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

Nicholas Wirtz, proprietor of a good 80-acre farm in section 5, Plainview Township, and a well known and respected citizen, was born in Germany, July 16, 1887, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Talkus) Wirtz. The family came to America in June, 1891, settling in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where Jacob Wirtz engaged in farming. He continued in that occupation until his death, September 2, 1908. His wife died December 10, 1912. They had two children: Margaret, widow of Theodore Klassen ; and Nicholas, subject of this sketch. Nicholas Wirtz was educated in the public school at Theilman, this county. He remained on the home farm until 21 years old, about which time his father died, and he then bought the D. D. Harrington farm of 160 acres east of Plainview, which he operated four years. At the end of that time he sold it and moved to Plainview, where for a year and a half he was agent and local manager for the Standard Oil Company. He then resumed farming, buy¬ ing a farm of 240 acres at Bremen, Zumbro Township. After three years' residence there he sold the place and bought his present property, then known as the Martin Costello farm, containing 80 acres in section 5. Here he has since been engaged in general agriculture, including dairying and truck farm¬ ing. He is doing a successful business and has a well improved place. As yet he has not married, his sister Margaret keeping house for him. Her three chil¬ dren, Theodore, Sylvester and Rufina, reside on the farm with her. The family are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Wirtz also belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

John Peter Hinck, a thriving farmer residing in Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, April 1, 1859, son of Heine D. Hinck and wife, his parents being farmers. He had a common school education in his native land, and in 1882 came to Wabasha County, Minn. For the first five or six years here he worked as a farm hand and saved all he could of his wages, so that in 1889 he was able to buy 160 acres of land in sections 5 and 8, Mt. Pleas¬ ant Township. All the land was broken, but there were no buildings. Mr. Hinck erected a fine frame house, a frame barn, silo, and other necessary struc¬ tures, and developed the farm, conducting it successfully and raising both grain and stock. In 1901 he leased it to his son John and bought 240 acres in sections 4 and 9, in Gilbert Valley, four miles west of Lake City, which is the farm on which he has since resided. He has 110 acres under the plow, and the soil is good and well tilled. It is also well stocked with Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and Shropshire sheep. The silo is triple-walled, and the other buildings in good condition. Mr. Hinck has been a hard worker and by industry and economy has become prosperous. He was married September 2, 1887, to Engel, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Holtz of Belvidere Township, Goodhue County. Their children are as follows: Ella, now Mrs. Henry Quelle of Florence Township, Goodhue County; Anna, wife of Richard Peterson of Mt. Pleasant Township; John J., a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship; Emma, residing in West Albany Township; Heine, of Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship; Henry, of West Albany Township; and Edward, Lillie, Clarence and Louis, who are residing on the home farm. Mr. Hinck and his family are mem¬ bers of the German Lutheran church, worshiping with the Belvidere congrega¬ tion in Goodhue County.

John J. Hinck, a representative farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township, residing on the old farm of his parents in section 8, was born here May 27, 1891, son of John Peter and Engel (Holtz) Hinck. He had but little schooling in his youth, having to begin industrial life at an early age, but his training in agriculture was thorough and the right preparation for the career he has followed. He has always remained on the home farm, up to the age of 22 years being asso¬ ciated with his father. In 1913 he began operating the place for himself and is thus occupied at present, with profitable results, doing a good business as a general farmer. The farm is one of the best in the township, and contains 180 acres, with 120 acres under the plow. There is a fine set of buildings, includ¬ ing a two-story frame house of eight rooms; a frame barn, 36 by 60 by 14 feet, with an 8-foot stone basement and modern equipment; a granary 22 by 30 by 14; a double corn-crib with an 8-foot drive, together with a tool shed and garage for Mr. Hinck's five-passenger auto car. There is also a triple-walled silo, 14 by 26, with a 7-foot base. Mr. Hinck keeps Shorthorn cattle and Hamp¬ shire and Chester-White hogs, and his operating equipment is modern and complete. He is a member of the Non-partisan League, and he and his family are members of the Belvidere congregation of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Hinck was married November 1, 1916, to Anna Margaret Fitchen, who was born December 21, 1895, daughter of Deidrich and Mary Fitchen of Mt. Pleas¬ ant Township. He and his wife are the parents of two children : Elsie Marie, born October 26, 1917; and Alvin Deidrich, born January 26, 1919.

Charles J. Gerken, one of the younger farmers in Mt. Pleasant Township, who is well embarked on a prosperous career, was born in section 5, this town¬ ship, in which he now lives, on June 29, 1898, son of Henry and Anna (Cordes) Gerken. His parents are now deceased, the father having passed away March 28, 1903, and the mother February 15, 1917. Charles J. acquired his elementary education in the district school and afterwards attended a business college at Red Wing. Being the only child of his parents, he came into possessoin of the home farm, which has an area of 170 acres, ten of which are in a wood lot. The farm is provided with an adequate set of buildings, the residence being a two-story frame structure. The barn has the dimensions of 36 by 60 by 14 feet, with an 8-foot stone basement; and there is a good tool shed, 22 by 36 by 10 feet, and poultry house 16 by 40 by 8 feet. The soil of the farm is productive and Mr. Gerken has 160 acres under the plow, all, in fact, save the wood lot. He follows general farming, keeping high grade Holstein cattle and full-blooded Poland-China swine. Lake City, eight miles east, affords him a convenient market. Mr. Gerken is a good practical farmer, active and industrious, and each year sees him farther advanced on the road of prosperity. Politically he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church.

John Carrels, a prosperous and well known citizen of "West Wabasha," where he owns a fine home, was born in Luxemburg, December 6, 1840, his parents being farmers. With them he came to America in 1847, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel which took 65 days to cross the ocean. The fam¬ ily settled at Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wis., on a farm, and there the subject of this sketch remained until he came to Wabasha County, with his father, in August, 1869, to work in the harvest fields. The father returned to Wisconsin, but John remained here, and for several years worked in a furniture factory in Wabasha city. He then rented land in Greenfield Township, and began farming, which occupation he has followed ever since. He now owns 60 acres in West Wabasha, together with a fine house, and other good buildings, the situation being a beautiful one overlooking the Mississippi river. Mr. Carrels was married January 6, 1887, to Anna Jacobs, whose parents resided in Belle Chester, on the line between Wabasha and Goodhue Counties. Of this marriage was born the following children: Frank, now living on the home farm; John, who is in Alberta, Canada; William, who died in infancy; Eliza¬ beth, residing in Colorado; William, of Wabasha; Clara, living at home; George, of Alberta, Canada; Henry, deceased; Louis, a farmer in Wabasha County; Edward, on the home farm; Peter, who is employed in the Merchants Bank in Wabasha; Charles, who is engaged in farming; and Josephine, now Mrs. Leo Reister of Kellogg, Minn. Mr. Carrels and his family are members of St. Felix parish, Wabasha, and are people held in high esteem for their sterling quali¬ ties of industry, probity and patriotic Americanism. Three of the sons, Ed¬ ward, Peter and Charles, served in the European war. Edward, who trained at Camp Cody, New Mexico, reached France October 24, 1918, and returned home July 5, 1919. Peter trained at Camp Wadsworth, S. C., and Charles at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. The two latter did not get over to France.

William Carrels, proprietor of a truck and fruit farm on the outskirts of Wabasha City, was born in Wabasha, Minn., July 20, 1881, son of John and Anna (Jacobs) Carrels. He was educated in parochial and public schools in Wabasha, leaving the high school at the age of 20 years. In 1907 he went to Hettinger County, N. D., where he took a homestead of 160 acres, consisting of prairie land. There he remained four years. Then in the fall of 1911 he went to Alberta, Canada, taking a homestead of 160 acres there, 40 miles east of Warner, on which he resided until the spring of 1915. He then returned to Wabasha, Minn., and in 1916 sold both his Dakota and Alberta property. In the fall of 1916 he bought 14 acres within the limits of Wabasha city, on which he is now raising small fruits and garden produce. He has made considerable improvements on the property, in 1917 building a modern seven-room house, furnace-heated, with bath, hot and cold water and electric lights. The house has an outside finish of stucco and is a commodious residence. It is also a home, as on November 14, 1917, Mr. Carrels married Evelyn Jackson, who was born at Read's Landing, Minn., June 10, 1897, daughter of William and Cecelia Jackson, who were later residents of Hibbing, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Carrels have one child, William Wilford, who was born February 27, 1919. Mr. Carrels is a Democrat in politics. While residing in North Dakota he served his township as assessor, and was also for two years justice of the peace. Re¬ ligiously he and his family are Catholics.

George P. Melvin, who has earned a position among the active and success¬ ful farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Minn., October 31, 1889, son of Patrick and Louise (Mulcahay) Melvin. He was educated in the Plainview schools and became his father's assistant on the parental farm, where he resided until 1910. His father then gave him 160 acres of land, on which were some small and plain buildings, and here he began farming on his own account. Of an enterprising disposition, he has spent both time and money in improving his place, among his first acts being the remodeling of the house and barn. In 1920, his buildings still being inade¬ quate, he built a new barn, 36 by 72 feet, with a concrete basement and modern equipment, and is following general farming, including stock raising and dairying, with much success, keeping Durham cattle, of which breed he has 14 cows, and Chester-White hogs. Mr. Melvin was married in 1910 at Plainview, Minn., to Bertha Guessner, daughter of John and Theresa (Noll) Guessner, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, and farmers by occupation. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living, being a resident of Plainview. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin have two children, Winnifred and Martin, both of whom are living at home. The family are members of the Catholic church.

Rudolph J. Rheingans, proprietor of a fine farm of 240 acres in sections 1 and 12, Oakwood Township, is a native of Wisconsin, born March 12, 1878, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Rheingans. Brought to Wabasha County by his parents when three years old, he settled with them in Oakwood Township, where he was educated and grew to manhood. At the age of 18 years he went to Alma, Wis., where until the age of 21 he followed the blacksmith's business. Then returning to the home farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, he resumed agricultural work. Subsequently he and his brother, Henry W., pur- chased the home farm and conducted it together until 1908, when Rudolph bought out Henry's interest, and has since been sole owner. He has made many improvements on the place, and the soil being fertile, he is successfully carry¬ ing on mixed farming according to modern methods, breeding Hereford cattle, Shropshire sheep and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union at Theilman, and he and his family belong to the Lutheran church. Mr. Rheingans was married February 6, 1908, to Jennie Rehman, who was born in West Albany Township, this county. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Adeline, born October 28, 1910; and Myra, born De¬ cember 30, 1912.

Ole S. Olson, one of the younger farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Norway, March 1, 1884, son of Ole and Ingeborg (Thompson) Olson. Both parents were natives of Norway, where Ole, Sr., died when the subject of this sketch was a very small child; but the mother is still living. Ole S. Olson attended the common schools of his native land, and at the age of 19 years, in 1903, he came to America, and at once to Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where he began working out as a farm hand. That occupation he fol¬ lowed for 16 years, 13 years of which were spent in the employ of one man, William Poison - a record of continuous service seldom excelled. In 1919 Mr. Olson began agricultural activities on his own account, renting his present farm of 152 acres in section 29, Oakwood Township, where he is following mod¬ ern diversified farming and stock raising. He keeps a good grade of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and is prominently identified with the interests of the community. Mr. Olson married Josephine Wurst, who was born January 17, 1894. Of this marriage there is one child, Helen, born May 20, 1920.

Jeremiah Sullivan, proprietor of a good farm of 232 acres in West Albany Township, was born in the city of New York, August 20, 1855, son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Burke) Sullivan. He came to Wabasha County, Minn., with his parents in 1864, and for a limited period attended District School No. 23 in West Albany Township. Until 1883 he worked on the home farm with his father, and then through the latter came into possession of 120 acres, to which, through several different purchases, he has since added until he now owns a farm of 232 acres. Of this he has 125 acres under the plow, the balance being in pasture and timber. He has erected a comfortable house and other buildings, and is doing a good business as a general farmer, giving particular attention to the raising of stock and hay. Millville, five miles distant, is his principal market, Lake City being twelve miles away. Mr. Sullivan is a staunch Demo¬ crat in politics. He is a member of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Pat¬ rick's parish. Industrious and frugal, he is respected by his fellow townsmen, and is a man of mark and influence in the community.

Walter E. Kinitz, an active business man of Elgin village, where he is popular as a man and citizen, was born in Olmsted County, Minn., August 6, 1879, son of Herman G. and Elizabeth (Schacht) Kinitz. The father was born in Germany in October, 1851. He came to the United States when young and was educated in the schools of Princeton, Wis. Subsequently he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in the early sixties came to Minnesota, and worked for his step-father in Elgin Township, Wabasha County. At the age of 24 years he bought 80 acres in Olmsted County and engaged in farming there on his own account. In time he added to his landed possessions until he was the owner of 320 acres in Farmington Township, Olmsted County. In 1911 he moved to Lake City, where he is now living retired and possessed of an ample competence. In 1875 he married Elizabeth Schacht, who proved a loving and faithful helpmeet. - She died January 7, 1910. They were the parents of eleven children : Louis, Emma, Alfred, Walter E., Conrad, Francis A., Clarence A., Anna, Eva L., Edna and Harvey R. Walter E. Kinitz acquired his education in the district schools of Farmington Township, Olmsted County. At the age of 20 years he began operating his father's farm in Elgin Township. Four years later he moved to Aurora, Ore., where he bought a farm of 170 acres, which he operated until April, 1908. He then sold the farm and moved back to Elgin, Minn., taking up his residence in the village, where he is conducting a prosperous business as a painter and paperhanger. Mr. Kinitz was married April 20, 1904, to Anna Schulz. Their home circle has been broadened by the birth of three children: Irene E., born July 13, 1905; Delies F., July 25, 1909; and Vielard H., February 14, 1919. The twTo elder are attending school in the village.

Colin Sinclair, an early settler in Wabasha County, who was for 38 years engaged in the lumber business in Lake City, was born in Ontario, Canada, January 6, 1846. He came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1861. In July, 1862, he enlisted here in Company G, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and from Fort Snelling went with his regiment to the frontier to take part in quelling the Sioux uprising. In November, 1864, he returned to Fort Snelling and was sent to Murfreesboro, Tenn., soon after taking part in the Scully expedition and the Nashville campaign, serving until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling in August, 1865, and on his return to Wabasha County went to live with a brother in Mt. Pleasant Township. Later buying a farm in Lake Township, he followed agriculture there until 1870. In that year he entered the employ of a lumber company operating up the Chippewa Valley in Wis¬ consin and remained with them subsequently until 1872. Having thus gained a fundamental knowledge of the business, he now opened a lumber yard in Lake City on the site of what is now Oaklyn Park, and this business he conducted subsequently until his death on July 12, 1910. His career was successful and he was long numbered among the leading merchants of the city. On July 14, 1876, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage with Margaret M. Olider, who was born near Mazeppa, Wabasha County, and who since Mr. Sinclair's death has become the wife of W. B. Gordon of Lake City. The religious affiliations of Mr. Sinclair were with the Congregational church.

Leon Chester Sinclair, the enterprising proprietor of a successful moving picture theatre in Lake City, was born in this city July 24, 1887, son of Colin and Margaret M. (Olider) Sinclair. He was educated in the local schools, and subsequently took a course in pharmacy in Wisconsin. For several years he resided in La Crosse, taking up his residence there in 1907. Three years later, in July, 1910, his father, proprietor of a lumber business in Lake City, died, and Leon C. and his brother Earl subsequently conducted the business together until 1914, when they sold it. Earl then engaged in the grocery business in Lake City, and for two years Leon worked for him as clerk. In 1916 the sub¬ ject of this sketch entered into the moving picture business in Lake City, and since that time has been proprietor of a theatre on the corner of Lyon avenue and Main street. Mr. Sinclair is a York Rite Mason, and has advanced in the order as far as the Commandery, being also a noble of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows, in which order he has passed through the chairs. Politically he is a Republican. On October 9, 1911, he was united in marriage with Maude Cook, daughter of Edward and Mary Cook, of La Crosse, Wis.

Henry Roschen was born in Hanover, Germany, and there married Kath¬ erine Detjen. He worked hard as a carpenter, established his little home, and reared four sons, Louis H., Christian, Diedrich and John. In 1885 the eldest son, Louis H., came to America, followed the year later by the next son, Chris¬ tian. In 1890 these two young men sent for the parents and the other two sons. Upon arriving here, the parents settled on a farm in Goodhue County, this state. In 1901 they came to Lake City, and here Henry Roschen worked at his trade as a carpenter. He died April 23, 1915. His wife died December 9, 1917. Of the four sons, Louis H. and Diedrich are farming in Mt. Pleasant Township, this county. Christian lives retired in Lake City after farming many years in Florence, Goodhue County. John is a Lake City merchant.

John Roschen, energetic representative of the business interests of Lake City, is junior partner in the firm of Kemp & Roschen, general merchants. He was born in Hanover, Germany, June 21, 1876, son of Henry and Katherine (Detjen) Roschen. He received his early education in Germany, and in 1890 came to America with his parents and his brother, Diedrich, two other broth¬ ers, Louis H. and Christian, having preceded him here. The family settled in Goodhue County, where John started farm work. To better perfect himself in English, he attended rural school for two winters. However, he had little time for study, for he not only had his own way to make in the world, 'but also to pay his brother Louis for money advanced to pay his passage here. In 1893 the subject of this sketch started work for Michael 0. Kemp in his general store. In 1898 he left this employ and became a clerk for H. A. Young & Co., also of Lake City. In 1902 he bought an interest in the Kemp store, and the firm became Kemp, Roschen & Co. In 1914 he became an equal partner and the firm has since been conducted under the name of Kemp & Roschen. Mr. Roschen is one of the substantial, prosperous men of the community, and is taking his part in everything that tends toward the best interests of the city and county. During the World War he was active in the various patriotic and financial drives. Mr. Roschen was married May 18, 1904, to Alvina L. Luth, daughter of Harvey W. and Anna (Brinkhorst) Luth, of Florence Township, Goodhue County. She was born on the home farm January 23, 1881, and received her education in the schools of her neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Roschen are the parents of four children: Harry Louis, born April 4, 1905; Rollie Carl, May 15, 1906 Esther Sophia, May 19, 1910; and Fritz Paul, October 2, 1913. The family faith is that of St. John's Lutheran congregation of Lake City.

August C. Mussell, who owns and operates a farm of 150 acres, was born in Quincy Township, Winona County, December 12, 1889, son of Fred and Mary (Drinkhorn) Mussell. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Winona County, Minn. They are now farming in Whitewater Township, that county. It was in the rural schools of Winona County that August C. Mussell acquired his education. Until he was 23 years old he remained on his parents' farm, where he acquired a good practical knowledge of agriculture in its dif¬ ferent branches. In 1912 he started in for himself, buying his present farm in section 12, Plainview Township. To the original improvements he has added a garage and hen house and has brought the place into excellent condition. He successfully practices general farming, keeping grade cattle and other good stock, and raising the usual grains and farm products, with profitable results. Ou April 11, 1912, Mr. Mussell was united in marriage with Ella Matthees, who was born in Winona County, Minn., March 10, 1890. Two children are the issue of this marriage: Aline A., born October 31, 1913; and Raymond A., born February 26, 1918. Mr. Mussell and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Louis Gray, a well known pioneer of Chester Township, where he is still living, was born in Germany, and came to the United States in 1850, settling near Princeton, Wisconsin. With his wife, whose maiden name was Lottie Freiheit, she being also a native of Germany, he came in 1861 to W abasha County, Minnesota, making the journey with an ox team. The oxen proved use¬ ful in the work of breaking and cultivating the tract of 160 acres which they took in Chester Township. For several years they lived in a small frame shanty, after which they were able to erect a good frame house. Subsequently Mr. Gray added two quarter sections to his original tract, which gave him a farm of 480 acres. All this he ultimately brought under cultivation and he has since continued to reside here, though for some time he has been retired from active work, his son Emil operating the farm. Mr. Gray's first wife died in 1870, leaving four children, all of whom are now living, namely: Lenora, wife of Henry Schulter of Ottertail County, Minn.; Albert, of Goodhue County; Emil, residing on the home farm, and Henry R., a prominent business man of

Plainview. After his first wife's death Mr. Gray married Otelia Semp, a na¬ tive of Germany who came to this country when a young girl. She is still living on the home farm in their fine modern residence.

Henry R. Gray, a prominent citizen of Plainview village, where he is con¬ ducting a successful garage and auto car business, was born in Chester Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, Minn., April 8, 1874, son of Louis and Lottie (Freiheit) Gray, pioneers of that locality. He was reared on his parents' farm and re¬ sided with them until 30 years of age, in his boyhood attending the district school. In 1906 he went to Zumbro Falls, where he engaged in the hardware business, also operating a garage, and he continued there until he sold out to Alfred Klingworth and moved to Plainview. Here he is handling Ford autos, tractors, and other Ford products, and also operates a garage, keeping a full line of supplies and doing general repairing. While residing in Zumbro Falls he served that village seven years as mayor. He was also vice president of the Zumbro Falls State Bank, and served in several minor offices. As a business man he has made an excellent record, and in Plainview is living up to the reputation which he established in Zumbro Falls. In the latter place he was married, November 20, 1907, to Lydia Welkie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Welkie. Her parents were early settlers in Minnesota. They were born in Germany and were residing in NewT Ulm, this state, at the time of the Indian uprising in 1862, but receiving notice in time of the threatened attack by the savages, Mr. Welkie hastily hitched up his ox team, and he and his family fortunately made their escape. Many of those who were less prompt fell vic¬ tims in the massacre which followed. Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Gray are the parents of two children: Maynard, born July 10, 1913, and Hazel B., born August 20, 1909, both of whom are attending school in Plainview.

Jacob J. Tentis, a prominent citizen of Glasgow Township, owning and op¬ erating a good farm of 360 acres, was born in this township November 28, 1884, son of John and Katherine (Zentz) Tentis. The parents came to this country from Germany in 1860, and settling in Wabasha County, Minn., were prosper¬ ously engaged in farming in Glasgow Township until their death. The mother first passed away in 1899, the father dying in 1902. They were worthy and industrious people and consistent members of the Lutheran church. They had nine children: Sophia, Adam, John, Della, Jacob J., Allen, Emil, Frank and Susan. Jacob J. Tentis acquired the elements of knowledge in the school of his district. Afterwards he worked on the home farm for several years and then did general farm labor until 1910. In that year he started in for himself, buying his present farm of 360 acres, located in sections 13, 24 and 25, Glas¬ gow Township. Here he is doing a good business in general farming, keeping full blooded Shorthorn cattle, his barn being equipped with a milking-machine. For the last six years he has served as a member of the local school board. On November 19, 1912, Mr. Tentis was united in marriage with Cynthia Cox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cox of Glasgow Township. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Norman A., born September 12, 1913; Caleb F., born May 30, 1915; Beryl and Meryl (twins), born June 12, 1917; and Delia M., born July 3, 1919. Mr. Tentis is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cox, the parents of Mrs. Tentis, were born in Illinois and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1868, settling in Glasgow Township, where they farmed until Mr. Cox's death in 1916. Mrs. Cox is now residing in High¬ land Township. They had a family of six children, Cynthia, Levi, Mabel, Myrtle, Michael and George.

Ignatz Grossbach, who is prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits in section 9, Mazeppa Township, was born in Pine Island Township, Goodhue County, Minn., March 25, 1890, son of Joseph and Frances (Kunert) Grossback. The parents came to this country from Germany in 1856 and for 19 years were residents of Wisconsin. In 1875 they removed to Goodhue County, Minn., where Joseph Grossbach took 160 acres of land and developed a farm on which lie erected the buildings. In 1885 he moved with his family to Mazeppa Town¬ ship, where he improved another farm, and in 1895 took another farm, of 137 acres, in this township, which he operated until his retirement in 1917. He now resides in the village of Mazeppa. Ignatz Grossbach was educated in the district school and the high school at Zumbrota. He was trained to agricul¬ ture and worked for his father until 1918, in which year he started in for him¬ self, buying his present farm of 137 acres in section 9, Mazeppa Township. Here he is carrying on diversified farming and stock raising and making good financial progress. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran church. Mr. Grossbach was married November 25, 1918, to Bessie Copp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Copp of Gillford Township, of which her parents are natives and where they are now operating a farm. She is one of a family of seven children: Ruth, Archie, Walter, Bessie, Margaret, Edwin and Iva. The Copp family are affiliated religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church, and both the Copp and Grossbach families stand well in the community, their various members being intelligent, law-abiding, industrious and pro¬ gressive.

John Shierts, Jr., who owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in section 35, Glasgow Township, was born in this township June 17, 1884, son of John and Susia Shierts. The father, a native of Germany, was an early settler in Wa¬ basha County, coming to America in the early fifties, and locating on 120 acres in section 26, Glasgow Township. He cleared most of the land on his farm and engaged in raising both crops and stock until his retirement in 1916, when he rented the place to his son-in-law, A1 Boden. He and his wife have been the parents of six children: Mary, Frank, Lizzie, Katie, John, Jr., and Clara. John ShieYtS) Jr., acquired his education in the district school and was reared on the home farm. After working for his father until 1908, he began farming for him¬ self, buying his present farm, which he has since improved by the erection of a new set of buildings, besides fencing. As a general farmer and stock raiser he has met with success. His cattle are of the Shorthorn variety, which he is improving by means of a full blooded sire, and his other stock is also of good grade. Through enterprise and industry he has taken his place among the prosperous citizens of his township and enjoys the respect of all. He is a Catholic in religious faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus. On No¬ vember 17, 1917, Mr. Shierts was united in marriage with Theresa Plein, daugh¬ ter of Mr. and Mrs. Jqhn Plein of Kellogg. She was one of four children, Celia, Ferdinand, Clarence and Theresa.