, as already stated, now being operated by his son under rental. The latter, Fred C. Markman, was the fourth born in a family of six children. In his boyhood he attended district school in Waterville township, and began renting his father's farm when 18 years of age. Practically all of his industrial career up to the present time has been spent on this place, as he has never worked away from home two months in his life. He carries on general farming successfully, raising cattle, hogs, grain, hay and other agricultural products, and is doing a profitable business. For the last ten years he has served on the school board of his district, and is at present its treasurer. In politics he is inde- pendent, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America at Arkansaw. Mr. Markman was married in December, 1903, to Nora Catura, who was born in this township, daughter of Eli and Manda. (Patrow) Catura, her parents being natives respectively of New York State and Waterville township, Pepin county, Wis. They are now living at Arkansaw after a life spent for the most part in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Nora Markman died in February; 1907, leaving one child, Galen Fred- erick, who is living at home with his father.
William Wilson Cassidy, M. D., who for nearly 20 years had been a prominent figure in the business and social life of Durand, and whose death on Oct. 25, 1918, caused a wave of heartfelt sorrow throughout this and surrounding localities, was a man who could be ill spared from the career of usefulness in which he was engaged. He was born at Reed's Landing, Minn., Jan. 17, 1876, son of Capt. William Wilson and Eliza (Kyle) Cassidy. The father was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, 1833. Coming west to Wisconsin, he entered the employ of the Knapp-Stout Lumber Company, with which he was connected for 48 years, residing for the great part of that time at Reed's Landing, but later removing to Wabasha, Minn., where he spent the last years of his life retired, dying July 23, 1916. For four years he was one of the county commissioners of Wabasha county. His wife, who was born in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, in 1840, died Nov. 10, 1901. William W. Cassidy, Jr., was the youngest member in a family of six children. His literary education was acquired in the school at Reed's Landing, and the high school at Wabasha, Minn. At the age of 19 he be- came clerk on one of Knapp, Stout & Co.'s steamboats, and was thus occu- pied during several summers. His medical education was obtained in the medical department of the University of Illinois, where he was a student during the winters. Graduated Doctor of Medicine in 1900, he entered the office of Dr. W. H. Lincoln, of Wabasha, with whom he was associated for six months, coming to Durand November 2 the same year. Here sub- sequently until the time of his death he practiced his profession, giving special attention to surgery and taking his cases for operation to Wabasha,
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DR. WILLIAM W. CASSIDY
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Eau Claire and Lake City. His ability both as a physican and surgeon was widely recognized, and was at the service of rich or poor, in either case his work being performed with conscientious thoroughness, accompanied by a sympathetic interest that won the regard and confidence of his patients. It was while attending sick ones that he contracted the prevailing disease of influenza, which developed into broncho-pneumonia and caused his death. Thus, like the many heroes of his profession, who daily take risks little noted by the world, he gave up his life for others. Dr. Cassidy was a mem- ber of the Dunn and Pepin County Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Surgeons' As- sociation. Intensely patriotic, he felt it to be his duty to serve his country as a physician in the army, but on his examination in the spring of 1918, the government physicians feared to accept him because of a serious ill- ness from which he had suffered several years previously, and which was followed by an operation. Aside from his profession, Dr. Cassidy was a director in the Bank of Durand and a member of the Commercial Club, and was prominent in the business activities of the city. He also belonged to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic Order. Of an affable dis- position and courtly manner, he was socially popular, but he always placed the relief of suffering humanity before the enjoyment of social functions, for the latter finding only occasional opportunities. He had attained the age of but 42 years, but the world was the better for his having lived in it, and no better epitaph need be desired by anyone. He was laid to rest with the beautiful ritual of the Masonic Order, the interment being in Riverside Cemetery at Wabasha, where but a few weeks previously he and his wife had tearfully deposited the remains of an only child and beloved daughter. Dr. Cassidy was married April 10, 1901, to Fannie L. Evans, who was born in Wabasha, Minn., daughter of Harry D. and Sarah (Deuhamel) Evans. Of this union there was the one child above mentioned, Sara Elizabeth, who passed away in the fresh bloom of early womanhood, Sept. 4, 1918. At the time of her death she was a promising pupil of the Durand high school, and her loss was deeply mourned, not only by her loving parents, to whom it came as a staggering shock, but also by a wide circle of youthful friends. It is not unlikely that the depression caused by her death may have weakened Dr. Cassidy's powers of resistance so that he fell an easy victim to the disease which put a termination to his own life. Thus doubly bereaved, the wife and mother has the sympathy of all who know her sad history, and the misfortune the memory of which can only be assuaged by the soothing hand of time. Yet, in the words of one of England's greatest poets, she may still say, " 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." She is a lady of culture and refinement, whose educa- tion was obtained in the ward and high schools of Wabasha, where her father, Harry D. Evans, was superintendent of public instruction. Mr. Evans was born in Pennsylvania, May 16, 1837, and died in his eighty-first year, Nov. 3, 1917. He was for many years engaged in the occupation of contractor and builder in Wabasha, and was concerned in the erection of some of the most important buildings, including the court house, the or- phanage and the Roman Catholic Church. He was one of the earliest
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settlers in Wabasha county. He and his wife had five children, of whom their daughter, Fannie, was the youngest.
G. S. Peck, D. D. S., who is successfully engaged in dental practice in Durand, Pepin county, was born at Hammond, Wis., May 24, 1875, son of F. F. and Sarah (Campbell) Peck. The parents were natives of New York State, and on coming west first located at Fond du Lac, Wis. The father died at Hammond, Wis., and his wife, who survived him, is now residing at Spooner, Wis. G. S. Peck, who was the youngest of a family of four chil- dren, left home when a lad of 14 years, coming to Durand, where he took up his residence with an uncle. He was graduated from the Durand school in the class of 1893, having spent his vacations in working out to help sup- port himself. He was a member of the class of 1903 at the University of Illinois, and later a student for two years at the Milwaukee Medical Col- lege. After taking his degree he became associated with his uncle, Dr. A. A. Peck, and so continued in practice until 1914, since which time he has followed his profession independently. His offices are modern in equip- ment, and he has gained a wide reputation as a skilful dentist, which has led to a lucrative practice. In politics Dr. Peck is a Republican, but has hitherto declined public office when tendered him. On May 9, 1914, he was united in marriage with Martha Butler, who was born in Wisconsin, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Butler. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, was formerly engaged in business as a contractor and builder, and was also a land owner. He and his wife are now living retired in Mondovi, Buffalo county, this state. Their daughter Martha is an educated musician, hav- ing been graduated in Minneapolis. She was later a student of Sanger of New York City, and for a number of years was an instructor in music at Pillsbury Academy. Dr. and Mrs. Peck are the parents of one child, Sarah. The Doctor is affiliated with Marquette College, also with the Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter at Durand, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Psi Omega college fraternity. Both socially and professionally he is a man of high standing and he and his wife are popular members of the com- munity in which they reside.
Finley W. Goodrich, the present mayor of the city of Durand, Pepin county, Wis., was born in this city, May 10, 1873, son of Philo W. and Mary A. (Scott) Goodrich. He was educated in the Durand schools, being graduated from the high school in the class of 1890. His business advent was made in the state of Michigan, where he was engaged in the shoe busi- ness for a period of about six months. He then moved to Red Wing, Minn., becoming connected with the Red Wing Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained for about five years, during a part of that time doing clerical work in the home office and the rest of the time following the road as a salesman. He then returned to Durand, Wis., and here became a part- ner in the furniture and undertaking business established by his father in 1883, and which is now carried on under the firm name of P. W. Goodrich & Son. He is a licensed undertaker, having received his diploma from the Eckels College of Embalming of Philadelphia. A man of good, sound judg- ment and honest dealing, he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, who, in April, 1918, elected him mayor of Durand. In this position he has
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given general satisfaction and established a good record as an able and conscientious executive officer. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Durand lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows. On July 1, 1896, Mr. Good- rich was united in marriage with Rose Jones, of Lake Crystal, Minn. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Robert W., now in the United States service in France; Donald L., Philo W., Elizabeth M. and Neil J.
Philo W. Goodrich, head of the firm of P. W. Goodrich & Son, engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Durand, Pepin county, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, at a place called French Creek, Oct. 6, 1844. His parents were Ashbel and Angeline (Sweet) Goodrich, the father being a farmer and dairyman by occupation. In 1854 the family moved west to Iowa, settling at Lamont, Jackson county, where they re- mained until 1857. They then came to Pepin county, Wis., where Ashbel Goodrich took land in Waubeek township and began the development of a farm. There he lived until 1886 engaged in farming and stock raising. He then retired and moved to Durand, where his death occurred in 1888. His wife died in 1893. They were the parents of five children: William M., who is now engaged in fruit growing in Florida ; Philo W., of Durand, Wis .; Frank A., who is farming near Mankato, Minn .; Henry, who is engaged in the lumber business in Durand; Evaline, widow of the Rev. John J. Garvin, a Methodist minister, who died at Berlin, Wis. She is now residing at St. Paul, Minn. Philo W. Goodrich attended school both in New York State and Iowa, and later in Pepin county. His early years in this county were spent on the farm, but when 26 years old he began working out for others, and was thus engaged for about three years. Then in company with his brother Henry he established a meat business in Durand, which they car- ried on together for ten years. In 1883 he started in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he has since continued. The business is now conducted under the name of P. W. Goodrich & Son, his son, Finley W., be- ing associated with him. Mr. Goodrich has served as city treasurer and also as township treasurer, and in politics is a Republican. He is a member of the Congregational church. He was married June 4, 1872, to Mary A. Scott, who was born in Mckean county, Pa., daughter of Seth and Bolina M. (Fisher) Scott. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, was in early life engaged in farming. In 1857 he went to Ft. Atkinson, Wis., whence he sub- sequently removed to Sparta and, in 1858, from the latter place to Durand. Here he engaged in manufacturing furniture as a member of the firm of Scott & Harding, and was in that business for a number of years. He then engaged in the hotel business in Durand for about five years, at the end of that time going to Tower, Minn., where he died several years later. His wife Bolina, who was born in New York state, came to live in Durand and died while on a visit to a son in Barron county, Wis. Mr. Scott at times served in local office, including that of justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are the parents of four children: Finley W., who, as already mentioned, is associated with his father in business; Le Roy A., editor of The Graphic Republican at Lake City, Minn .; Inez B., wife of E. R. Parker, of Bloomer, Wis., where her husband is city clerk and a bookkeeper by oc- cupation, and Evalyn A., residing at home. Mr. Goodrich is a member of
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the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Durand. He holds a high place in the community as a successful business man and a good and reliable citizen.
Willis Adna Parker, chairman of Albany township, Pepin county, whose farm of 240 acres is one of the well improved and paying farms in this town- ship, was born in Eau Claire, Wis., Sept. 16, 1859. His parents, Alfred and Louise (Powers) Parker, were born in New Hampshire, the father Nov. 15, 1815, and the mother June 17, 1829. Alfred Parker when a young man learned the shipbuilder's trade, and was employed for some time in the navy yard at Charlestown, Mass. In 1857 he felt the lure of the West and located in Madison, Wis., where he found work as a carpenter. Subse- quently he removed from there to Eau Claire, where he became engineer in the Ingraham & Kennedy lumber mill. Settling in Albany township, Pepin county, in 1875, he engaged in farming, in which occupation he con- tinued until his death, March 15, 1887. For a number of years he served on the school board of his district and was a prominent and respected citi- zen. His wife died Feb. 22, 1917. Willis Adna Parker attended graded school at Eau Claire, after which he followed the high school course for two years in the same city. After working on the home farm until the age of 21, he was subsequently employed for one year in the Wabasha Lumber Mills. Then he became guard in the state penitentiary at Sioux Falls, S. D., serving in that position two years. Since he gave up that em- ployment he has been engaged in farming at his present location, raising both crops and stock and doing a profitable business. A man of marked energy and enterprise, his progress has been upward in the world, and he has taken his place among the well to do and respected citizens of Albany township. Mr. Parker is a Republican in politics, and has been frequently called upon to serve in public office. In 1892 he was elected clerk of court of Pepin county, and held that position for two years. In 1896 he was elected chairman of Albany township, in which position he has served intermittently for fourteen years, being, as previously mentioned, chair- man at the present time. In 1905 he was appointed assistant postmaster in the State Senate at Madison. He has served in all several years on the school board, and was chairman of the county board for two terms. Since war was declared against Germany he has taken an active part in patriotic work, having served as a member of the Pepin County Council of Defense, and been a strong and arduous worker on all Liberty Bond issues. On Feb. 3, 1881, Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Anna Roundy, who was born in the village of Pepin, this county, March 19, 1860, daughter of Pearl and Anna (Hastings) Roundy. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have had seven chil- dren: Frank Ingram, Lida, Willis Adna, Jr., Belle, Pearl, Louise and Blanche. Pearl is now deceased. Louise and Blanche are residing at home. Frank Ingram was graduated as an engineer from the University of Wis- consin in the class of 1906, and subsequently became consulting engineer with the Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee. While thus employed he won the distinction of having designed the largest lifting magnet in the world. He died Oct. 18, 1918, leaving one child, Frank. His wife before marriage was Miss Belle Stevens of Oconomowoc, Wis. Lida,
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MR. AND MRS. W. A. PARKER
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who married Martin Vanderpan, lives on a farm in North Dakota. Willis Adna, Jr., who married Essie Silvernail, is a farmer in Albany township, this county; he has five children, Laurel, Roger, Donald, Willis and Ken- neth. Belle is the wife of George Young, butter maker in the creamery at Mondovi, Buffalo county, and has two children, Margaret and Marjorie, The wife and children of Mr. Parker are members of the Congregational church at East Pepin. Pearl Roundy, father of Mrs. Parker, was born in Bangor, Me., in 1812, and was educated for the Baptist ministry, but in- stead became a mechanic and shipbuilder. He also followed the jeweler's irade at Brookville, Pa., where he made the acquaintance of Anna Hastings, who became his wife. Mr. Roundy followed the trade of shipbuilder at Rock Island, Ill., for a year, and later at Pepin, Wis., where he and his family resided for some years. Afterwards he was captain of a boat yard at Wabasha, Minn.
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