Wabasha County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 20 of 27)

William Fitzgerald, a well known farmer of Watopa Township, son of Gar¬ rett and Margaret (Costello) Fitzgerald, was educated in District School No. 37, and has always lived on the home farm, except for six years spent in North Dakota. It now contains 280 acres, he having purchased 160 acres since his parents died. An experienced farmer, he is conducting it with profitable re¬ sults and is numbered among the well to do citizens of his township. He has served in school office, but is independent in politics. He is a Catholic in re¬ ligion and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Fitzgerald was married at Kellogg, Minn., November 12, 1907, to Mary Hager, who was born and reared in Watopa Township, this county, daughter of H. H. and Caroline (Kopland) Hager. Their home circle has been broadened and brightened by the birth of three children: Paul William, Mary Margaret and John Eugene, the two elder of whom are attending school. H. H. and Caroline (Kopland) Hager, the parents of Mrs. Fitzgerald, were born in Han¬ over, Germany, and came to the United States in 1882, settling first in Glasgow Township, this county, but moving to Watopa Township in 1884. Their occu¬ pation has always been farming. They have had ten children, those living be- ing; Joseph, of Grand Forks, N. D.; Henry, who is farming in Watopa Town¬ ship; Barney, a farmer in the same township; August, who lives with his parents; Carrie, who married Andy Gilcreast of Plainview; William, at home; Mary, wife of William Fitzgerald, and Rose and Lizzie, at home.

William G. Deming, former proprietor of an up-to-date machine-shop in the village of Kellogg, but now deceased, was born in the town of Wabasha, this county, May 1, 1886, son of John and Ellen (Sheely) Deming. The father was a native of New York state and the mother of Ireland, but they were mar¬ ried in Wabasha, Minn., where they are now living after a career of a number of years in agriculture. They have had two children, William G. and John J. William G. Deming acquired his education in the district and parochial schools, the family being Catholics in religion, and was associated with his father in agricultural work on the home farm until 1907. He then began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Claremont, Minn., and in July, 1914, engaged in the busi¬ ness in Kellogg. In the spring of 1919 he erected a tile building here, of 40 by 60 feet, for a machine shop, which he fully equipped for all kinds of work in that line, including acetylene welding, and did horse shoeing and all other blacksmith work. Thoroughly competent and industrious, he took his place among the leading artisans of the village and enjoyed a prosperous career until January 15, 1920, when he met with an accident in his shop while weld¬ ing which was the cause of his death two hours later. Mr. Deming was mar¬ ried June 6, 1917, at Kellogg to Katherine Leisen, daughter of Matthias and Katherine Leisen, natives of Germany, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, and for a number of years farmers in Watopa and Greenfield townships. The father died in 1914, but the mother is still living, as also are their six children: John, Albert, Nicholas, Joseph, Elizabeth and Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Deming were the parents of two children: Eugene Albert, born July 2, 1918, and Katherine Elizabeth, born July 21, 1919.

Jacob Baker, the developer of one of the good farms of Glasgow Township, now deceased, was born in Prussia about 1841. About 1870 he came to Min¬ nesota with his parents, who settled in Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, on land located in section 12. Jacob resided with his parents here until 1875, when, being discontented, and wanting to return to his native land, his father started him on 160 acres in section 18, Glasgow. In the same year he married Mary Reiland, daughter of Bernhardt and Susan Reiland, of Mazeppa, this county. She was born in Germany and came to this country with her parents at the age of 12 years. When young Baker came into possession of the farm which he subsequently bought, only 25 acres had been improved and the build¬ ings were poor. During his active career on the place he cleared and developed 115 acres, and in 1895 began the erection of a comfortable residence, when death called him and he passed away on July 20, before his new house was completed. It was finished by his widow and sons, who also erected a good barn and other buildings, besides clearing ten additional acres, and 150 are now under the plow. The farm, which Mrs. Baker has continued to conduct with her sons' aid, consists of productive land, and is well stocked with cattle and hogs, all of good grade, the Baker brothers - Benjamin, Charles and William - giving particular attention to the breeding of full blooded Duroc swine. Their near¬ est market is Theilman, three miles away. Mr. Baker was a well known and respected citizen of his township, which he served in various offices for a number of years, also serving on the school board of his district. A hard worker and a good citizen and neighbor, his loss was deeply regretted. He and his wife were the parents of 15 children, who were born as follows: Susan, February 22, 1876; Benjamin, July 14, 1877; Charles, February 9, 1879; Kath¬ erine, January 23, 1881; Frank, November 14, 1883; John, March 31, 1885; Mary, February 25, 1886; Margaret, May 1, 1888; Nicholas, December 6, 1889; William, June 7, 1891; Elizabeth, April 24, 1892; Lena and Anna (twins), January 17, 1896; and two who died in infancy. Susan is now Mrs. Frank

Wohlwend of Lake City. Benjamin, Charles, William, John and Nicholas are all on the home farm. Katherine is now Mrs. Nicholas Krebsbach, residing in North Dakota, where her husband is engaged in farming, banking and the sale of agricultural implements. Mary, who is unmarried, is in the employ of the Kuehn Mercantile Co. of WTabasha. Margaret is now Mrs. John Schwartz of West Albany Township. William was inducted into the United States service September 5, 1918, and became a member of a machine gun division, training at Camp Grant, Ill., and Camp Hancock, Ga. He was not sent overseas, and was honorably discharged February 28, 1919. Elizabeth is now a trained nurse, being a graduate from the Lake City Hospital. Lena and Anna are both resid¬ ing on the home farm. The Baker family are members of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Joseph's parish at Theilman.

Michael and Patrick E. Costello, proprietors of a flourishing general store at Weaver, Minn., are sons of Patrick and Mary (Starr) Costello, and were both born in Wabasha County, Minn., Michael in Highland Township in 1880, and Patrick (familiarly known as "Ed"), in Glasgow Township, February 3, 1889. Patrick Costello, Sr., was born in West Virginia and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1856. The mother, Mary S. Costello, was born in Jamestown, N. Y., and came to this county in 1855. They were married at Wabasha in 1876, and for a number of years were engaged in farming, but only the mother is now living, she being a resident of Kellogg, this county, as Patrick Costello, Sr., died some 20 years ago, or about 1898. They had a family of nine children: Michael, now of Weaver; Thomas, who resides in Watopa Township, this . county, on a farm; Mary, now Mrs. W. S. O'Flaherty of Watopa Township; Nellie, wife of A. R. Strauss of Dogden, N. D.; Patrick E., of Weaver; James J., at present living on a farm near Kellogg, but who is about to remove to a farm in Highland Township; Agnes, who died young; Ignatius, who died in infancy; and Vincenza, who is living with her mother at Kellogg. The four eldest children were all born in Highland Township, and the five younger in Cook's Valley, Glasgow Township, Wabasha County. Patrick E. (or "Ed") Costello acquired his elementary education in District School No. 28, Glasgow Township, subsequently attended school at Kellogg, and later at St. Thomas' College at St. Paul, Minn. Up to the age of 19 his residence was on the home farm, which he assisted in cultivating, but later he became manager of the store at Kellogg operated by his uncle, John, under the style of John Costello & Co., and was thus occupied until May 15, 1918. He then enlisted in the United States service, and was sent to the officers' training camp at Camp Dodge, Iowa, where on August 26, 1918, he was commissioned second lieutenant. He was not, however, among those who saw service overseas, but remained on this side ready to obey the call to duty, until he received an honorable discharge January 15, 1919. He then formed a partnership with his brother, Michael, and the two brothers established their present business, having a well stocked general store, and handling groceries, hardware, hats and caps, boots and shoes, and also, to some extent, clothing. Though but a short while established here, they have already laid the foundation of a good reputation as general merchants and reliable business men, and have a large and increasing trade. Michael Costello, who was also well educated, and who, like his brother, re¬ ceived a good agricultural training, was for some years in the employ of C. A. Smith, grocer, of Winona, Minn., and there acquired good business experience. He married Frances Webber, and has two children : Ursula, who was born in October, 1915; and Margarite, born September 12, 1919. The Costellos are affiliated religiously with the Catholic church, and the brothers with the Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Joseph H. Freese, who for the last nine years has been conducting a goodsized farm in Watopa Township, was born in Greenfield Township, Wabasha County, Minn., November 25, 1885, son of Clem and Sophia (Grass) Freese. The parents were natives of Germany, where Clem Freese was born in 1856. He came to the United States in the early sixties, at the age of seven years, settling in Iowa, whence he moved to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1885. Here he bought 160 acres of land in Watopa Township, later another tract of the same size, and afterwards one of 98 acres, making a total of 418 acres. On that farm he resided until 1911, in which year he moved to Breckenridge, Minn., and is now living on a farm which he purchased there. He aided in the development of Watopa Township, improving his place here by the erection of good buildings, and bringing most of his land under cultivation. His marriage to Sophia Grass, who was born in Germany, took place February 15, 1884. They became the parents of 11 children: Joseph, Mary, Theresa, Bernard, Anestasia, Frances, Clara, Albert, Lloyd, Lawrence and James. Mary is now Mrs. Lawrence Schanhara; Theresa is the wife of A. L. Flock; Anestasia is the widow of Ben Wild; and Frances the wife of Patrick Curren. Mrs. Sophia Freese, the mother of these children, died April 15, 1917. Joseph H. Freese acquired his education in the district school in Watopa Township and the St. Felix high school at Wa¬ basha. He was reared on his parents' farm and worked for his father until 1911. He then began his career as an independent farmer by renting his present farm of 418 acres in sections 4, 8 and 9, Watopa Township, which he expects to purchase later. Among his contemplated improvements for this summer (1920) are the erection of a good silo. His operations as a general farmer and stock raiser have been carried on energetically and intelligently and he is making good financial progress. For 10 years he has been a member of the school board of district No. 69. In religion he is a Catholic and he be¬ longs to the order of Knights of Columbus. Mr. Freese was married February 15, 1911, to Cecelia Plein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Plein, and the chil¬ dren born of this union are as follows: Edwin C., January 8, 1912; Leona F., May 30, 1913; James J., September 2, 1916; and Viola E., November 16, 1918.

John Plein, father of Mrs. Joseph H. Freese, was born in Highland Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, Minn., August 12, 1864. After growing to manhood he farmed in Highland Township until 1905, and then moved to Kellogg, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Schoweiler, now reside. They have had four children: Cecelia, Theresa (Mrs. John Schierts), Ferdinand, and Clarence.

Gustav E. Boehlke, a prominent farmer of Watopa Township, was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, Minn., April 3, 1875, son of John and Christine (Reiter) Boehlke. The parents came to the United States from Germany in 1872. Gustav E. acquired his education in his native township, and in a German school at Potsdam, Minn., where he studied for a year and a half. He remained at home and worked for his father until 1898, and then rented different farms in Highland Township. Subsequently he came to Wa¬ topa Township, where for eight years he has resided on and operated the Howe farm in section 29. He was married November 19, 1900, to Minnie Binder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Binder. Her parents were born in Germany and came to this country in 1873, locating in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where they both rented and owned farms, Mr. Bin¬ der retiring from active work in 1908. He is still living in Highland Town¬ ship, and is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Wabasha County. Mrs. August Binder died in 1911. She was a member of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church, to which her husband belongs. They had six children: Henry, Anna, Minnie, Julia, George and Augusta, of whom Julia is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gustav E. Boehlke are the parents of four children : Loretta I., born April 4, 1902; Charles R., July 31, 1903; Reuben C., November 30, 1905; and Ella U., January 12, 1908. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Lutheran church.

Joseph Pike was born in New Hampshire, and was there reared. From there he went to New York State. In the middle forties he brought his fam¬ ily to Illinois, and secured a farm in Lake County. In 1849 he followed the rush of the gold seekers to California, but being unsuccessful in his quest he returned to Illinois. He died at Beaver Creek, Ill., in 1899 at the age of 88 years. Mr. Pike by his first wife, who was a Miss Woodard, had three chil¬ dren: Joseph B., an unnamed daughter who died in infancy and Amanda M. Joseph B. is a resident of Beaver Creek, Ill.; Amanda M. married Homer Weaver, and died at Lansingburg, N. Y. By his second wife, Sibyl Clarke, whom he married at Malone, N. Y., and who died in Lake City, this county, in 1879 at the age of 73 years, he had two children, Jennie, the widow of D. E. Cross of San Diego, Calif., and Nelson C., a real estate man of Lake City. Joseph Pike and family moved to Lake City in 1866.

Nelson C. Pike, a prominent real estate and insurance man of Lake City, formerly engaged in local and metropolitan journalism, was born at Warren, Lake County, Ill., November 18, 1848, the son of Joseph and Sibyl (Clarke) Pike. He came to Lake City after the Civil war, and here continued his edu¬ cation. Upon attaining his majority, he entered the office of the Lake City Leader to learn the printers' trade. From 1872 to 1873 he was employed by the Minneapolis Times and Tribune, and from 1874 to 1875 by the Chicago Inter-Ocean. Then he returned to Lake City, and was again employed by the Lake City Leader. In 1879 he entered the real estate office of Joseph Man¬ ning at Lake City, and has since continued in the same line of business for 40 years. At Mr. Manning's death in 1898, he became the administrator of the estate, and three years later in 1901 he took it over in his own name. In addition to his extensive real estate business, he represents a number of lead¬ ing insurance companies. His 40 years' experience has given him a deep in¬ sight into real estate values in this region, and his judgment is highly re¬ garded. In addition to the farm lands which he holds from time to time as a part of his business, he owns a pleasant home in Lake City, and £ comfort¬ able summer home at Pinehurst, on Long Lake, near Park Rapids, Minn., where in the summer months he is enabled to indulge his enthusiasm for fishing and outdoor life. A thorough believer in education, Mr. Pike did effi¬ cient service as a member of the Lake City board of education for nine years. His Masonic connections are with Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M., Lake City; Hope Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., Lake City; Tyrian Council, No. 4, Red Wing; Lake City Commandery, No. 6, K. T.; Lake City Chapter, No. 75, 0. E. S.; Winona Consistory, No. 4, A. & A. S. R., S. J.; and Osmund Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., St. Paul. The family faith is that of St. Mark's Episcopal Church of which he has been treasurer for many years. Mr. Pike was mar¬ ried November 30, 1875, to Rose N. Manning, daughter of Joseph and Miriam Manning, of Lake City, and this union was blessed with two sons, Jay N. and Roy M. Jay N. was born October 1, 1876, graduated from the Lake City high school and the dental department of the University of Minnesota, and is now practicing in Minneapolis. Roy M. was born September 29, 1879, and gradu¬ ated from the Lake City high school and from the Birmingham (England) School of Technology, and is now proprietor in London of an art metal plant which during the war was turned into a munitions plant. Mrs. Rose N. Man¬ ning Pike, who was born in Massachusetts, September 8, 1851, died at Lake City, March 19, 1899. June 8, 1901, Mr. Pike married Bertha E. Walter, born in Lake City, April 2, 1871, daughter of William L. and Laura H. Walter. Their home is brightened by a beloved adopted daughter, Mabel, born Janu¬ ary 30, 1904, and now a student in the Lake City schools.

August G. Schandel, manager of the Farmers Co-operating Creamery at Lake City, was born at Rochester, Minn., January 5, 1880, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Schandel. The parents were natives of Germany, who came to America about 1867, settling in Olmsted County, Minn., where they engaged in farming. They brought with them two children: Gustav H., now a butter maker in a creamery at Rapidan, Blue Earth County, Minn., and Mary, who is the wife of George Ahrus of Faribault County, Minn. August C. Schandel acquired a common school education in Faribault County. At the age of 17 he began working out as a farm hand in Olmsted County, Minn., and was thus occupied for about two years. Then he went to Rapidan to learn butter making with his brother Gustav, and was there two years. He then entered the employ of the Rome Co-operative Creamery Co. in Faribault County; was with that concern for two years, and was for three years subsequently in the employ of the St. Clair Co-operative Co. at St. Clair, Blue Earth County. After that, until 1916, he worked as butter maker at Glencoe, McLeod County. He then took a vacation of one year. On April 1, 1917, he came to Lake City to take his present position as manager and operator for the Farmers Co¬ operative Creamery Co., which position he has since held, being also a stock¬ holder in the company. A master of his trade, he turns out an excellent product, and his services have proved highly satisfactory. His political affili¬ ations are with the Republican party. Mr. Schandel was married, May 16, 1904, to Clara, daughter of Leopold and Anna Krum, of Blue Earth, Minn., and he and his wife began domestic life at St. Claire. They have had two children: Doris, born January 20, 1917, and John, who died in infancy.

Alexander Huddleston, who is numbered among the prosperous farmers of Glasgow Township, is a native of Wabasha County, having been born in Glas¬ gow Township, April 26, 1862, son of Thomas and Sarah (Mclllreavie) Hud¬ dleston. He acquired his elementary education in the district school and sub¬ sequently took a course in stenography and bookkeeping in the Lake City Com¬ mercial College. During his early manhood he was associated with his father in operating farms in Glasgow Township, but for three years, from 1903 to 1906, he was employed in the construction department of the Dwelle Tele¬ phone Co. of Lake City. In 1907 he returned to the home farm in section 10, Glasgow Township, which he has since operated. It contains 225 acres, and is provided with a good residence, two modern barns, one 40 by 80 by 16 feet with an ell, and the other 20 by 60 by 16 feet, with a good basement for cattle and full steel equipment; also a triple-wall silo and substantial outbuildings, all electrically lighted. Mr. Huddleston follows general farming and is a suc¬ cessful breeder of pure-blooded Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. He is a man of activity and enterprise, not only in matters pertaining to his busi¬ ness, but in others of public concern. He was chairman of the meeting held for the purpose of organizing the Wabasha County Farm Bureau Association and is now the first vice president of the Wabasha organization. He served on the school board of District No. 68 for nine years, and was town treasurer seven years. During the participation of the United States in the world war he took a leading part in patriotic work, serving as chairman of the Glasgow Township liberty loan drives; as a member of the Public Safety Commission for Wabasha County; as federal food administrator for Glasgow and West Albany Townships, with the Villages of Theilman and Dumfries; he took part in the war saving stamp drives and was a member of the Minnesota Motor Corps. In politics Mr. Huddleston is a staunch Republican. He is a mem¬ ber of the Republican State Central Committee and a member of the Agricul¬ tural Division of the Republican National Committee. Religiously he was reared a Presbyterian. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order, he being a member of Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., of Wabasha; Hope Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., of Lake City; Lake City Commandery, K. T., No. 6, and Osmun Temple of the Mystic Shrine at St. Paul. Mr. Huddleston was married August 6, 1907, to Maude J. Grimm of Wabasha, in which place she was born January 4, 1886, daughter of William and Lovina (Cratt) Grimm. The domestic circle of Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston has been broad¬ ened and brightened by the birth of four children: Neil Alexander, May 5, 1908; Helen J., February 28, 1911; Sarah Lovina, November 2, 1916, and Mar¬ garet Esther, February 7, 1920.

Menzie Thomas Cliff, a prosperous and representative farmer of Lake Township, residing in section 17, was born in Frederickton, New Brunswick,

August 23, 1870, son of Jonathan B. and Jane (Good) Cliff. The parents, who were respectively of English and Scotch descent, settled in New Brunswick at an early day. They died before their son Menzie had finished his school course, and he had to make his own way in the world. After graduating from a business college, he was induced by friends in Menominee, Mich., to go to that place, and there he found a position as bookkeeper with the "K. C." Lumber Co., remaining with them for two years and a half. In 1894 he went to Minneapolis to take a similar position with R. B. Tomlins & Son, wholesale hatters, and was with that concern for a year. While residing in that city he made the acquaintance of Addie May Spaulding, daughter of Addison Russ and Lamoile (Sanborn) Spaulding, of Lake City, Minn., and was united in marriage with her on July 15, 1894. In March of the following year he and his wife came to Wabasha County to care for her parents, both of whom died within a few years, the mother on September 15, 1901, and the father on April 15, 1902. On account of his wife's health Mr. Cliff then went to Colo¬ rado and for some time was engaged in the real estate business at Greely, that state. The Spaulding farm, which had come into their possession, was in the meanwhile rented out to a tenant. In 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Cliff returned to Wabasha County and took up their residence on the farm in section 17, Lake Township, which he has operated ever since. It formerly contained 126 acres, but by an additional purchase he has increased its area to 226 acres, and now has 165 under the plow. The farm is one of the best in the county and is beautifully situated on the bluff, commanding a fine view of Lake City, Lake Pepin and Maiden Rock on the Wisconsin side of the river. Mr. Cliff follows general farming and dairying, his dairy herd consisting of pure bred Jerseys, while his swine are graded Chester-Whites. Although he has bred and owned many fine Jerseys, "Ella B." of River Lawn was the star boarder in his herd for many years. On February 13, 1914, Mr. Cliff started her on an official test for one year, although she was then 12 years of age. At the completion of her test on February 13, 1915, it was found she had given 11,336.6 pounds of 5.42 per cent milk, which yielded 614.5 pounds of butter fat, or 722 pounds 15 ounces of butter. During this time she had dropped a living calf, which, with her record, gained her a place in Class AA, Register of Merit. This wonderful performance at her advanced age showed her to be one of the most productive Jerseys in the United States. Mr. Cliff has a good modern equipment and is conducting a profitable business. Politically he is a Republican of broad tendencies, in casting his vote usually placing the man before the party. He and his wife are the parents of a son, Ivan Spauld¬ ing Cliff, who was born August 11, 1898. This son was graduated from the Lake City high school in 1917 as valedictorian of his class, and is now operat¬ ing the farm with his father. During the recent war with Germany he vol¬ unteered and was three months in the S. A. T. C. at Carleton College. He is a member of Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Cliff and his family are members of the First Congregational Church in Lake City.

Addison R. Spaulding, an early settler in Wabasha County, was born in Lewis, Essex County, N. Y., November 15, 1837, son of Luke and Rosina (Densmore) Spaulding, who were respectively of English and Scotch descent, and who lived on the farm which has belonged to the Spaulding family since the year 1800. There he attended school and spent the first 19 years of his life. In 1856 he came to Wabasha County, locating in Lake City. Here he first found employment at teaming, there being considerable work of that character to be done in freighting merchandise and goods from the foot of Lake Pepin before the construction of the railroad. He was married Decem¬ ber 25, 1868, to Mrs. Lamoile Dawley, whose maiden name was Lamoile San¬ born. She was born at East Hardwick, Vt., June 1, 1831, and had come to the State of Wisconsin in the late fifties as a school missionary. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Spaulding she resided at Clinton Junction, Wis.

She passed away on September 5, 1901 She had borne her husband one daughter, Addie May, born May 22, 1870, who is now the wife of Menzie T. Cliff, and resides with her husband and only son, Ivan, on the old Spaulding farm in section 17, in Lake Township. In 1873 Mr. Spaulding purchased from the Indians 126 acres on the bluff overlooking Lake Pepin and Lake City. In the letter inclosing the deed to the property from Frank Huot, then of Oak Dale, Neb., was written, ''My grandmother saw the girl who leaped from Maiden Rock." About four or five acres of the tract had been cleared, and he continued the work of improvement until he had developed the place into a valuable farm, erecting a fine two-story frame house, which is pic¬ turesquely surrounded by large native oaks. He also erected other build¬ ings, planted a number of trees and did everything to make his farm a place of beauty as well as of utility, and today it would be hard to find another farm that exceeds it in either respect. Mr. Spaulding was widely known for his sheep breeding and wool sales, and owned and raised a large flock of Shrop¬ shire sheep. At the World's Columbian Commission and International Exhi¬ bition in 1893, held in Chicago, he was awarded a diploma of specific merit for his wool exhibit, and also a bronze medal in commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the landing of Columbus. Mr. Spaulding had a successful career as a general farmer, and, with the exception of five years, which he spent in North Dakota as superintendent of a cattle ranch belong¬ ing to the Jewell Nursery Company of Lake City, he resided on his farm in Lake Township until his death, which occurred April 15, 1902. Mr. Spauld¬ ing was a man of wide reputation, both as a capable farmer and active and useful citizen, his character being unusual in justice and honesty. He served his township and county in responsible public offices, and was appointed ad¬ ministrator of a number of estates. Mr. Spaulding and wife were members of the Baptist church at Lake City and were always liberal in its support. Divided in death by only eight short months, they were both laid to rest in Lakewood Cemetery at Lake City.

Nicholas Rutz, a retired farmer residing in Lake City, where he owns a comfortable home, was born in La Crosse County, Wis., January 16, 1862, son of Louis and Isabella Rutz. The parents were natives of Germany, but were married in this country in La Crosse County, Wis., where they settled among the early arrivals, and engaged in farming. There the father died May 16, 1917, after a long and active career. The mother is now living at La Cres¬ cent, Minn. Nicholas Rutz was early trained to agricultural pursuits on his parents' farm, and was educated in a parochial school in his native county. At the age of 18 he began working for others as a farm hand, and was thus occupied for three years. On January 15, 1883, he was united in marriage with Mary Magdalene Hammes, who was born in Belgium, March 28, 1860, and was brought to this country by her parents when a babe. Her father was engaged for some years in the manufacture of furniture in Paris. Both he and his wife are now deceased. After his marriage Nicholas Rutz went to work at the carpenter's trade in La Crosse, and followed it there until 1898. He then bought an improved farm of 200 acres in Glasgow Township, Wa¬ basha County, Minn., where he had married his wife, and engaged in agricul¬ ture. Six years later he bought another tract of 160 acres, thus increasing the size of his farm to 360 acres, of which he improved 140 acres, leaving the rest in pasture and timber. The farm was located seven miles west of Kel¬ logg, and he was there occupied with general farming until 1917, when he retired and moved to Lake City, renting his farm. He had bought a house on Prairie avenue, but in 1919 he sold that and purchased his present resi¬ dence at 820 S. Oak street, which is a fine modern house. His career as a farmer was a successful one and he acquired an ample competence, the result of hard work and a sound practical knowledge of the business. Mr. and Mrs. Rutz have had ten children: Clara, now Mrs. Henry Geisler of Lake City;

Mary, wife of William Fuhrman of West Albany Township; Helen, wife of August Echenberger of West Albany Township; John P. and Joseph L., who are deceased; and Henry J., Frank L., Edward, Theresa and Rosella, residing in, Lake City, Rosella attending the public school. The son Henry J. was in the United States' service during the recent war, training at Camp Dodge in the motor corps. He married Wilhemina Echenberger and resides at 702 South Oak street, Lake City.

Herman Ahlers, who was for some years an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Glasgow Township, was born in Westphalia, Germany, April 9, 1874, son of Martin and Mary Ahlers. He attended common school in his native land to the age of 14 and was then bound out to a farmer. After following agri¬ cultural pursuits in Germany until October, 1900, he came to America in com¬ pany with Henry Stamschror. Having no money at the time, he worked as a farm hand for two years in Glasgow Township, and afterwards for a year on the farm of Chris Grass of WTabasha Township. On November 19, 1902, Mr. Ahlers married Anna Helmsorig, who was born in Westphalia, Germany, Oc¬ tober 11, 1880, and to whom he had become attached while in the old country. After his marriage he started in for himself, renting farms for four years in Glasgow and Highland Townships. In 1906 he bought 200 acres in sections 2 and 3, Glasgow, and 11 acres in section 11, the place being known as the Nick Zeimetz farm. The land was improved, but the buildings were poor. The lat¬ ter condition he remedied in time, in 1914 building a good residence of nine rooms. With better buildings and an adequate equipment he followed general farming successfully, and had got everything into good shape when he met with a sudden and accidental death, being killed by lightning April 19, 1916. At the time of his death he was serving as supervisor, having filled that position for three years. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church and a good citizen, respected and esteemed throughout Glasgow Township and the vicinity. Since his death his widow has conducted the farm and has made further improvements on it. In 1920 she built a frame barn, 32 by' 76 by 14 feet, and a silo 12 by 28 feet in size, and her equipment includes a Chalmers auto car. Mr. and Mrs. Ahlers were the parents of eight children, all of whom are now living, namely: Bernard Joseph, born January 23, 1904; Henry Her¬ man, November 1, 1905; Aloysius Anton, July 14, 1907; Marie Helen, March 31, 1909; Martin Henry, December 31, 1911; Martha Catherine, 1912; Anna Bertha, January 14, 1914; and Gertrude Magdaline, November 28, 1915.

Silas Zickrick, a prominent farmer of Highland Township, the owner and operator of a well improved farm of 250 acres, was born at St. Charles, Winona County, Minn., February 11, 1880, son of Edward E. and Hattie (Biers) Zick¬ rick. The father was born in Lomira, Dodge County, Wis., and the mother in Canton, Ohio. When children they came to Minnesota and were subsequently married in Olmsted County. In 1910 they came to Wabasha County, settling on a farm of 160 acres in Highland Township, having previously farmed for a number of years in Winona County. They had four children: Silas, Ray, Arnum and Etta, the last mentioned of whom is the wife of Elmer Pomery, a farmer of Downing, Wis. Silas Zickrick was reared on the home farm and educated in the district school. He remained at home assisting his father until reaching his majority, after which he worked for three years in Argyle, Minn., and in North Dakota. He then returned to St. Charles and for six years worked on farms in that vicinity. At the end of that period, or about 1910, at the time his parents moved to this county, he also came here and bought his present farm of 250 acres in section 1, Highland Township. At that time there were no impio\ ements on the place, but since then he has cleared six acres and put 135 acres under cultivation, besides erecting all the buildings. These include a five-room house; a barn 32 by 50 feet, with a lean-to 24 by 50; a silo 14 by 36; machine shed 24 by 50; a granary 12 by 40, with a lean-to 16 by 40, also used as a machine shed; a chicken house 12 by 40; feed house 12 by 14, and a hog house 12 by 24 feet. He has also fenced the entire farm. Mr. Zickrick carries on general farming and stock raising, breeding graded cattlte, Chester-White hogs and Belgian horses. He is a member of the Masonic order, having taken the thirty-second degree, Scottish rite, and also belongs to the Modern Wood¬ men. He was married at Kellogg, Minn., June 16, 1909, to Margaret Young, daughter of George and Catherine Young. Her father was born in Muskegon, Mich., and her mother in Iowa. They came to Wabasha County at an early day and followed farming, but are now retired and are living in Kellogg. Mr. and Mrs. Zickrick have one son, Kermit, who was born July 4, 1910, and is now attending school in Cook's Valley.

William L. Appel, well known in former days as an industrious and en¬ terprising farmer and sterling citizen of Highland Township, and not yet for¬ gotten, was born in Baden, Germany, September 18, 1842, son of Adam and Katherine (Eckert) Appel. He was young when he accompanied his parents to America, and as a boy attended school in Mercer County, Pa. Subsequently he learned the blacksmith's trade in Greenville, that state, which he followed there as a journeyman until 1866, when he came to Wabasha County, Minn. For three years he followed his trade in Highland Township, and at the end of that time turned his attention to farming, buying 205 acres in section 8. The land was raw and covered with timber, which he cleared off, also erecting a good frame house and other farm buildings. He continued successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death on the farm, July 29, 1910. He was a man highly esteemed and much regretted. Mr. Appel was married November 11, 1869, at Wabasha, to Margaret Arvilla Harncame, daughter of George and Elizabeth Harncame. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Minnesota in 1855 among the early settlers, locating first in Wabasha, where they remained five years. In 1860 they took land in section 6, Highland Town¬ ship, but later traded that farm to Henry Hampe for a farm in Cook's Valley, where they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Harncame dying January 6, 1876, and his wife November 30, 1887. They had a family of eight children, of whom there are now only three survivors: Katherine, wife of Darwin Brainard, of Glenwood, Minn.; Mary E., wife of Peter Rasmussen, of Valley City, N. D.; and Margaret Arvilla, widow of William L. Appel. Those deceased are: James, Henrietta, Matilda, Alice and Sarah. Henrietta married Peter Rasmussen, who is also deceased. Matilda married Peter Hall, who is also deceased. Alice married a Mr. Runnels, and Sarah was the wife of Henry Leisen. Since Mr. Appel's death Mrs. Appel has rented out the farm, occupying a part of the house when not visiting her sisters.

William E. Rother, who ranks among the active and successful farmers of Highland Township, was born on a farm in section 18, this township, December 11, 1888, son of Gottlieb and Katherine (Sauerssig) Rother. The father, a na¬ tive of Germany, and the mother, a native of Wisconsin, came to Wabasha County, Minn., at an early day, taking a farm of 120 acres in sections 7 and 18, Highland Township. To this Mr. Rother subsequently added until he owned 260 acres. After operating his farm until advanced years he finally retired with a competence and took up his residence in Plainview, where he died in 1916. His wife is still living with her son, Edward. William E. Rother was reared on his parents' farm, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of agri¬ culture in its different branches, the district school supplying him with an education sufficiently practical for his career in life. After his father's retire¬ ment he and his brother, Edward, rented the home farm for five years and oper¬ ated it together, at the. end of which time they bought it. Two years later William sold his interest to Edward and bought the P. H. Feehan farm in sec¬ tion 17, also 80 acres of the Hogan farm, making 160 acres altogether, and it is on this place that he is now residing, carrying on general farming. He raises graded Hereford cattle, having a registered bull, and also Chester- White hogs. He has a good six-room residence, a substantial barn and other necessary buildings, all in good condidtion. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Plainview. Mr. Rother was married May 1, 1918, at Rochester, Minn., to Mary E. Bloom, daughter of John and Katherine Bloom, the father being a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. John Bloom came to Minnesota in 1873, settling first at W'hite Bear, but later moving to Olmsted County, where they are now prosperously engaged in farming. They have had five childred, of whom three are now living: Ethel, Walter and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Rother have one child, Katherine, who was born June 20, 1919.

Charles J. Rother, w7ho is successfully carrying on farming and stock rais¬ ing in Highland Township, was born on section 7, this township, September 7, 1875, son of Gottlieb and Katherine (Sauerssig) Rother. The father, who was born in Germany, came to the United States at an early day, and settling in Wabasha County, Minn., bought a farm of 120 acres in section 7, Highland Township. He subsequently purchased more land until he had 260 acres and spent his time developing his farm until his retirement from active work. He then moved to Plainview, where he died in 1916. His wife, who was born in Fredonia, Wis., is still living and makes her home with her son, Edward, in Oakwood Township. Charles J. Rother acquired his education in District School No. 38, Highland Township, and was reared on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate. When 22 years old the Spanish-American war broke out, and he enlisted for military service. After six months' service in the army in the United States he returned home, where he spent the winter. The next spring he went to South Dakota, where he remained two years, from there going to Alberta, Canada, where he took and proved up a farm which he operated for 17 years. In the spring of 1919 he returned to Minnesota and went to farm¬ ing in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County. In the spring of 1920 Mr. Rother removed to the George Thompson place, better known as the Widow McGrath place, where he is now engaged in general farming and stock raising, with profitable results. In 1906 Mr. Rother was married to Fanny La Point, daugh¬ ter of Cornelius and Melvina (Fountain) La Point. Her father was born in La Crosse, Wis., and her mother in Quebec, Canada. After following agricul¬ tural pursuits for many years in Wisconsin, they went to farming in Alberta, Canada, where they are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Rother have been the parents cf four children, of whom three are now living: Louis, Olivia and George. The eldest son, Jeffrey, died May 19, 1920, after an operation for appendicitis.

Herman Amerland, a Wabasha County pioneer, the founder of a good farm in Wabasha Township, now carried on by his son Edward and daughter Sophia, was born in Hanover, Germany, May 14, 1822. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Until nearly 30 years of age he remained in his native land, where, on January 2, 1852, he was married to Catherine Budke, also a native of Hanover. In 1853 he and his wife, with their first born child, Gerhard Henry, took passage on a sailing vessel for New Or¬ leans, in the United States, where in due time the parents arrived, their son having died on the voyage and been buried at sea. On board a river steamer Mr. and Mrs. Amerland journeyed northward to St. Louis, in which city thej remained during the winter. In the spring of 1854 they continued their north¬ ern pilgrimage, going as far as Hastings, but soon returning south to Wabasha. Twto miles south of the village they took a claim of 80 acres of wild timber land, now within the city limits. On this tract they erected a small log house and began the work of developing a farm. The task was a long and hard one, but was well accomplished, and the farm is today one of the best in this part of the county. In 1870 Mr. Amerland built a comfortable frame house and other necessary buildings. Though he and his wife suffere'd hardships in the early days, they endured them patiently and were always hard and willing workers. In the very early days they had frequent experiences with the Indians, who were very numerous. The Indians camped and had their tepees in the Amer¬ land woods and often came to the house to trade fish and game for tobacco or eatables. Several Indian mounds are on the farm. Their early dealings witty the Indians appeared to the Amerlands in the light of a thrilling experience, and they doubtless felt some natural timidity owing to stories they had heard of the ferocity of the savages when on the warpath, but as they treated them Iandly they never had any trouble with them, and were treated with respect by the Indians in return. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Amerland were members of the Lutheran Evangelical church and Mr. Amerland was a Republican in politics. Both died on the home farm, Herman Amerland on October 18, 1893, and his wife, Catherine, May 11, 1895. They were the parents of ten children, the first of whom, who died at sea, has been already mentioned. The others were as fol¬ lows : Henry born November 8, 1855, now engaged in the real estate business in Fargo, N. D.; Anna, born April 8, 1857, now Mrs. John Yost of Wabasha City; Louisa, born June 23, 1859, who married L. S. Russell of Minneapolis, and is now deceased; Sophia, born March 23, 1864, who never married, and is now residing on the home farm; Helena, deceased; Edward, born January 9, 1870, who is unmarried and living on the home farm; John, born April 25, 1872, who is engaged in the auto business in Fargo, N. D.; and Clara, born February 18, 1875, who married S. T. Hill of Minneapolis, and is now deceased. After the death of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Amerland their son, Ed vard, and daughter, Sophia, bought out the other heirs and have since operated the farm. They have rebuilt the original buildings and added others and today have a fine set, all electrically lighted. Their stock barn has a full modern equipment, as also has the farm in general, 150 acres of which is under cultivation. They carry on general farming and dairying, keeping from 15 to 20 milch cows. Their cattle are of a high grade, known as the "Brown Swiss breed their swine being of the Poland China variety. For both herds they have full blooded sires. The Amerland farm is beautifully located on the main highway between Wabasha and Kellogg, and now contains 228 acres. Edward and Sophia Amerland affili¬ ate v/ith and help to support the Congregational church of Wabasha. Neither has ever married. They have purchased a fine residence with two lots in Wa¬ basha city, where they expect to make their future home. Politically Edward

George Schultz, a well known and respected farmer and stock raiser of Highland Township, was born in Eau Claire County, Wis., June 15, 1884, son of Martin and Anna Schultz. The parents, natives of Germany, came to the United States in the early seventies, first stopping in Milwaukee, where they remained for one year. From there they went to Eau Claire County, where they bought a farm of 80 acres, and began housekeeping, having been married in Milwaukee. The land was raw and largely covered with timber and there was a small log house on the property. Martin Schultz later built a good house and barn and other necessary buildings. There he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until he sold the place in 1916, since which time he has been living retired. His wife, Anna, having died in 1887, he subsequently married Rosa Kabosky, who, like his parents, was a native of Germany. By his first marriage he had six sons and two daughters. One of the daughteis died young, but the other children are all now living, namely : Michael, Martin, Frank and Joseph (twins), John, George and Nellie, the last mentioned of whom is the wife of John Rodinsky of Independence. George Schultz was reared on the home farm in Eau Claire County and was educated in the dis¬ trict school. He remained on the farm until 21 years old and then went to Montana, where for five years he was engaged in railroad construction work. At the end of that time he returned to Wisconsin and worked at Arcadia and Independence until he came to Minnesota in 1912. In Highland Township, this county, he worked on the farm of Joe Schacht until he began farming for him¬ self, since which time he has made good progress raising crops and stock, hav¬ ing good herds of cattle, hogs and sheep. Mr. Schultz was married in 1919 to Mary Rother of Highland Township, and they are the parents of a son, Elmer, who was born February 11, 1920.

Fred G. Colburn, who is conducting a successful milling business at Jarretts in Hyde Park Township, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., May 21, 1850, son of Otis and Amelia E. Colburn. The father, who was born at Cham¬ pion, in the same county, on December 1, 1815, died at Carthage, N. Y., June 12, 1865. The mother was a native of Sackett's Harbor in the same New York county, born in 1823. She died at Jarretts, Wabasha County, Minn., October 15, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Colburn were the parents of four children, only two of whom are living: Mrs. George D. Stanton, of Oak Park, Ill., and Fred G., of Jarretts. Fred G. Colburn was 15 years old when his father died, and after that event he went to Fond du Lac, where he learned the miller's trade with an uncle, Alpheus Colburn, remaining with him for three years. He then went to Brandon, Wis., where for six years he was in the employ of H. G. Matthews. From Brandon he went to Harvard, Ill., in the employ of Wood & Co. A year later he removed to Newcastle, Wis., and for three years rented a half interest in the business of A. Colburn & Son. After that until 1884 he, with C. J. Colburn & Bro., owned a half interest in the Eagle mill at Minne¬ apolis. At the end of that time Mr. Colburn came to Wabasha County and en¬ gaged in the milling business at Jarretts, wThere he has since resided, his son, Judson C., being in partnership with him. He has established himself se¬ curely as a business man and is one of the prosperous and highly respected citizens of his township. He has served 25 years as treasurer of school dis¬ trict No. 47 and in politics is a Republican. He and his family attend the M. E. church. Mr. Colburn was first married November 28, 1882, to Cora E. Lewis, daughter of Lucius R. and Delilah Lewis of Fond du Lac, Wis. She died at Jarretts, Wabasha County, July 10, 1897. By her Mr. Coburn had four chil¬ dren: Louisa A., born February 26, 1884; Ada A., December 30, 1885; Ethel M., December 29, 1889, and Judson C., June 15, 1894. Louisa A. is now the wife of George Sime of Aberdeen, S. D., and has two children, Richard C. and Rhoda. Ada A., who graduated from the Plainview high school, and was a teacher sev¬ eral years, is now keeping house for her father. Ethel M., who graduated from the English high school at Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Business College, is now a stenographer and bookkeeper. Judson C. Colburn, who, as above mentioned, is in business partnership with his father, enlisted for service in the world war, August 15, 1918. From St. Paul he went to the officers' train¬ ing school at Camp Grant, where he was located when the armistice was signed. He was discharged November 30, 1918. On September 15, 1920, he married Lura Mae Herrick of Farm Hill, Minn., who was born March 12, 1899. Mr. Fred G. Colburn married his second wife, April 25, 1900, Annie Love, who died without issue July 24, 1914.

James H. Wright, an active and progressive farmer of Gillford Township, residing in section 12, was born in the Village of Sherburn, Martin County, Minn., June 27, 1889, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wright. He resided in Sher¬ burn up to the age of 12 years and attended the village school. At the end of that time he came to the home of Peter Schaefer of Gillford Township, Wa¬ basha County, and stayed with him on the farm to the fall of 1912. He was now 23 years old and had saved one thousand dollars with which to start in for hims'elf. His so doing proved a double event in his life, for at the same time, on September 26, 1912, he married Ruby Blohm, daughter of William and Ida Blohm of Gillford Township. It was in the fall of that year that he rented the Claus Meyer farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, where he and his wife began housekeeping. There they remained until 1919, when he bought the Claus Holst farm in section 12, Gillford Township, which is his present home. This farm contains 120 acres, of which 100 acres are under the plow. The soil is productive and the buildings in fairly good condition. Mr. Wright raises grade Shorthorn cattle and Chester-White hogs, and besides doing a profitable business as a general farmer, is a stockholder in the Oak Center Creamery Company. His equipment includes an auto car. Mr. and Mrs.

James Watson And Family

Wright have one child, Marlyn W., who was born December 8, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Oak Center M. E. Church, and are people well liked in this vicinity, both being known as energetic workers and good neighbors. Mrs. Wright was born in Gillford Township, December 29, 1888.

James T. Watson, a retired farmer residing in Lake City, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, October 29, 1840, son of Thomas and Margaret Watson. His parents, who lived and died in their native land, had a large family of 15 children, namely, Jeanette, Thomas, David, James, Alexander George, Wil¬ liam, Margaret, Helen, Elizabeth, James T., Grace, Isabella, John and Eliza¬ beth (second). Of these children four are now living: James T., of Lake City, Minn.; John, who is in Scotland; Elizabeth in New Zealand, and Isabella in Bellingham, Wash. James T. Watson in his boyhood attended common school in his native land. His parents being poor, at an early age he had to help support himself and when seven years old was accustomed to herd cattle. In 1869 he emigrated to America with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Penny, the party coming directly to Lake City, Minn. Mr. Penny and wife soon moved to Redwood County, where Mrs. Penny died; her husband is now living in California. During his first year in Wabasha County James T. Watson worked as a farm hand for his brother George at $20 a month. With a view to future independence he saved his money and at the end of a year bought a horse team. He then rented 50 acres of Andrew Boss of Gillford Township, broke his land, put in his crop, and then went to Redwood County, locating near Redwood Falls. In the fall he returned to Wabasha County and harvested his crop on the Boss farm, after which he went back to Redwood County. Two years later Mr. Watson located on a homestead of 160 acres ten miles southeast of Redwood Falls, where he re¬ mained until 1884, when grasshoppers and drought drove him out and he re¬ turned to Wabasha County and settled on his Gillford Township farm. Here he was more successful and remained until 1900. His farm consisted of 160 acres in section 23, the land being good. When he left he turned it over to his two sons, John W. and Arlo J., and moved to a farm which he had bought in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County, which also contained 160 acres of good land. In 1911 Mr. Watson found himself in comfortable circumstances and accordingly retired and took up his residence in Lake City, leaving his sons Earl and Walter to operate his farm. He owns a comfortable home at the corner of Adams and N. Sixth streets. Politically he has always been a Republican, though not a strong party man. In Redwood County he served as chairman of Three Lakes Township, also as town clerk and as assessor for different terms. Mr. Watson was married May 18, 1874, to Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth McPhee, of New Avon Township, Redwood County, Minn., and both he and his wife are still strong and in good health for people of their years. They have had 11 children, as follows: Margaret, born Feb¬ ruary 25, 1876; John W., April 26, 1877; Arlo J., January 4, 1879; Elizabeth, December 28, 1881; Minnie, April 24, 1883; Mabel, April 23, 1885; Cora, Jan¬ uary 25, 1887; Grace, February 3, 1889; Irl, January 15, 18 - ; Roy, July 22, 1893, and Walter, January 27, 1897. Several of these children are now de¬ ceased. Elizabeth died in her fifth year May 13, 1886, and Grace while still a babe, on March 7, 1890. Mabel, who married Henry Cordes, resides in Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County, Minn. Cora, who married Charles Cordes, died December 20, 1915, leaving a son, Ray Watson Cordes, who since his mother's death has been reared and cared for by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Watson. Irl and Walter are living on their father's farm in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are affiliated re¬ ligiously with the First Congregational Church of Lake City and are highly respected members of the community. They have been fortunate in many things, but their life has not been all sunshine, and as devoted parents they have felt sorrow at the affliction of their two children Margaret A. and Arlo

John W. and Arlo J. Watson, proprietors of Sunnyside Farm in section 23, Gillford Township, have owned and operated this farm since the spring of 1900, and are prominent among the successful farmers of the township. The original area of the farm was 160 acres, but 80 acres have since been added to it by the two brothers, giving the farm an area of 240 acres, nearly all of which is suitable for the plow. The Watson brothers are engaged in diver* sifted farming and are giving considerable attention to stock raising, having 90 head of Shorthorn and Durham cattle of pure blood, and 40 to 50 head of Poland-China swine, together with a flock of Shropshire sheep. They have built a good two-story frame house, and a frame barn, 38 by 78 by 14 feet, with a full tile basement of 8 feet, and steel equipment. Their equipment is modern and complete, including two double-unit milking-machines, a Ford truck and a Chevrolet car, and through industry and good management they have made the farm a paying enterprise. Neither is married, their two sis¬ ters, Margaret A. and Minnie M., keeping house for them. John W. the elder, in addition to attending common school for the usual period, was a pupil for some time in the Lake City Commercial College. He began teaching at the age of 17 and followed that occupation for several years in the schools of Wabasha and Goodhue Counties.

Edward Z. Johnson, who was for many years one of the well known and substantial farmers of Hyde Park Township, was a native of Sweden, and was married in his native land to Charlotte U. Forslund. In 1868, leaving his wife and family behind, he came to the United States to establish a new home, and on arriving in Wabasha County, Minnesota, bought 160 acres in Hyde Park Township, where his wife joined him in the following year. Mr. Johnson soon sold 10 acres of his land for the Jarretts mill site, and the railroad, which cut through his farm, took another portion, but he bought enough additional land to make up the original area of 160 acres. The farm was rough and heavily timbered, but he grubbed and cleared the land, erecting buildings, and in time became one of the prosperous farmers of the county. His death took place on the old homestead, July 9, 1907. His wife survived him eleven years, passing away at the home of her daughter Ella (Mrs. Richard Preston) at Jarretts, August 16, 1918. They were the parents of seven children, the two eldest of whom, Fannie and Victor, died in Sweden. The others were: Ella, now Mrs. Richard Preston, of Jarretts; Frederick, residing in Plainview; Emma, who is a missionary at Flagstaff, Arizona; Emery, who died at the age of 15 months; and Caroline, now Mrs. Joseph Bricher, of Cottage Grove Oregon.

Frederick Johnson, proprietor, with his sons, of a stock and dairy farm of 320 acres, known by the name of "Ioka," and located in Elgin Township, wa& born in Hyde Park Township, this county, October 28, 1872, son of Edward Z. and Charlotte U. (Forslund) Johnson. His was the usual education of a farmer's boy, acquired in the district school, and he grew to manhood on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage at the age of 24 years. In 1903 he rented a farm of 160 acres in Oakwood Township, which he operated for five years. Then in 1907 he bought his parents' farm and moved onto it, registering it as "Hillcrest." Both land and buildings were badly run down, and he set to work to build it up again, remodeling the buildings, erecting barns, a silo, and outbuildings, and planting a fine orchard of 100 trees. In 1911 Mr. Johnson purchased 69 acres adjoining his place, and thus found him¬ self in possession of a fine farm of 266 acres, where he carried on farming and dairying until 1917, making a specialty of the dairy business. He then sold that place and bought his present farm of 320 acres in sections 10 and 11, Elgin Township, which is now owned by himself and his two sons, Gordon E. and Clinton F. This is one of the best dairy farms in the township and well justi¬ fies its name of Ioka, meaning "beautiful." Mr. Johnson resided thereon until

Frederick Johnson And Family

November 12, 1919, when he took up his residence in Plainview village, where he had bought a nice residence in the previous month of July. He still con¬ tinues active work on the farm, however, driving back and forth the distance of four and a half miles. He and his sons have made important improvements on the place, having remodeled the buildings, fenced nearly the entire farm, and set out a fine orchard. They are breeders of pure Chester-White hogs and Jersey cattle, and also raise fruits and berries. Mr. Johnson was chairman of the Hyde Park Township board for six years and was a member of the school board one term. He and his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. On February 12, 1896, Frederick Johnson was married to Ella E Fanning, who was born January 28, 1874, at Hyde Park Corners, in Gillford Township, daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Baldwin) Fanning. Of this union have been born six children: Gordon E., November 1, 1896; Clinton F Jutv 16, 1898; Lotta May, July 14, 1899; Vendetta E., April 13, 1905; Dorand David, June 9, 1907, and Leroy Vincent, October 21, 1909. Gordon E. married Lillian Zink of Spring Valley. Lotta May was married, June 18, 1919, to Harold K. Gregor, and lives on a farm in Oakwood Township. Vendetta E. is a student

Samuel Fanning, formerly a well known farmer in Gillford and Zumbro Townships, was a native of New York State. After coming west he was mar¬ ried in Wabasha County, Minn., to Mary A. Baldwin, who was born m St. Louis, Mo., and they settled on the George Oliver farm at Hyde Corners in Gillford Township. Some years later they took a homestead in Zumbro Township, which, however, they later sold, moving back to Hyde Corners on the David Fanning farm. There, on December 28, 1874, Samuel Fanning died. In 1882 his widow sold the farm and moved onto the Albert Ellison farm in Gillford Township, on which she resided until 1909. She then sold that place and moved to Madelia, Minn., where she remained until 1916, since which time she has resided with her daughter, Mrs. Trella Oney, in Rochester. Mr. and Mrs^ Fanning were the parents of ten children: George L. and John D., now of Madelia, Minn.; David, deceased; Edmund, of Rochester, Minn.; Walter Scott, of Madelia; Sherman, deceased; Wallace, deceased; Trella A., now Mrs John Oney of Rochester; Ella E., wife of Frederick Johnson of Plainview, and Sam¬ uel, of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fanning were very active in social life. He taught the first singing-school in his locality, and furnished accommoda¬ tions for the minister and his family in order that a church might be main¬ tained in the community.

E. S. Fanning was born in Leydon, Lewis County, New York, and Hannah Fanning, his wife, was also born in New York State. In 1855 they came from Illinois to Wabasha County and lived here sixteen years, and here their seven children were born: Mary L., who now lives, in Havre, Mont.; a son who died in infancy; Elizabeth E., who died October 4, 1887; James H., residing at Ne¬ maha Iowa; Ezra E., of Anoka, Minn.; Adelbert E., who lives at Storm Lake, Iowa; and Edmund S., Jr., who lives at Nemaha, Iowa. In the fall of 1871 Mr and Mrs. E. S. Fanning moved to Sac County, Iowa, where Mr. Fanning died June 25, 1888, aged 55 years, nine months and two days. He was converted two years before he died, joined the M. E. church, and was appointed class leader. Hannah, his wife, died in Sac County, Iowa, December 17, 1907, aged 74 years, four months and 22 days.

John Schumann, who was a respected resident of Gillford Township tor over 40 years, but has lately passed away, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, February 1, 1837. He grew to manhood in his native land and was married there, November 1, 1867, to Marie Will, also a native of Mecklenburg, born January 31, 1843. In 1873 Mr. Schumann with his family emigrated to the United States and coming to Wabasha County, Minnesota, settled in Gillloid Township, where he engaged in farming. He and his w'ife then had three chil¬ dren. For the first year Mr. Schumann worked as a farm hand for others, hav- ing arrived here very poor. At the end of that time he rented the Lippert place in West Albany Township and operated it three years. He then bought 80 acres in section 2, Gillford Township, on which farm he and his wife spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Schumann, after a successful career, being killed in an automobile accident on July 13, 1919. He had been a widower for more than a year, his wTife having passed away April 16, 1918. They were the parents of the following named children: Fredericka Sophia, now Mrs. Claus Holst of Lake City; Caroline, who died in infancy; Minnie, wife of Ferdinand Brunkow of Herman, Minn.; Louis, Ida and John, who are deceased; Frederick C., a farmer in Gillford Township; William, deceased; August, who is on the home farm in Gillford Township; and Mary, who is now Mrs. Charles Abraham of Herman, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Schumann were members of the Jacksonville congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church, he being a charter member and a liberal supporter of it.

Frederick C. Schumann, the proprietor of a 240-acre farm in Gillford Township, was born in section 2, this township, November 25, 18//, son of John and Marie (Will) Schumann. The parents settled here in the early seventies and Frederick C. was educated in district school No. 19, at Jacksonville, which - he attended to about the age of fourteen. Up to the age of 22 he remained on the home farm, assisting his father. Then on August 31, 1899, he married Catherine Ehlers, who was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, July 16, 1880, her parents being among the earliest settlers here. Mr. Schu¬ mann began farming for himself on the Henry Schlichting farm on section 2, Gillford Township, renting the place for ten years. In 1910 he removed to his present farm, which he rented up to 1913, buying it in the fall of that year. It contains 240 acres, all improved, and when he came into possession it had a good house but the other buildings were poor. Mr. Schumann has erected a frame barn, 40 by 86 by 14 feet, wfith a full nine-foot cement-block basement, provided with a steel equipment and with room for 75 head of cattle; a garage; a combined milk and washhouse; a hog house 22 by 34; corn cribs, an icehouse, machine shed, and a tile silo 12 by 35 feet. He has also installed a hot-air heating plant in the house and made other modern improvements. He is suc¬ cessfully carrying on diversified farming, giving considerable attention to stock raising. His present herd of high grade Shorthorns numbers 60 head and in¬ cludes about 20 milch cows, and he has a herd of 35 to 40 grade hogs. His buildings are provided with running water and equipped with the Delco electric light system, and his operating equipment includes a Case thresher and two auto cars, a Ford and a Chevrolet. In addition to his direct farming interests Mr. Schumann is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator of Lake City, the Lake Pepin Creamery, of Lake City, in which he is also a director, and the Shipping Association of Lake City. For a number of years he has served on the school board of his district, No. 19; politically he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Schumann are the parents of eight children, who were born as follows : Lucina M. Augusta, August 16, 1900; Lawrence Deidrich Heinrich, August 30, 1901; Harry Herman Frederick, October 12, 1902; Helen Mary Johanna, March 19, 1904; Leona Marguerite Catherine, October 9, 1905; Isabella Martha, Janu¬ ary 28, 1907; Luella Henrietta Sophia, September 12, 1908; and Evelyn Anna, March 29, 1910. The Schumanns are one of the prominent families of Gillford Township and are affiliated religiously with the Jacksonville congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church. All the children reside at home except Lucina, who is now Mrs. John Wiebush, her husband being a farmer of Gill¬ ford Township.

Joseph Rolandt, a prominent representative of the farming industry in Gillford Township, was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, June 8, 1856, son of Henry and Mary (Schultz) Rolandt. He came to America with his parents in the fall of 1874, the family settling on a farm in West Albany Township, where Joseph lived until about 1894. The father, Henry Rolandt, died in the fall of

1896, and the mother in the spring of 1906. Joseph had been given a common school education in Germany and attended school two winters after coming to Wabasha County. He began working as a farm hand three days after arriving in the county, and was four years in the employ of Christ Wempner. On Decem¬ ber 16, 1879, he married Anna Stohrman, who was born in Glasgow Township, October 27, 1862, daughter of Frederick and Mary Stohrman, and at the time of his marriage he bought a farm of 80 acres in section 13, Gillford Township, where he remained five years. He then sold that place and bought 160 acres in section 23. This was a farm with improved land, but'poor buildings, and Mr. Rolandt built better ones, though with an eye to further improvements in the future. In 1906 he rebuilt the house, which is now a comfortable two-story residence; and in 1915 he erected a good frame barn and has now all necessary buildings. He is successfully following diversified farming, keeping grade Hereford cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep; he also does dairying and is the owner of a threshing outfit. In politics he is independent. He and his family are members of the Jacksonville congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church, which he served as trustee for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Rolandt have been the parents of six children: Clara S., born October 15, 1880; Alvina M., May 5, 1882; Anna Minnie, April 26, 1886; Frederick H., June 24, 1892; Joseph F., September 29, 1894; Alfred Frederick, May 18, 1901. Clara S. is still residing on the home farm. Alvina M. married John Burfeind of Mt. Pleasant Township and died May 13, 1918. Anna Minnie is the wife of Herman Heldt, a farmer of Goodhue County. Frederick H., who took a mechanical course at the Southern Normal University at Austin, Minn., served in the World War, being inducted into the U. S. service as a private in 1917. He trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and was promoted to corporal in the auto mechanic depart¬ ment, Company C, A. E. F., and served in France, going across in November, 1918. He served until March, 1919, being attached to the 313th ammunition train. Joseph F. is a farmer in Gillford Township.

Frederick Stohrman, a Wabasha County pioneer who had a notable and adventurous career, was a native of Hanover, Germany. He emigrated to the United States at an early day and took part in the rush to the California gold fields, where he met with more success than fell to the lot of the average ad¬ venturer. At last, not caring to stay there any longer, he returned east to Minnesota and settled at Funk's Ford on the Zumbro river in Glasgow Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, where he engaged in farming. He died quite well to do about the close of the Civil War period, his loss being greatly regretted. Having more money than almost any of his neighbors, he was not only able, but willing, to assist new arrivals, and a number of the pioneer settlers here owed much to his friendly help. Mr. Stohrman married Mary Ending, who survived him many years, dying October 10, 1900, in Lake City. They reared a family of four daughters and one son, the daughters who are now living, being: Emma, who married Frank Hoppe and has been a widow for twenty years, being now a resident of Breckenridge, Minn.; Eliza, who is the widow of Peter Peters and lives in Lake City, Mr. Peters having died 14 years ago; Anna, now Mrs. Joseph Rolandt of Gillford Township; Clara who is the wife of William Deifenbrock, and Frank, who is deceased.

Max C. Wimmer, now deceased, who was for twelve years engaged in agri¬ cultural pursuits in Gillford Township, was born at Frontenac, Goodhue County, Minn., July 24, 1866, son of George and Sophia Wimmer. The parents were natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to this country at an early day, settling in Goodhue County. Max C. Wimmer was given a common school education and received his industrial training on the farm. On January 17, 1890, he married Margaret Meyer, who was born in Hanover, Germany, April 17, 1866, daughter of Carson and Anna Meyer. She came to the United States with a brother and sister, John C. and Anna, her parents coming three years later and settling in Wabasha County, Minnesota. Max C. Wimmer and wife began home making as renters on the Candell farm in Gillford Township and remained there about seven years. They then removed to the farm on which Mrs. Wimmer now resides, in section 18, Gillford, containing 150 acres of tillable land, and which is one of the good farms of the township. It was operated by Mr. Wimmer until his death on June 24, 1902, and has since been further im¬ proved by his wife, who built in 1918 a modern two-story, ten-room house; also, in 1912, a good barn, 36 by 60 by 14 feet, with a tile basement of 8 feet; a steel mill and other necessary structures. Mr. Wimmer was a sturdy type of man, a good worker and farmer, and a respected citizen. He was a Republican in politics and served on the school board of his district No. 70. With his family he belonged to the Trinity congregation of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was liberal in its support. He assisted in building the present church edifice, which was his last work of a public spirited character. Mr. and Mrs. Wimmer became the parents of two children, both daughters, namely. Amalia Anna Georgina, born November 21, 1890, and Elda Sophia Catherine, born July 11, 1897. The elder daughter married John A. Tiedeman of Gillford Township, and has one child, Evelyn, who was born November 19, 1911. The younger daughter, Elda, is the wife of Louis P. Tiedeman, and resides with her mother, her husband operating the Wimmer farm. She has one child, Marion A., born June 8, 1919. The Wimmers are a highly respected family in the com¬ munity and have a comfortable residence being supplied with a hot air furnace and lighted by electricity, with other modern conveniences.

George J. Purcell, in former years a successful farmer and well known citizen of Gillford Township, but now deceased, was born in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, in 1843, son of Timothy and Margaret Purcell. He was educated in the common schools, grew to manhood in his native state, and remained there until 1865, when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minnesota, the family locating on section 24, Gillford Township. The tract they bought consisted of 160 acres, the previous owner being a Mr. Hayes. But little of it was broken and the buildings were very poor. The Purcells at once began to make improvements, in which the son, George, took an active part, and in time a good farm was developed. On this farm George J. Purcell resided all his life, with the exception of three years spent in Lake City, and after the death of his parents he became its owner. His father died in October, 1882, and his mother on June 18, 1884. His own ownership of the property, however, lasted but a few years, as he himself passed away on December 6, 1890. Mr. Purcell was one of eight children, Richard, Thomas, Ellen, George J., Bridget, Margaret, Mary and one who died in infancy. Richard, who was a farmer, died at Ross, N. D. Thomas, also a farmer, died at Aberdeen, Wash. Ellen, who married Thomas White, died in Chicago, 1918. Bridget is the wife of John McShane of North Yakima, Wash., her husband being a fruit grower. Margaret is now Mrs. John Whelan of Waseca, Minn. Mary died at the home of her brother Thomas at Aberdeen, Wash. George J. Purcell was married on January 6, 1881, to Eliza M. Reedy, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Reedy, and who grew up in the same locality as her husband, they being ac¬ quainted in early youth. Her parents subsequently engaged in farming in Gillford Township, Wabasha County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell were the parents of five children: Mary E., born November 25, 1882; Margaret A., February 22, 1884; George J., August 10, 1885; Francis J., September 10, 1887; and Helen K., November 14, 1891. Mary E. is now a graduate nurse employed in the Mayo Brothers' hospital at Rochester. Margaret, who graduated from the Lake City high school and the University of Southern Minnesota, has been a teacher in the primary department of the public schools for the last nine years. George J., who is a farmer at Alberta, Canada, is married and has four children, George Burnette, Margaret, Robert McLean and Francis J. Helen K., a graduate of the University of Southern Minnesota, has been a teacher for the last five years. Francis J., who is unmarried, is operating the home farm for his mother, having been in charge since 1907. General farming is carried on and the farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc swine. There is a good set of buildings, in 1918 a new barn having been erected, 36 by 80 by 14 feet, with a full cement block basement; also a tile silo 14 by 42 feet, with a capacity of 150 tons. The crop products of the farm are mostly fed back to the stock. George J. Purcell, Sr., was not only an indus¬ trious and successful farmer, but also a public spirited citizen, devoting some of his time to the public service. For some years he was a helpful member of the town board, and also served on the school board of his district, No. 20. Politically he was a Democrat. The family are Catholics in religious faith and members of St. Patrick's parish at West Albany.

Albert Huber, a native of Wabasha County, for many years engaged in farming in Greenfield Township, but now deceased, was born July 6, 1859, son of John and Caroline (Wacholtz) Huber. He received a district school educa¬ tion, and for a number of years worked on his parents' farm, assisting his father. After that he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account, for a few years operating a rented farm. In 1883 he bought 80 acres in section 9, Greenfield Township, which place he improved by the erection of a house, and he subsequently followed general farming, including truck raising, and keep¬ ing some stock, until his death on May 29, 1907. Since then the farm has been successfully operated by his wife, who has put up a new barn and other build¬ ings. Mr. Huber was married December 3, 1878, to Bertha Birkly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Birkly. Nine children were the fruit of this union, as follows: Elizabeth, born May 26, 1880, now Mrs. Victor Gustavson; John, born May 24, 1881, who died August 24, 1882; Caroline, born June 26, 1882, now Mrs. Hubert Marking; Albert, born July 3, 1884; George, born September 19, 1885; William, born June 30, 1886; Frank, born March 2, 1888, who died Oc¬ tober 4, 1889; Louie, born July 28, 1892, who died August 26, 1892; and Louisa, born July 28, 1894. The last mentioned is now Mrs. Cyrus Hylmer of Deer Park Wis. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Catholic church.

Hugh Leonard, former superintendent of schools of Wabasha County, for the last six years a member of the state legislature, and who also has busi¬ ness and agricultural interests in the county, was born in Gillford Township, Wabasha County March 4, 1865. His parents, Hugh and Catherine (Boland) Leonard, were natives of County Fermanagh, Ireland, where they were mar¬ ried, and where also they continued to reside until 1855, when they came to the United States. For about four years they remained in New York state, where three children were born to them, and then in 1859 they came to Wabasha County, Minn., disembarking from a steamboat at Read's Landing almost des¬ titute of funds. From that place to a location in Hyde Park Township - a dis¬ tance of 20 miles - they proceeded on foot, Mrs. Catherine Leonard carrying her youngest child in her arms. The five or six years they spent in Hyde Park Township were years of struggle and privation, but they made some progress, and at the end of that period bought 320 acres of wild land in Gillford Town¬ ship, on their tract building a log cabin. Mr. Leonard then bought a team of oxen and began the development of his new farm, a task which occupied him for many years. There he died on April 9, 1909. For the last nine years of his life he had been a widower, his wife having passed away on the home farm February 2, 1900. The children born to them were as follows: James, now a farmer near Hettinger, N. D.; Mary Ann, who married James McCaffrey, and died at St. Thomas, Minn., where her husband was engaged in farming; Michael, now deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Hugh Mc¬ Caffrey, of Wabasha; Theresa, wife of Hugh McGuigan, of South St. Paul; William, a farmer in Gillford Township; Hugh, the subject of this sketch; and Thomas, who is a farmer in Gillford Township, and owner of part of the old home farm. Hugh Leonard acquired his elementary education in the common schools, after which he was a pupil for two years in the Lake City high school, and for two years in the Winona Normal School. He then took up the profes¬ sion of a teacher, and was thus occupied for three years in District 3, Pepin Township, Wabasha County, having 100 pupils enrolled. His next school was at Mazeppa, this county, Minn., which he taught three years and subsequently he spent several years in teaching other schools in the county. Having shown more than ordinary ability as an educator, Mr. Leonard was elected to the office of county superintendent, in which he served two terms, from January 1, 1899, to December 31, 1902, making as good a record as a superintendent as he had as a teacher. Since 1907 he has owned and operated 160 acres of the old home farm in Gillford Township, and now has it all under cultivation except 10 acres. He breeds Shorthorn and Durham cattle, having full blooded sires for his herds. Aside from his direct farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Shipping and Elevator Association of Millville, which he is serving as vice president, and is president of the Plainview Farm¬ ers Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1914 he was elected to the state legis¬ lature, in which body, through successive re-elections, he has since continued to serve. Politically he is a Democrat. On May 9, 1889, Mr. Leonard was united in marriage with Margaret McCullogh, who was born in Oakwood Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, Minn., May 31, 1891, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James McCullogh. Eight children have been born of this union, as follows: Thomas Howard, January 20, 1891; William Grover, March 30, 1893; Joseph Homer, July 4, 1896; Ambrose, March 11, 1899; John, in March, 1903; Marguerite, March 30, 1905; and Helen Angela, May 30, 1908. The eldest son, Thomas H., who is unmarried, is now living on the home farm. William G. is married and is a farmer in West Albany Township. Joseph H. is inspector in the U. S. immigration office at Winnipeg, Canada. Ambrose and John are both de¬ ceased, Ambrose having died in infancy, and John when two and a half years old. Marguerite is a student in Lake City High School. Helen Angela is resid¬ ing at home with her parents. Mr. Leonard and his family are Catholics in religious faith, being members of St. Patrick's parish at West Albany, which he is serving as trustee and secretary.

Patrick Cronin, who took part in advancing the agricultural interests of Wabasha County by the development of a good farm in Gillford Township, but who some eight years ago joined the silent majority, was born in West Albany Township, this county, in March, 1862, son of Patrick and Mary Cronin. The parents came to Wabasha County, Minn., from Ireland in the latter fifties, locating in Hyde Park Township, whence, after a few years, they moved to West Albany Township, near the Catholic church. Both are now deceased. Patrick Cronin (Jr.) was reared on his parents' farm and educated in the dis¬ trict school. He followed agriculture all his life, beginning for himself at the age of 21, when he bought 320 acres of productive land in Gillford Township, section 14. When he took possession there were no buildings, but he erected a good set, including a substantial and comfortable frame house, and all neces¬ sary barns and outbuildings. With an adequate equipment he carried on gen¬ eral farming successfully until his death on February 13, 1911. Politically he was a Democrat, with independent tendencies, in casting his vote placing the man above the party, and in religion was a Catholic and a member of St. Pat¬ rick's congregation in West Albany Township. Mr. Cronin was married June 21, 1898, to Mary Laqua, who was born in Gillford Township, this county, Janu¬ ary 1, 1880, daughter of William and Mary Laqua. Of this union five children were born: William P., July 12, 1899, who is now helping his mother to operate the home farm; Edward James, born January 17, 1901, who died in June the same year; Edward Joseph, born November 14, 1902, who is living on the home farm; Mary Rita, born April 17, 1905; and John Sylvester, born July 6, 1908, who being the youngest members of the family, are also living at home with their mother. After her husband's death Mrs. Cronin moved to Lake City, but in 1918 she returned to the farm, where she has since resided.

Ernest V. Foster

Frederick Scholts, who was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Gillford Township, but is now passed away, was born in Hanover, Germany, April 17, 1827. He was reared in his native land, where he became a farmer, and where in the sixties he married Marie Wiebusch. In 1877 he came with his family to Minnesota, and for six years worked on the John Martin farm in Gillford Township, Wabasha County. In 1883 Mr. Scholts moved to the Jona¬ than C. Haradon farm as a renter, it being a farm of 120 acres situated in sec¬ tion 12. Here he remained as a renter for some years, and then with his son, John, bought the property. The rest of his life was spent in cultivating and improving this farm, on which he died November 19, 1903. He and his wife had three children: John, born March 26, 1869; Rebecca, born December 19, 1873; and Margaret, born September 14, 1876. John is now manager and part owner of the farm, on which his mother, who shares the ownership with him, and his sister, Margaret, also reside, the latter being the housekeeper. The daughter Rebecca, who was married June 28, 1905, to Henry Wolfe, a mechanic of St. Paul, died in that city April 16, 1919. She left two children: Helen, born May 10, 1906, and Margaret, born April 11, 1909. The Scholts farm is a good piece of agricultural property and is situated 10 miles from Lake City. It has a good set of buildings and general farming is carried on with profitable results. Mrs. Scholts was born in Hanover, Germany, December 26, 1844. She and her chil¬ dren are members of the Jacksonville congregation of the Evangelical Luth¬ eran church, and are well known and respected throughout Gillford Township and the vicinity. Politically John Scholts is a staunch member of the Repub¬ lican party.

David Boss, who is traveling the road to fortune along agricultural lines in the township of Gillford, was born in this township August 6, 1881, son of Andrew and Jeanette (Nesbitt) Boss. His parents, natives of Scotland, were among the Wabasha County pioneers of 1863. He was reared on the home farm and in his boyhood attended district school No. 88, continuing his studies up to the age of 17. In 1901 he was graduated from the Minnesota Agricultural Col¬ lege, and in 1908 he bought the home farm, on which he has always resided, and is now operating it as a general farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Boss breeds pure blooded Hereford cattle, having now a herd of about 50, and raises about the same number of pure blood Poland-China hogs annually, together with a good grade of Shropshire sheep. He has greatly improved the buildings on his farm and has built a tile silo and other necessary structures. He has also provided himself with a first class operating equipment. His business interests are not entirely confined to his farm, as he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Shipping Association of Zumbro Falls, the Farmers' Elevator Co. of the same place, of which he is an officer; the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Zumbro Falls, the Zumbro Falls Farmers' Telephone Co., and the Terminal Packing Co. of Newport, Minn. A Democrat in politics, he has served as town clerk for the past three years and is a member of the school board of his district. He has a wide acquaintance throughout this part of the county and is universally re¬ spected.