Wabasha County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 3 of 27)

Charles F. Brusehaver And Family

John Brusehaver, who was the practical founder of what is now one of the fine farms of West Albany Township, situated in section 5, was born in Meck¬ lenburg, Germany, where he grew to manhood and married Sophia Mahler. In the late seventies he came with his family to Minnesota, and settled first in Gillford Township, Wabasha County. After a while he bought the farm above mentioned, in section 5, West Albany, which contained 160 acres, but had a poor set of buildings. He at once set to work to improve it, a task that took him a number of years, but on which he made good progress, erecting new buildings, and cultivating the soil with profitable results until 1903, when he leased the place to his son Charles F. and took up his residence, with his wife, in Lake City. There he died March 23, 1908, and his wife on January 15, 1912. Their married life was tinged with joys and sorrows, in which the sorrow at one time seemed to predominate, as within one month, during an epidemic of diphtheria, they lost four of their five children, three sons and a daughter, the only sur¬ vivor being Charles F., now the owner of the home farm.

Charles F. Brusehaver, who owns and operates an excellent farm in sec¬ tion 5, West Albany Township, which was the home of his parents, was born in Gillford Township, Wabasha County, Minn., March 3, 1881, son of John and Sophia (Mahler) Brusehaver. He acquired his preliminary education in the district school, and subsequently attended Lake City Commercial College dur¬ ing the winters of 1898-9 and 1899-0. Since early childhood he has resided on the parental homestead, where he thoroughly learned the science of farming, an occupation which he has continued to follow with good financial results. He has made various improvements on the farm, now having an eight-room, twostory frame residence, gas-lighted; and in 1911, he built a fine circular barn, 70 feet in diameter, with 16-foot posts, and full 8-foot basement. Later he built a stave silo of 100-ton capacity, has a steel windmill, and owns a five-passenger car. His cattle are mostly high grade Guernseys, but he is also breeding some Guernsey registered stock, while his hogs are of the Duroc Jersey variety. His ample equipment includes a large tractor. In addition to his farming in¬ terests, he has held the office of school director for six years, he is a stock¬ holder and for two years was treasurer of the Lake Pepin Co-operative Cream¬ ery Co. of Lake City, a stockholder in the Lake City Co-operative Elevator Co., and the Terminal Packing Company of Newport, Minn., and a stockholder in the Wabasha County Leader, of Wabasha, and is one of the organizers and directors of the new Farmers Milling Co., of Lake City. Mr. Brusehaver first married Anna Luetjen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Luetjen of Mt. Pleas¬ ant Township. She died in 1917, leaving five children, namely: Eugene John, born November 4, 1903; Lorinda Mary, December 1, 1904; Emma Henrietta, May 23, 1906; Fritz Frank, November 24, 1907, and Gladys Frances, April 3, 1911, all of whom are now residing at home. Mr. Brusehaver married secondly, October 8, 1919, Emma Prigge, daughter of Hein and Mattie Prigge, of Lake Township, Wabasha County. They have one daughter, Dorothy, born June 1, 1920. He is a member of the Non-Partisan League and of the German Lutheran church, he and his family worshipping with the Jacksonville congregation in Gillford Township, Wabasha County.

William Donaldson, one of the pioneer settlers of Plainview Township, of which for 30 years he was a well known and respected resident, was born in Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., February 16, 1805. In 1830, in Wash¬ ington, that county, he was married to Eliza F. Biles, who was born in Monroe County, Pa., June 30, 1806, and who had crossed the mountains with her people and settled in what was then the western frontier, the Ohio River valley, near Pittsburgh. In 1845 Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson moved to Cincinnati, which was their home until 1861, when they came to Minnesota, and located in section 31, Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Mr. Donaldson having a land warrant which he exchanged for 80 acres of wild land. This, in course of time, he im¬ proved and developed, erecting buildings, and carrying on agriculture there until his death, July 27, 1891. After that event Mrs. Donaldson continued on the old homestead with her son Charles until July, 1893, when she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. E. M. Evans, in Plainview, at whose home she died, May 12, 1901, having survived her husband nearly ten years. Although in her ninety-fifth year, she was comparatively active and retained all her faculties until entering into her last long sleep. Before her marriage she united with the Baptist church, in which she always retained her membership. She was a woman of strong character, possessing many admirable traits, and at the close of a long and useful life she left more than the usual number of friends and acquaintances to mourn her departure. Her sojourn of forty years in the com¬ munity had been marked by many acts of kindness, deeds of charity, and motherly helpfulness, for which she will long be held in remembrance. Her end was peaceful, as she had been in her usual health up to Saturday evening, May 11, only seeming a trifle restless when she retired, saying good night to the members of the family, and falling into a sleep from which she did not waken. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were the parents of nine children; only four of whom survived her, namely: Mrs. E. M. Evans and Charles W. Donaldson, of Plainview; Mrs. Hester J. Cheatham, of Seattle, Wash., and Mrs. Anna E. Cheatham, of Aberdeen, S. D.

Charles W. Donaldson, now living retired in Plainview, has been a resident of Wabasha County for nearly 60 years, during which time he has seen it develop from a wilderness into perhaps the richest agricultural county in the state - a transformation which he himself helped to effect. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., November 25, 1841, son of William and Eliza J. (Biles) Donaldson, whom he accompanied at the age of about six years to Cincinnati, where he attended school. In 1861, a young man in his twentieth year, he came with them to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and to their farm in section 31, Plainview Town¬ ship. There he helped his father with the preliminary improvements on the place; but events were in progress which interrupted his home pursuits for awhile. Not only was the Civil War being fought, but in 1862 occurred the desperate outbreak of the Sioux Indians, and the attack on New Ulm, Hutchin¬ son and other places in Minnesota, and troops were called for to defend the white settlers. To this call Mr. Donaldson responded, enlisting in the Wa¬ basha Rangers, with whom he saw service until the outbreak was quelled. Early in 1865 he enlisted as a private in the First Minnesota Light Artillery, expecting to get into the struggle between the North and he South, but the war soon after came to a close, and he was discharged the same year, at St. Paul. On his return home he resumed work on his parents' farm, which he worked for his father, and subsequently purchased. He increased its area to 180 acres, having 80 acres in section 32 and 100 in section 31, and made many other im¬ provements, remodeling the house, building a good barn and milk-house, erecting a wind-mill and digging a well. There he followed diversified farm¬ ing, keeping and raising good grades of hogs, sheep, horses and cattle, his op¬ erations, conducted with energy and experience, bringing him a good financial lewaid. In 1899 Mr. Donaldson rented the farm to his son, Wilson, but con¬ tinued^ to reside on it, until 1901, when he bought the house in town in which he has since lived. It was on February 14, 1867, that Charles W. Donaldson was united in marriage with Nancy E. Cheatham, at his bride's home in section 31, Plainview Township. She was born November 24, 1840, daughter of Winston and Margaret (Wilson) Cheatham, natives of Kentucky who removed to Illi¬ nois, and from there came to Wabasha County in 1862. Both parents are now deceased. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, as fol¬ lows: Zula E., born January 19, 1868, is now Mrs. H. A. Weikel of Plainview; Lillian E., born April 22, 1870, is the wife of George Cotterell, of Dover Minn - Jennie C born April 15, 1872, died July 13, 1916; Charles J., born December 7, 1874, and now a jeweler in Plainview, married Ann Schroeder; Ellen, born May 15, 1876, is the wife of Ed Messerschmidt ; Winston R., born January 8, 1879, now farming in Elgin Township, this county, married Goldie B. Yandon; John N., born February 11, 1881, married Winnifred Woodward. Mr. Donaldson is a member of Austin D. Carroll Post, No. 107, G. A. R., of which he was com¬ mander for six years. Since June, 1870, he has been a member of the Masonic order, and took his thirty-second degree at Winona. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. Though not active in the affairs of local govern¬ ment, he has always taken a good citizen's interest in the welfare and progress of the community in which he lived and his aid and influence can be relied on in behalf of any worthy project. Mrs. Donaldson died January 2, 1897.

Frank A. Taylor, who is an active factor in the business world of Plainview, proprietor of a first-class barber shop, handsomely equipped, was born in Whiteside County, Ill., November 17, 1870, son of William Chauncy and Jenette Taylor. The parents were natives of New York state, and were there married. They removed west to Illinois about 1862, locating on a farm, where they resided many years, the father, William C. Taylor, dying there in 1904. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, and was honorably discharged on ac¬ count of disability. His wife, who survived him, is now living at Algonquin, Ill. Frank A. Taylor was educated in Illinois, attending the district and com¬ mon schools during the winters; his summers, from the time he was old enough, being occupied in working on the home farm. At the age of 18 he went to Iowa, where he worked for a while in saw mills, and at Lyons, that state, he learned the barber's trade. About 1897 he came to Minnesota, locating at Elba, Winona County, where he spent nine years. In 1906 he came to Plainview, purchased a barber's shop, which he has since enlarged and thoroughly equipped in modern style, and which he is now conducting, enjoying a large patronage. He has taken an active interest in public affairs, and during the recent war served on different committees, also obtaining labor for farmers, and whatever he could to help the cause of his country. He belongs to the fra¬ ternal orders of Odd Fellows and Elks and enjoys a wide social popularity. Mr. Taylor was married June 26, 1907, at St. Charles, Minn., to Kate Teahen, daughter of Timothy and Jane Teahen, her parents being natives of Ireland, who took a farm at an early date in Olmsted County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have three children: William, born in 1908; Francis, in 1909, and John in 1911, who are attending school in Plainview.

Thomas Mills, one of the honored pioneers of Wabasha County, long since passed away, was born in England in 1824, and was there educated and grew to manhood. He was also there married to Elizabeth Hitchcock, a native of that country, born in 1830, and in 1852 they emigrated to America. After one year's sojourn in New York state, they came to Minnesota, arriving at Read's Landing in 1853. In the following year they removed to Greenwood Prarie, in Plainview Township, and took a claim of 160 acres, it being the farm which is now owned by August Schad. It was then, however, all wild land. As the first step toward its improvement, Mr. Mills built a board shanty and some straw sheds. Then he broke the land and began agricultural operations. Some years later he sold that farm and bought another of the same size, and in the same township, it being now owned by Goetz. On this latter farm he followed diver¬ sified agriculture until his death in 1882. Mr. Mills was one of the first settlers on Greenwood Prairie, now become almost historic ground as the place of set¬ tlement of some of the leading families in the county. He was himself one of the foremost citizens of the locality, and an excellent and enterprising farmer. It is worthy of note that he was the first man in the locality to raise strawberries, marketing the first which were ever sold in Plainview that were of home production. He took an active part in enterprises of public concern, was ready to give his aid to every good cause, and, with his family, was affiliated with the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mills were the parents of six children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Lorenzo Underwood of Plainview; W. A., of Dodge Center, Minn.; Sarah, better known as "Middie," who was born in 1857, married William Jackson, and died in 1887; John, born in 1855, who died in 1905; and Walter N. and Reed A., of Plainview. The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Thomas) Mills, died in 1912, at the age of 82 years.

Walter N. Mills, a respected resident of Plainview, now living retired, is a worthy representative of an old pioneer family of Wabasha County, and has himself taken an active part in its development. His activities have been along agricultural lines and connected industries, and he was the pioneer truck farmer in this township, if not in the county. He was born in Plainview Township, April 29, 1863, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Mills) Mills, and acquired his education in the school at Brown's Corners. He grew to manhood on his parents' farm, where he acquired a good practical knowledge of agricul¬ ture. After remaining there until a few years after attaining his majority, he bought eight acres of land, to which he later added four acres, making a twelveacre tract, and began the operating of a truck farm, which he carried on for eight years. He then went to Texas, where he bought 40 acres of land and started improvements, but after living there for six months he concluded that the North was a better field of enterprise for him, and returned to Plainview, where he rented a place for two years. He then bought his present residence property in the village, and later bought out the heirs of his parents' farm, which place he now owns. In 1911, together with M. J. Manchester, Mr. Mills purchased 160 acres near Eyota, in Olmsted County, which property they later divided, Mr. Mills taking 80 acres. This tract he later exchanged for a house and three lots in the village, from the development of which property he reaped good returns. For the last 13 years he has been actively interested in a number of local enterprises. For three years he was manager of the Plainview Canning factory, and he has also bought and shipped considerable produce. It is now 35 years since Mr. Mills first engaged in truck gardening on the old home farm, and his onion house was the first one built on Greenwood Prairie. In 1911* together with M. J. Manchester and Charles Posz, he built the cold storage plant now conducted by Mr. Posz, he superintending its construction. Mr. Mills in\ ented the first onion crates used in the county for storing onions. Thus it will be seen that he has been a live wire in the community, especially in those lines of industry that are intimately connected with its general prosperity, and his own reward has been generous, as he is today one of the well to do and highly i espected citizens of the village. He is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Mills was married September 23, 1894, to Rilla Orcutt, who was born in Little Valley, Olmsted County, Minn., August 12, 1869. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Eva, born August 21, 1895, now Mrs. Floyd Cowles, of Plainview Township; and Grace, born April 25, 1898, who married Arthur Wedge of Plainview, and has one' child Edward, born November 16, 1919. Mr. Mills and his family attend the Metho¬ dist Episcopal church.

Lemuel J. Orcutt, a Civil V ar veteran and retired farmer, who for 21 years ha> been a lesident of Plainview Village, wras born in Perry, Wyoming County, Is. Y., February 2, 1840. He grew to manhood in his native state, and on Sep¬ tember 13, 1862, enlisted for service in the Federal army. He took part in the ) i o o d \ battles of Gettysburg and Spottsylvania, and was honorably discharged June 12, 1865, after a service of two years and nine months. In April, 1866,

, e ( ame Minnesota, locating first in Fillmore County, but after staying a few weeks there, he came, on May 12, to Wabasha. Here also his stay was o ,oVT the records of Olmsted County record his marriage there, September 3, 1866, to Mrs. Eliza Bradley, nee Eliza Coats, and widow of Richard Bradley. Mr. Orcutt than took a farm in Olmsted County, which he operated successfully for 32 years, retiring and moving to Plainview in 1899. Here he has since resi e° , a well known and respected citizer. For over nine years he has been a widower, his faithful wife, Eliza, having passed away December 27, 1910 They bad two children: Rilla, now Mrs. Walter N. Mills of Plainview, and George, who is a resident of Hoquiam, Wash. Mrs. Eliza Orcutt, wife of L J Orcutt whose maiden name, as above mentioned, was Eliza Coats, was born in the famous manufacturing town of Sheffield, England, April 12, 1826. In 1847, at the age of 21 years, she was married to Richard Bradley, of Sheffield, and in 1851 they came to America, settling in Canada, whence, about 1860, they moved to Little Valley, Olmsted County, Minn. Five years later, in 1865, Mr. Bradlev died and was buried in Little Valley. There were born of this union eleven children, five of whom died young. With the surviving six Mrs Bradley struggled along with difficulty, it often being the case that there was nothing m the house to eat but a little corn bread, and it was doubtless with a lightened heart that in the following year she gave her hand to the stalwart young farmer and veteran soldier, L. J. Orcutt, whose strong arm provided for the family and kept the wolf from the door. She also did her part. Always in¬ dustrious, a great lover of home and family, a kind mother and a good neighbor she was loved and respected, and the tears shed at her demise were sincere tributes to the place she had gained in the hearts of her friends. Her remains were laid to rest beside those of her first husband in the Little Valley cemetery Her children by Mr. Orcutt have been mentioned. The six children^now living by her union with Richard Bradley are: Mrs. Sarah Pages of Mosier Ore - William Bradley of Taylor, Wis.; Tom Bradley of St. Charles, Minn.'; Mrs! Lizzie Peterson of Nashua, la.; John Bradley of Plainview, Minn., and Richard Bradley of Hoquiam, Wash. For twelve years previous to her death, Mrs Orcutt had resided with her husband in Plainview, with the exception of a short time spent in Texas. She was a remarkably well preserved woman for her age, and passed away after an illness of but a few days.

John A. Mills, one of the old-time settlers of Plainview, who was called to his final rest March 8, 1905, was born at Troy, N. Y., April 3, 1855. In the same year he was brought by his parents to Geneva, Wis., and in 1856 from there to Wabasha, Minn. Soon after their arrival in Wabasha, or in the same year, the family moved to the homestead south of Plainview, where he resided Until August 1, 1904, on which date he moved to the village of Plainview. The year previous he had erected a comfortable home on his property in the northbfp tofwn',1!vhere he and ^is aged mother might enjoy the comforts of life together for the remainder of their days, little thinking that he would be the first to go. Here he continued to reside until his death. He had always followed the occupation of farming, and for the last ten years of his life had been extensively engaged in truck farming, in which branch of industry he had been one of the pioneers in this vicinity, and by hard and steady work had achieved success. Mr. Mills had a strongly sympathetic nature and was noted for his geniality. As a man and as a citizen, and in every relation of life hon¬ esty and rectitude governed his conduct, and he was universally beloved for his many virtues and hearty good fellowship. He left his aged mother, three brothers and a sister to mourn his loss: Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Walter N Mills

Fred Denzer, who for 23 years was engaged in agriculture in Plainview fownship but is now retired, was born in Ohio, and on growing to manhood married Mary Hostetter, a native of Switzerland. In 1866 they settled on land in Whitewater Township, Winona County, and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1896. They then moved to Woodland, in Plainview Township Wabasha County, where they are still living, Mr. Denzer having continued active until 1919. On December 4, 1916, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a large number of friends being present on the happy occasion. They have been the parents of four children: Christian, a resident of Plainview; Albert, a farmer in Winona County; Minnie, deceased ;' and Ervin who is residing at home.

Christian Denzer, for several years a breeder of Black Poll Angus cattle but now living retired in Plainview, was born in Whitewater Township, Winona

County, April 19, 1869, son of Fred and Mary (Hostetter) Denzer. He was educated in the common schools and grew to manhood on his parents' farm, working for them until he was 27 years old. He then purchased the home farm in Whitewater Township, Winona County, and for 13 years was engaged in its operation. At the end of that time he sold it and came to Plainview Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, for two years thereafter operating a rented farm. After that he bought a farm in Whitewater Township, on which he remained until the fall of 1916, when he sold the farm and retired to Plainview, purchasing a home on High street. During the summer he follows carpenter work. While in Whitewater he took an active part in the agricultural development of his town¬ ship, and as a progressive stock raiser made a high reputation, keeping a fine herd of Black Poll Angus cattle, with a full-blooded sire. He served his town six years on the board of supervisors, and for several years was on the school board. Mr. Denzer was married March 10, 1897, to Matilda Zenk, who was born in Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minn., October 18, 1879, daugh¬ ter of Charles and Anna (Strehlein) Zenk. Her father was a native of Germany and her mother of Michigan. They followed general farming in Whitewater Township for a number of years until retiring to Altura, where both died, the father in 1915 and the mother in 1914. They had nine children: Louise, Bar¬ bara, Matilda, George, Carrie, Dora, Adella, Mary and Anna, of whom the two last mentioned are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Denzer have been born two children: Luella Caroline, August 23, 1902, now a student in the Plainview high school; and Orrin Charles, November 25, 1906, who is in the eighth grade of the common school. The family is identified religiously with the Congrega¬ tional church, and are people of good standing in the community, well known and respected.

Henry E. Binder, a well known business man of Plainview, which village he is now serving as mayor, was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, November 2, 1876, son of August and Julia (Wagner) Binder. The parents, who settled in this county 50 years ago, followed farming for a while in Elgin Township, and then removed to Highland Township, where they bought a farm and were engaged in agriculture until about 1907. In that year they retired and took up their residence in Plainview, where August Binder is still living. His wife died in September, 1910. Henry E. Binder, who was educated in the district and public schools, remained at home until reaching the age of 23 years. He then entered the mercantile store of F. J. Cornwall & Co. as clerk, and has since been closely identified with the business, at the present time being cashier, bookkeeper and assistant manager, entrusted with the general buying. This position he has attained by good head work and close application to his duties, and has gained experience which places him among the efficient and practical business men of the village. As such his services have been called into requisition in public affairs. In 1914 he became a member of the village council, and being subsequently elected mayor, took office in 1919. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church. On March 29, 1906, Mr. Binder was united in marriage with Clara Kitzman, of Farmington, Olmsted County, Minn., and who was born August 5, 1883. Their home circle has been enlarged and brightened by the birth of three children: Velva F., born Sep¬ tember 24, 1907; Lucille, November 28, 1910, and Maxine A., January 15, 1912.

Felix Har, an early settler in Plainview Township, was a man who, through energy and perseverance, achieved success in spite of serious initial misfor¬ tunes and discouragements which might have broken the spirit of a man of weaker fibre. He was a native of Germany who came to America when young, and who was married in this country to Katie Marnach. After their marriage they settled on a claim in East Indian Creek valley, this county, and by dint of arduous toil early and late, within a few years Mr. Har, with his wife's assist¬ ance, had made numerous improvements. Future prospects looked rosy, when all at once a stroke of misfortune descended upon them, as everything on their farm - their barns, hay and stock - except their little house, was destroyed by fire. During the following winter they lived in the house, planning how to make a new start, but Mr. Har had hardly commenced work in the spring when he received a letter from a lawyer in Rochester, informing him that he would have to vacate his land, as it was legally the property of the railroad company. Upon investigation the fact was verified, and he and his family quit their claim, with its little shanty, and sought shelter elsewhere, perhaps congratulating themselves that, owing to the fire, they were not leaving much behind. For awhile Mr. Har woiked for a firm by the name of Timmerson & Schwartz, grain dealers at Minneiska, saving what he could of his wages in order to get the wherewithal for a new start in life. In 1864 he bought, in company with his brother-in-law, Nick Marnach, a farm of 160 acres in Plainview Township. This they later divided, each taking 80 acres, and Mr. Har again began the task of home building. In time he enlarged the area of the farm to 117y2 acres, and erected a good set of buildings, residing on the place until his later years, when he sold it to his widowed daughter, Mrs. August Steinke, who now lives there, and went to live with a son in Winona, his wife having passed away in 1887. With the son mentioned and his family he moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where his death occurred in October, 1906.

John W. Har, a leading contractor and builder of Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, December 9, 1866, son of Felix and Katie (Marnach) Har. He acquired his education in the rural schools in the vicinity of his parents' farm and at the Wabasha public school, where he was a pupil for one year. Until reaching the age of 21 years he remained an inmate of his parents' home. Then for two years he operated a part of the home farm on his own account, leading a bachelor's life on the place. In 1889 Mr. Har went to Wheaton, Minn.! where he engaged in the clothing business, and there and at Fargo he learned the builder's trade. In 1891 he sold his interests there and, returning to Plainview, launched out as a general contractor and builder. His entry into this line of industry was signalized by no flourish of trumpets, but was a modest be¬ ginning, he depending for success on honest and durable work, executed at a reasonable price. This policy brought its reward in a gradually increasing business based on the confidence of the public, and many of the substantial business blocks and fine residences of Plainview are his handiwork, as also many structures in the surrounding towns, villages and country. The com¬ fortable residence he now occupies was erected by him in 1903. He also owns four acres of land, on which he raises produce for himself and family, selling the surplus. On July 18, 1892, Mr. Har was married to Annie Hart, who was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, August 1, 1864, daughter of Patrick and Jane (Tracy) Hart, who were natives respectively of Ireland and the United States, and who were married at Dubuque, Iowa. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hart located on a farm in Allamakee County, and for many years were success¬ fully engaged in its operation. There Mr. Hart died in 1902, and in the fol¬ lowing year Mrs. Hart came to Plainview, where she is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. John W. Har three children have been born: Walter Leo, August 5, 1893; Cecelia J., May 14, 1899; and William L., October 1, 1902. But two are now living, Walter Leo having died March 31, 1901. Cecelia J. is now Mrs. Lester Spring, of Rochester, and William L. is associated in business with his father.

A. J. Fricke was born February 22, 1864, at Plainview, Wabasha County, Minn. He is of German parentage. He has grown up with the town, and neither he nor the town have grown to be very large. . From babyhood until about 12 years of age he was in very poor health; so was the town. Then they both began to get well and started to grow. The doctor said he could not live, as his head was too large, and the people said the town had no head at all; but leave that as you will, they both grew. He wears a 7% hat at the present writing, and the town is estimated at 1,500 population; so both have survived. His boyhood days were spent in going to school, fishing, and wishing he had a gun. He has stood and watched the countless thousands of pigeons fly over this place, and driven the prairie chicken from her nest on the ground now called Posz Addition, and the spot where John Keough resides was a great promenade for them in the spring. He has seen ducks shot on what was called Silver Lake; now the grand stand and ball park occupy the same lake bed. He has carried wheat bundles together for A. J. Foster on the ground where William Lyons and Dr. Smith reside. He has seen them wash sheep and bap¬ tize people in the same swimming-hole at the Whitewater on the same Sunday. He has seen 25 to 40 games of chuck-your-luck and poker going on in Plainview right back of the old post office building on a Sunday afternoon. Plainview was wide open in those days, but not disorderly. The boys were all lumber¬ jacks and spent their money for the things they wanted. Wages were $3 to $3.50 or $4.50 a day in harvest, but not for six or eight hours work. He has watched the crooked politician for 40 years or more, and there is little change in their methods ; the only thing that he can see is that they keep within the law. He was a great lover of the National pastime and played for many years on the home team. He can remember the first game of ball he ever witnessed, and most of the players, 47 years ago or better. They were Charles Donaldson, Sr., Jerry Baldwin, Sell Washburn, Theo. Washburn, George Smith, Frank Halleck, George Fuller, and one more whom he cannot remember. The ball park was where Adolph Stoltz now resides. Their uniforms were red flannel pants and white or grey shirts. He cannot remember as to the caps. The next team was: Lon Pomeroy, catcher; Ernie Eddy and Charles Hardy, pitchers; George Purvis, first base; F. Wilson, shortstop; J. Cline, second base; H. Thurston, third base; George Huntley, left field; A. Maxwell, center field; John Vincent (colored), right field. It is sad to look back and wonder where the old bunch have gone - Leo Redding, Charles and Bert Potter, Newton Groves, Albert Reifkcgel, Grant Norton, William Giem. Some of them have joined the "big top," and perhaps the rest are playing one-night stands ; we cannot tell. But, God bless them, wherever they are. Oh, for a reunion of the old bunch, just one more sociable at the old schoolhall. But not for us; it has passed for all time, and we can only see it in fancy. In politics Mr. Fricke is and has been a Democrat, casting his first vote for Grover Cleveland. He was married, Feb¬ ruary 22, 1890, to Jennie Dufield of Plainview. To them were born three chil¬ dren: John, Jessie and Florence. John is now an electrician at Rochester; Jessie a teacher at Jefferson, Minn., and Florence still at home.

Julius L. Fricke was born September 21, 1829, in the province of Hanover, Germany, near Hamburg. In 1852 he emigrated to America, landing at New \ ork, where he engaged in the trunk and bag business, working for John A. Ketrick, Factory at No. 9 Thomas street, office corner of Wall and Broadway. On October 5, 1853, he was married to Annetta Tebbens. He continued to fol¬ low his trade in New York until the fall of 1857, when he and his family, con¬ sisting of his wife and two children, came to Wabasha, Minn., landing there October 28, 1857, from the steamboat Northern Light. With his savings, con¬ sisting of gold coin - the amount does not matter - he purchased a lot in what is now known as South Wabasha, erected a small house with boards running up and down, and battens to cover the cracks, and in this he prepared to pass the winter of 1857-8. Leaving his wife and children, he walked to Danlect, WTs., where he was employed by Willson & Tainter, lumbermen. Returning in the spi ing of 1858 to Wabasha, he worked at paper-hanging and upholstering, opening a small shop on Pembroke street, on the spot or very near to the site of the telephone exchange. There was little work and no money and times were very haid, but I have often heard him say that he was very poor but did not know it. He continued by saying we were all poor in South Wabasha, but we managed to get along. Then came the half-breed script, and he was com-

Mr. And Mrs. Samuel L. Jenks

Pelled to give up all his possessions, meager as they were, to General Sharpe, as he was called at that time. But through the influence of Mr. Oliver Cratte (God bless his memory), Sharpe consented to let the "Dutchman" stay if he would make him a fine riding-bridle and quilt his English riding-saddle with buckskin. This Mr. Fricke consented to do and thereby received title to his home. Mr. Fricke has often told me that Mr. Cratte was the best man that he ever came in contact with. In the spring of 1860 Mr. Fricke and family came to Plainview, landing here with everything on one wagon (owned and driven by Peter Nelson, another of God s good men). He and his family arrived in Plainview, June 28, 1860. It was raining, and the mud was as bad and sticky as it is this day (November 10, 1919). But nothing in the way of pioneer life could stop the people in those days. They turned out with the Golden Rule ever before them, and thanks to the kindness of the dear old mothers of those days, Plainview gradually became a settlement, and then a town. Everyone was happy and poor. One of the things long to be remembered and never forgot¬ ten was the sure sign of spring directly in front of Mr. Fricke's harness shop, and exactly in the center of the village. This was a spot of earth that would dry out sooner than any other part of the street. Just as soon as the spot bore evidence of dry dirt, one could look out and see a crowd of men standing around it - George R. Hall, William S. Baxter, big Charles Sargent, Hollis Hall, James Butts, High Butts, William N. Y. Robinson, Dan Sweeze, William Hardy, John Bingham, and many more. First on the program - jumping, then wrest¬ ling, and as the dry spot widened, pitching horse shoes; then foot races, 100 yards; and I wish to state that it took a very good man to put George Hall on his back, out-jump Hollis Hall, or defeat William Hardy at the horse-shoe game. The crowd of interested spectators was very enthusiastic, and, as for number, everyone was there except the women. They were busy looking after their youngsters, for in those days mothers had to make their shirts and pants out of Dad s old ones, and we kept the dear old hands busy patching, darning and washing. Mr. Fricke was a man who had very little chance to attend school outside of the regular Lutheran teaching preceding confirmation; but while in New York he did attend Cooper's Institute at night, walking five miles to do so. He mastered the English language, as we called it, in reading and writing; then, as he advanced in that, he subscribed for magazines and papers. Books were purchased freely, if they suited, but never novels or stories. He never forsook his native language, as he was a constant reader of the New York Statz Zeitung for over 40 years ; and the Illustrated World, printed in Stuttgart, Ger¬ many, was a regular caller. English papers and magazines - the St. Paul Globe, Chicago Record, Inter-Ocean, Scribner's, Harper's, Wabasha County papers, also Plainview News. In politics he was a Democrat, but he did admire James G. Blaine, and I think he voted for him, but I cannot say for sure. He also ad¬ mired Judge Thomas Willson and was a personal friend of his. He often took an active part in the county campaigns. Seven children were born to this home: Augusta, New York City, 1855; Minnie, New York, 1857; Anna, Wabasha, Minn., 1859; Julius, Jr., Plainview; George, Plainview; Alfred J., 1864; Orlena, 1869. George, Julius, Jr., and Orlena have passed to the Great Beyond, George and Julius, Jr., in 1862, Orlena in 1887. Mr. Fricke passed away January 29, 1903, Mrs. Fricke November 12, 1903. Both are buried in Greenwood Ceme¬ tery on the family lot, marked with a plain but very substantial granite monur ment. Thus the law of nature has been fulfilled, and removed from this com¬ munity two people long associated with the pioneer days of Wabasha County. (By A. J. Fricke.)

Samuel Levant Jenks, better known as "Captain Jenks," whose life in Plainview extended over a period of ten years, from 1890 to the year of his death, 1900, was a man whose personality left a strong impress on the community which subsequent time has not been able to obliterate. He was born in Genessee County, N. Y., in 1836, and in 1840 removed with his parents to Pennsyl- vania, and thence to Walworth County, Wis., where he grew to manhood and acquired his education. In 1864 he came to Winona, Minn., and in the spring of 1865 located on a tract of 80 acres in Quincy Township, Olmsted County. The land was all wTild and#Mr. Jenks was. confronted by the problem, so familiar to the pioneer, of developing it into a paying farm - a problem that could only be attacked in the spirit of conquest and determination, backed by iron muscles and inexhaustible patience. In such a spirit, and with such resources to back him, Mr. Jenks attacked it, and in the end was conqueror. Though the fight with nature was long, the end was never doubtful, provided life were spared. Step by step he progressed, grubbing and breaking the land and erecting build¬ ings, and, not satisfied with his original 80 acres, he enlarged his task by the purchase of additional tracts until his farm had an area of 280 acres. A large part of his attention was devoted to stock raising and buying, and of all kinds of stock he was an expert judge, his reputation extending for many miles around. Moreover, his honesty was on a par with his knowledge and expe¬ rience, and no one ever had cause to say that he had been cheated in a stock transaction or business deal by Mr. Jenks. He stuck close to the Golden Rule, and men had confidence in him. They believed what he told them in all mat¬ ters of trade, and knew they could afford to do so. He paid a fair price for what he bought, and when he sold the buyer knew that he was receiving full value for his money. In 1890 Mr. Jenks moved to Plainview, and, purchasing lots on Jefferson street, erected a fine house for his personal residence. Here he continued in the business of stock buying, being associated therein at dif¬ ferent times with H. K. Knowlton and George A. Hollenbech. He also served as a member of the town board and school board, and as constable. His rugged honesty and genial disposition made him friends everywhere, and every boy on the street saluted him familiarly as "Capt. Jenks." For ten years he was one of the honored citizens of Plainview, and then, on November 8, 1900, came the final summons, and his family and friends gazed for the last time on the face of him whom they loved. Mr. Jenks was married in 1860 to Alice A. Leach, who was born in 1837, and who survived him 17 years, passing away in April, 1917. They were the parents of three children: Marcus E. and Edith Marcia (twins), born November 17, 1861; and Vanie J. P., who died at the age of 14 years. Edith Marcia, who graduated from the W inona State Normal School, was for several years a school teacher, and later was employed as a typist in St. Paul and Minneapolis, being more than usually competent. Mr. Jenks was a mem¬ ber of the Masonic order, Illustrious Lodge No. 63.

Marcus E. Jenks, now living retired in the Village of Plainview, was born in Walworth County, Wisconsin, November 17, 1861, son of Samuel Levant and Alice A. (Leach) Jenks. In his boyhood he attended school in Little Valley, Olmsted County, Minn., and remained on the parental farm until he was 24 \ ears old. Then for several years he was engaged in the livery business at Plainview. The rest of his active career was spent in general farming. He is now occupying the old Jenks home on Jefferson street, Plainview, which was built b\ his father, and a part of which he rents to a tenant. He is a member of Illusti ious Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., Plainview; the Commandery at Rochester (Home Copimandery No. 5); Winona Consistory No. 4, and Osmund Temple, at St. Paul.

George F. Duerre, proprietor of a fine hardware store in Plainview, who has also rendered efficient service as a county official, was born at Read's Land¬ ing, Wabasha County, Minn., May 16, 1865, son of Henry and Pauline (Lutz) Duerre. He acquired his literary education in the public school of his native village, and was subsequently a pupil for two years in a business college at Minneapolis. In 1892 he became a candidate for the office of county treasurer, and was elected for a term of two years. His service in that office giving gen¬ eral satisfaction, he was re-elected and filled out another term. Then in 1901 he came to Plainview and engaged in the hardware business, in which he has since demonstrated his ability as a merchant. He has enlarged his store, and carries a complete and modern line of shelf and heavy hardware. He is a mem¬ ber of the Masonic order. Mr. Duerre was married in 1895 to Mabel Cassidy, daughter of William W. and Jane (Blair) Cassidy. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Paul, Donald, Lucy E., William George, Thomas Henry and Charles L. Paul, who married Nan Napier, is now a resident of Chicago. During the recent World War he trained five months at the Great Lakes station, and was 22 months on the battleship Nebraska, in the quartermaster's depart¬ ment. Donald, during the war, took a course in the student's training school at Hamline. Lucy E. is a student at Stout University, Menominie, Wis. Wil¬ liam George is attending the Plainview public school.

William Wilson Cassidy, who passed from this life on Sunday, June 23, 1916, in his eighty-fourth year, was a well known pioneer lumberman who has been a resident of Wabasha County for 62 years, and had a legion of friends. He was born at Belfonte, Center County, Pa., March 27, 1833, son of John and Jane (Blair) Cassidy. When William was ten years old the family moved to Iowa and there he was reared on a farm and received his education in the com¬ mon schools. At the age of 18 he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed two years. In 1854 he went to Menominie, Wis., and entered the employ of Knapp-Stout & Co., a large and well known lumber firm, for whom he worked two years at common labor in the woods or on the river. In 1857 he was placed at Read's Landing in charge of the company's lumber yards. On December 8 the same year he was married to Eliza Kyle, of Downsville, Dunn County, Wis. He brought his young bride to Read's Landing, where he built a nice home, and it was there that his five children were born, of whom the only one now living is Mabel, wife of George F. Duerre, of Plainview. After the abandonment of the river business Mr. Cassidy purchased a fine res¬ idence in Wabasha, on the brow of the hill on the west side, which he subse¬ quently occupied until his death. He never sought public office, but served one term as county commissioner for his district. Politically he was a life-long Republican. He was eminently just in all his dealings. His long residence in this region and the nature of his business brought him into contact with business men throughout the entire lumbering world, and probably no man was better known or had more friends than he. He was a conscientious Christian, a loving husband, a kind father, and a true friend. His nature was cheerful, and though for several years he had been gradually failing in health, he was never known to complain. He is missed not only by his family, but by everyone who knew him.

Charles A. Christian, now engaged in the produce business in Plainview, was born in Illinois, October 14, 1864, son of James and Martha (Lea) Chris¬ tian. The family came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, in 1866, locating at Woodland in Plainview Township, where the parents were engaged in farming until the death of Mrs. Martha Christian on August 7, 1871. In the following year James Christian moved with his family to Wytoka Township in Winona County, where he followed farming until his death in 1894. C. A. Christian was brought up on the home farm, and was associated with his father in agri¬ cultural pursuits, finally becoming owner of the farm in Winona County. After operating it until 1899, he sold it and moved to Winona, where for six years he was employed in the Winona Wagon Works. During the next five years he worked in the boiler shops of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co. In 1914 he came to Plainview and engaged in the general retail feed busi¬ ness, building a good mill, and buying a house and lots. He conducted the feed business until 1917, since which time he has been engaged in produce buying, and is in the full tide of a successful business career. He is a mem¬ ber of Illustrious Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., the Modern Woodmen of Amer¬ ica, and the Woodmen of the World. His religious affiliations are with the Christian church. Mr. Christian was married, December 27, 1899, to Ida

David Wentworth, an early settler in Wabasha County, who did his part in the development of this section, was born at Sydenham Place, Canada, March 15, 1839. He came to Minnesota in 1860, and was married, at Winona, August 7, 1865, to Julia Miner. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Rice Lake, where they resided for four years, then came to Plainview and took a farm four miles east of town. There they made their home, with the exception of a few years spent away, until about 1910, when they purchased a residence in Plainview and moved to the village. Here Mr. Wentworth died September 30, 1915, his death being a shock to all, as he had been about the village up to the day previous. He had been warned by his physician of heart weakness, but had ex¬ perienced little inconvenience from it until a slight extra exertion brought his life to an end. Mr. Wentworth was a man well known to all in the community and had many friends among the pioneers and early settlers. As a pioneer farmer in his youthful days, he had experienced the hardships common to all, but had surmounted all difficulties and accumulated a competence for his en¬ joyment in later years. His wife survived him several years, passing away June 25, 1919. She was 71 years old, having been born at Columbus, Columbia County, Wis., March 12, 1848. Mr. Wentworth was also survived by two brothers, Henry of Owatonna, and Chester of Nora Springs, la.; and by five children, Edgar, Roy, Ida (Mrs. C. A. Christian), Mrs. Hattie Bennett and Mrs. Florence Hellmich. Two other children died when quite young.

Frank Forest Smith, the proprietor of an extensive truck farming busi¬ ness, residing within the limits of the Village of Plainview, was born in St. Johns, Florida, October 7, 1854, son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Smith. Left an or¬ phan at the age of nine years, he came under the care of an uncle at Newark, N. J., with whom he remained until the fall of 1864. Then, with his brother Jack, he came west to Fort Anacombie, and was there from October until the following harvest. In 1865 he came to Plainview, Wabasha County, and from that time until 1881 he was engaged in farm labor and also as foreman in the lumber camps of Ingram & Kennedy, at Eau Claire, Wis. In 1881 Mr. Smith rented a farm in Plainview, which he operated for one year, subsequently re¬ moving to another farm near the county line, where he remained three years. After that for seven years he operated rented land. His next move was to pur¬ chase a farm of 220 acres in section 24, Plainview Township, of which he cleared up 65 acres, and made other improvements, building a good house and a set of out-buildings and planting an orchard. There he remained for seven years, at the end of which time he sold the place and engaged in truck farming on other land, where also he remained seven years. Then, about 1906, he bought his present place of 63 acres in Plainview, where he has built up a fine business as truck farmer, also keeping some Chester-White hogs, and Jersey and Durham cattle. He raises some general farm crops, including corn, clover and oats, but his principal crops are of the truck garden kind, such as cabbage, sugar beets, onions, potatoes, pop corn, sweet corn, squash and navy beans. In 1892 he shipped a carload of yellow onions out of Plainview, and has raised thousands of bushels each year since. He has also bought and sold for other parties on commission. His operations in general have been conducted with profitable results, but in one year he lost $10,000, owing to a large amount of produce being suddenly dumped onto the market. So successful, however, has he been, on the whole, that he is widely recognized as an authority on truck gardening, and for several years has conducted a school, lecturing on the best methods of truck raising, and the most profitable crops to raise, and giving in¬ structions to interested parties. His tours take him into southwestern Minne¬ sota and South Dakota. Although now only in his sixty-sixth year, he can boast of a Civil War record, as he served in that war as captain's boy, with C aptain Davis, of Company B, Thirty-second New Jersey regiment, and was at

Frank F. Smith And Family

Chattanooga, Murphreesboro, Atlanta and Little Rock, Ark. Mr. Smith was married, January 1, 1880, to Rosetta Mack, who was born in Elgin, Minn., August 11, 1859, daughter of Calvin and Melissa M. (Richer) Mack. Her mother died when she was three years old, and she was reared and educated in the home of Gen. S. L. McCarty, and previous to her marriage taught school four years in the Leatherman, Woodland and Brown's Corner districts. Her father died in the year 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Smith have had nine children, namely: Carl, born March 28, 1883; Bertram, June 13, 1884; Ward, September 12, 1886; Errol, December 24, 1889; Vernon G., February 15, 1892; Leslie, July 2, 1893; Paul, July 21, 1895; Ella, May 30, 1899, and Clara M., May 2, 1902. Carl is now a representative farmer of Cass County, Minn. He mar¬ ried Laura Wood. Bertram, who is a carpenter and contractor of Aberdeen, S. D., married Inda Jenner and has one child. Ward, who is a contractor at Pekin, Wis., married Lulu Olson, and has three children, Ralph, Lucilla and Arbella. Errol, now an electrician at Creston, Iowa, married Rose Russell. Vernon G. is a tractor engineer at Medicine Bow, Wyo., where he owns land. Leslie and Paul are residing at home and associated with their father. Paul had a part in the World War, serving one year in France. Ella is now a talented musician. Clara M. died at the age of ten years, June 20, 1912. Mr. Smith and his family are members of the Congregational church. Both he and his wife belong to the Old Settlers' Association and the Rebekah lodge, and he is also a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America.

Harvey Seymour was one of the hardy pioneers of Wabasha County the memory of whose life is well worthy of preservation. He was born in Chenango County, N. Y., May 17, 1818, son of Samuel and Hanna (Ostrander) Seymour, the parents being proprietors of a small farm. His education was very lim¬ ited, but he learned to read from the family newspaper, which was somewhat of a luxury in those days, and attended school two or three winters, his brother being the teacher. In 1840, at the age of 22, he came west to Whitewater, Wal¬ worth County, Wis., and was there married in 1845 to Delilah, daughter of Joseph and Phoebe (Harford) Nichols, of that place. She was born in In¬ diana, November 8, 1824, and was of Holland Dutch ancestry, while the Sey¬ mours were of old New England stock. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour resided at Whitewater until May, 1857, and then came to Lake City, Wabasha County, Minn. In the fall of that year Mr. Seymour bought for $200 of Lorenzo Mills a 160-acre claim on section 17, Mt. Pleasant Township, of which tract a few acres had been broken. On it he built a small log house into which he and his wife's family moved in the spring of 1858. They were practically without capital and the work of developing a good farm was the task of years but they attacked the problem with stout hearts and willing hands, though Mr. Seymour was handi¬ capped by having been a partial cripple from the age of four years. He had, however, an indomitable will and was always at work, and in time his ambition was realized in the creation of a profitable farm with a good set of buildings, where he carried on general agriculture, though for years before his death he was further handicapped by rheumatism. A natural mechanic, in early days he made with his own hands the farm tools he needed. He was the first man, or one of the first men, in the community to own a reaper, which was a very crude machine, and also owned the first threshing outfit. He had very pro¬ gressive ideas, so much so that he was sometimes thought to be eccentric or pe¬ culiar, as he prophesied to his family and neighbors that some day a practical flying machine would be invented. Though not a church member, he donated liberally to both the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in or near his community and was noted for his generosity, which amounted to a fault, as it kept him from acquiring riches. During his early years on the farm' he passed through' times of trial, due to chinch bugs, drouth and tornadoes, but they all failed to destroy his hope or relax his energy. He was a man held in high esteem, and his death on December 4, 1901, was felt as a blow to the en- tire community. His wife had passed away December 24, 1894, and for nearly seven years he had been a widower. Their children were as follows: Emma, born at Whitewater, Wis., who died May 13, 1913 ; Alfred, born at Whitewater, Wis., October 24, 1854; Edgar, born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, now living at Cumberland, Wis.; Lydia, born July 4, 1861, who is residing with her brother Alfred in Lake City; Minnie and Joseph, who died within a year after their birth. The only one of the children to marry has been the son Alfred. Harvey Seymour was a Republican in politics and for a number of years rendered public service in local office. He held the office of town assessor and was clerk of the school board and its treasurer for over 30 years.

Alfred Seymour, a well known and respected resident of Lake City, for¬ merly engaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Whitewater, Wis., October 24, 1854, son of Harvey and Delilah (Harford) Seymour. He was two and a half years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, of which they were pioneers. On their farm in Mt. Pleasant Township he grew to man¬ hood and as a boy attended the district school until the age of fifteen. Until 1876 he worked on the home farm and then started in for himself, buying the Charles Mills farm of 160 acres across the road. About 100 acres of the land had been broken, and there was a small frame house and some straw sheds for barns. Mr. Seymour set to work to improve the place, erected a substantial set of buildings, and carried on general farming there until the fall of 1890. He then sold the property and moved to Lake City, where he bought a residence in which he is now living. A Republican in politics, he served as township as¬ sessor, school treasurer, and in other offices for years. Mr. Seymour was mar¬ ried June 17, 1884, to Emma L., daughter of William and Jane (Beatty) Wills, of Mt. Pleasant Township. She died at Lake City, October 21, 1917, leaving no children, and since then Mr. Seymour's sister Lydia has kept house for him. He works occasionally at manual occupation, but for the most part is leading practically a quiet and retired life. He supports and attends the Congrega¬ tional church.

F. J. Cornwell, for many years an important factor in the industrial de¬ velopment of southern Wabasha County, as the leading drygoods and general merchant of Plainview, was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1836, and there spent his early boyhood. At the age of thirteen he was left an orphan but with undaunted courage he took up the stern duties of life and set out to make his own living. For five years he clerked in the store of a brotherin-law, in Burk County, in his native state, and then returned to the town of his birth where he was similarly employed. With this experience in the mer¬ cantile line, he came west in 1856, and was successively employed as a clerk in Dodge County, Minn., Cordova, Ill., and Winona, Minnesota. In 1863 he entered the employ of J. Himsted at St. Charles. So thoroughly did he win the confi¬ dence of his employer that in 1865 he was given an interest in the business, and came to Plainview to open a branch store. The next year, Mr. Himsted sold out to John Taylor, and the firm continued as John Taylor & Co. In 1872, Mr. Cornwell sold out his interest to Mr. Taylor. His next employment was as an accountant for Ozias Wilcox. In 1875, while taking a vacation in the South, he was called home by Mr. Wilcox's illness. Mr. Wilcox died January 1, 1876, and on January 12 Mr. Cornwell reopened the business in the interests of the fam¬ ily. In June, 1876, he purchased the business and a little later moved to the brick building which had recently been erected by A. Y. Felton. This building, in 1881, he purchased. He died July 27, 1912.

Ephraim Clough, the pioneer, was born in Chardon, Ohio, February 17, 1821, son of Jari and Eunice (Grey) Clough. He was married December 10 1844, to Elizabeth Dunbar, and they moved at once to Black Swamp, Ohio. But the "fever and ague'' drove them back to Chardon, where they remained for several years longer. In the fall of 1863 they came to Plainview, and the next spring bought from E. B. Eddy a farm northwest of Plainview Vilage. In the fall of 1895 they moved to Garden City, Minn., and took up their home with their youngest son, Merton. The wife and mother died the same fall. In 1904 Mr. Clough went to Mankato with the son, Merton, and lived there until 1908, when the family moved back to Garden City. Mr. Clough was taken ill on his eighty-eighth birthday, and died in October, 1910, at the age of 88 years and 8 months. He was buried at Garden City. Thus briefly is told the life story of a noble man, whose life was filled with interesting incidents. Born in Ohio, amid pioneer conditions, he grew to sturdy manhood, and there acquired those staunch characteristics that were his predominating characteristics. Coming to Minnesota just when the Civil War was raging, he took his part in the growth and progress of Greenwood Prairie, and developed a large and excel¬ lent farm. He was a member of the Christian (Disciple) church from early youth, and was a truly good and useful man in every way. Elizabeth Dunbar Clough was the daughter of Daniel and Clarissa (Brown) Dunbar, the former born September 27, 1784, and the latter born June 19, 1795. Mr. and Mrs. Clough had three children: Daniel Dunbar Clough, Ellen A. Clough and Mer¬ ton Maynard Clough. Daniel D. Clough married Sophia Riefkogel, October 16, 1876. Ellen A. Clough married Henry Horten in 1877 and has one son, Royal E., born September, 1878, and now in the grocery business in Haver! Mont. Merton M. Clough was married June 6, 1888, in Benson, Minn., to Mary F. Utter, and they have three children: Lois Irene, Emily Eunice and Maynard Fillmore. Lois Irene was born March 21, 1889, and is in the employ of the Government at Washington. Emily Eunice was born Dec. 11, 1891, and was married June 24, 1913, to William Chester Cullen, of St. James, Minn. They have one son, William Clough Cullen, born December 2, 1914. Maynard Fill¬ more Clough was born March 6, 1901, and works with his father on the farm at Grand Rapids, Minn.

Daniel Dunbar Clough was one of those sterling, substantial characters of solid worth, whose lives and characters had much to do with the shaping of Greenwood Prairie progress in the early days. He was loved, honored and re¬ spected by everyone, valued by his own generation, and looked up to by the younger ones. His great characteristic was a dignified cheerfulness. Rich in all of those things which count for true worth, he was an exemplary citizen, a true Christian, and a man of great charity. He never sought honor or position, but he did seek the opportunity for the widest service. His benevolence was broad, and in his death the Christian world lost a true friend. He joined the Christian church as a boy, he was one of the pioneers of the Plainview congre¬ gation, and he never wavered in his faith and work. In addition to the great good he did, he also attained for himself material prosperity. As a farmer he was most successful and built up a fine place, beautified with a pleasant home, where he and his family spent the happiest years of their life adding to the beauty of the surroundings, and accummulating a competency. Daniel Dunbar Clough was born in Chardon, Ohio, May 13, 1848, and was brought to Minnesota as a boy of fifteen. He spent his entire life on the farm in Elgin Township until 1909 when he moved to Plainview, where he lived until his death June 23. 1916. His church, his family, his farm, and the community, these were his four interests, and right loyally did he serve all. Interested in education he served for many years on the school board, he was trustee and elder of the church. His life was well spent and the community is the better for his having lived in it. Mr. Clough was married October 16, 1876, to Sophia Reifkogel, born July 4, 1856, at Charlestown, Mass., daughter of J. W. and Charlotte (Young) Reifkogel. Both Mr. Clough and his wife have been active in the Old Settlers' Association of Greenwood Prairie.

August Stephan, formerly a prosperous farmer of Farmington Township, Olmsted County, but now deceased, was born at Netztal, in the province of Posen, Germany. He was married in his native land to Caroline Tetzlaff, and resided there until 1851, when, leaving his family behind, he sailed for America with the purpose of founding a new home. His search led him to Marquette County, Wisconsin, where he was joined in the following year by his wife and their daughter Augusta, a son, Julius, having died on the passage across the ocean. After farming in Marquette County until 1863, Mr. Stephan and his family came to Minnesota, locating in Olmsted County, where he bought a farm of 80 acres, which he subsequently enlarged to 240 acres by additional purchases of land. Later he bought a 400-acre farm in Elgin Township, Wa¬ basha County, which he operated successfully until 1880. He then turned over 200 acres to his son August G., and eight years later he turned over the other 200 acres to another son, Albert T. He remained on the Olmsted County farm until his retirement in 1892, when he took up his residence in Rochester, Minn., where he died in 1895. His wife survived him a number of years, passing away in June, 1913. They had in all a family of ten children: Julius, previously mentioned as deceased; Augusta, who is also now deceased; August G., Ottillie, Bertha, Tina, Albert, John, Emma and Minnie.

August G. Stephan, a retired farmer residing in Plainview, of which place he is a well known and highly esteemed citizen, was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, July 28, 1856, son of August and Caroline (Tetzlaff) Stephan. His parents being farmers, he was early trained to agriculture, his education being acquired in the district schools of Olmsted County, Minnesota, after the fam¬ ily's removal thither. After remaining at home until he was 23 years old, he bought of his father a 200-acre farm in sections 16 and 17, Elgin Township, onto which he moved in the spring of 1880, and began improvements, erecting a fine set of buildings. In 1895 he built a new and modern house of eight rooms, with basement, bath and other conveniences. There he farmed until 1906, following diversified agriculture, and keeping good sires at the head of his stock. Having by the year last mentioned accumulated a competency, he left the farm and moved into his new home that he had built in 1905 on Jeffer¬ son street, Plainview, where he is still residing. But although retired from the farm, he still followed farm labor of various kinds and every fall conducted a threshing outfit until the fall of 1919, when he retired permanently. At vari¬ ous times and for various periods Mr. Stephan has rendered efficient service in public office. He was school treasurer of District No. 56 for 16 years, was supervisor several years, and served several years as chairman of the Elgin town board. For many years he was trustee of the Lutheran church at Pots¬ dam, and he has been trustee for several years of the Lutheran church in Plainview, to which he and his wife belong. They spent the winter of 1917 in Cali¬ fornia. Mr. Stephan was married, December 3, 1879, to Ottilie E. Benike who was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, August 16, 1860, daughter of' Gus¬ tave and Pauline (Stesey) Benike. Her parents, like his own, were natives of the province of Posen, Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 15 years. The mother came later, and they were married in Marquette County where they remained until 1864, when they came to Olmsted County, Minne¬ sota. There they bought a farm and were engaged in agriculture until 1901 when they retired to Elgin, Wabasha County, where Mr. Benike is still living!

Benike died November 25, 1910. Their children were Ottillie, Albert, llliam, Bertha, Emil, Clara, Edward, Louise and Clara (second). Both Claras are deceased, as also is Edward. Mr. and Mrs. August G. Stephan have had two children: Theodore and Verene O. Theodore, who was born in 1881 died in 1906. He married Ida Rux. Verene 0., born October 5, 1884, married the Rev. Edward O. Smith and they reside in California. They have had four children, Ernest R., Stephan R., Mary L. and Eugene E., of whom Mary L. is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. August G. Stephan have a wide acquaintance in Plainview and the vicinity and are socially popular.

Elmer J. Thurman, manager of the Watertown Canning Company, of Plainview, was born at St. Louis, Mo., April 25, 1889, son of Richard and Helen (Siebert) Thurman. The father, Richard, died when the subject of. this sketch was a little child. He was survived by his wife, who is still living, making her home a part of the time with her son, Elmer J., at Plainview, and a part of the time at St. Louis. Elmer J. Thurman acquired his education in the public schools of St. Louis. Subsequently he engaged in agriculture on a farm of 191 acres in St. Genevieve County, Missouri, purchasing the property, which he still owns. At the age of 20 years, however, he left it to become fireman on the Missouri Pacific railroad, which occupation he followed for two years. While thus employed he became interested in the canning industry, and soon after became connected as chief mechanic with the Watertown company, at the time they built their plant at Watertown. In March, 1916, the company bought the old Plainview canning plant, and in August, that year, sent Mr. Thurman here to manage its affairs. This he has done so well and successfully that the Plainview plant is now one of the finest in the state. The company handles corn exclusively, which is grown on a rented tract of 600 acres, and which as put up for the market, is divided into five brands, named respectively, Watertown, Waterfall, Westroad, Richwood and Excellent. The company gives em¬ ployment to a number of expert workmen, paying good wages, and every depart¬ ment of the business is conducted on a sanitary and scientific basis. Mr. Thurman is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge at Plainview, and has re¬ ceived the thirty-second degree in the order. He and his wife both belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. On June 17, 1916, Mr. Thurman was married to Helen S. Adsit, of Watertown, Wis., and they have one child, Robert A., who was born May 31, 1917. The Methodist Episcopal church numbers Mr. and Mrs. Thurman among its active and useful members.

William Koenig, now living retired in Plainview after a long and success¬ ful business career in which he won for himself a wide reputation as a man of ability, was born in the Province of Hessian Cassel, Germany, September 29, 1844, son of Balthaser and Margaret (Withrow) Koenig. After attending school in his native land, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until coming to the United States in the spring of 1863. Locating first in New York City, he followed his trade there until the fall, and then went to Hazelton, Penn., where he was engaged in the same occupation up to the spring of 1865. After that he spent some time in travel in New York State and Ohio, working at his trade in various places until he again reached New York City, and passed from there over into Brooklyn, where he was married, in June, 1867, to Mar¬ garet Young, a native of Bavaria, near the Rhine. With his bride he how started for the Northwest, taking the train to La Crosse, Wis., then a steamer up the Mississippi to Minneiska, Minn., and overland by team to Plainview, Wabasha County. Here he bought a shop, 14 by 20 feet in size, and engaged in boot and shoe manufacture. Later he added a retail line of shoes, buffalo overcoats and gloves, establishing a business that he conducted uninterruptedly for eight years, or until 1875. He then tried his fortunes in Winona in the same line of business, but after eleven months in that city returned to Plainview, and in June, 1876, engaged in general mercantile business here, buying the stock of A. G. Felton. The building he had already purchased from Mr. Felton in 1875. In this business Mr. Koenig continued for 16 years, building up a large trade, and he also extended his operations in other directions, en¬ gaging largely in the purchase and sale of land, of which he owned at one time close to 10,000 acres; and in 1883 buying the elevator at Plainview, which he conducted until 1892, when it was destroyed by fire, causing Mr. Koenig a loss of $13,000, as there was no insurance. He had also up to that time, and since 1888, been engaged in diversified farming, having a farm of 335 acres within the city limits. The fire had the result of reducing his personal activities, as he gave up the farm, and turned over the store to his sons, William, Arthur -md Albert, still, however, continuing his real estate operations until 1910, since which time he has been retired. In 1898 he built his present nice resi¬ dence in the village. By his first wife, Margaret Young Koenig, he had seven children, of whom five are now living: William, now a merchant at Sioux Falls, S. D.; Arthur, a resident of Chicago; Alfred, engaged in the real estate business at Sioux Falls; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Fred Booth, residing in Califor¬ nia; Emma, now Mrs. Let Marshall, of Dell Rapids, S. D. The two deceased are an infant and a son named Henry. The mother of these children died in February, 1892; and on September 22, 1892, Mr. Koenig was married to Kath¬ erine Pletch, a native of Luxemburg. Two children are the issue of this mar¬ riage: George, who saw service in the World War, and is now engaged in farming; and Edward, who is attending school. In 1894 Mr. Koenig took a trip to Europe, and while there erected a fine tombstone to the memory of his departed father and mother. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a man of high standing as a citizen.

Charles Posz, commission merchant, and one of the live forces in the busi¬ ness prosperity of Plainview, was born in Covington, Ky., August 18, 1871, son of Jacob and Katherine (Nuss) Posz. He was educated in the public schools of Lewiston, Minn., the Winona Business College, and at the Elmhurst College at Elmhurst, Ill. He was but eight years old when he settled in Lewiston with his parents, and after leaving college he engaged in the real estate and insur¬ ance business there, which he carried on very successfully until 1904. In that year he came to Plainview and opened a restaurant and ice cream parlor, which he conducted for two years. He then sold out and engaged in the commission and produce business, which line of industry he has since followed to such good effect that he is now the recognized leader in it in Plainview. From year to year he has enlarged the business both in volume and variety. His sales each season amount to over 500 car loads, and include for the most part, cabbages, onions and potatoes. He also handles seeds, plants and some poul¬ try, his seed sales covering a large and increasing territory and approximating $20,000 for the last season. It was he who originated the plan of shipping in the early cabbage plants, which has proved so beneficial to the cabbage grower. The Posz Produce and Storage Plant, of which he is the sole owner, is the largest in the village, if not in southern Minnesota, and is the result of his individual ability and enterprise. In addition to his large interests connected therewith, he is president of the Posz Motor Company, handling the Cleveland- Chandler and Dodge Bros, motor cars. In fact there are few new and impor¬ tant business projects undertaken in the village with which he is not connected, and his foresight, energy and experience are potent factors in ensuring their success. The Business Men's Club numbers him among its most useful mem¬ bers. He also belongs to a number of the more prominent fraternal societies, being a thirty-second degree Mason, and an Odd Fellow, Woodman, Yeoman, and Elk. Mr. Posz was married, May 7, 1895, to Tillie Schmutzler, who was born in Lewiston, Winona County, Minn., November 24, 1871. Of this union two daughters have been born: Florence H., April 5, 1896; and Helen L., October 9, 1900. Florence H., after graduating from the Plainview high school in the class of 1915, was a pupil for one year in Carlton College, at Northfield, Minn. She was later graduated from the Winona State Normal School, and is now a proficient teacher in the third grade of the Plainview public schools. Helen L., who was graduated from the Plainview high school in the class of 1918, is now a student in the Winona State Normal School. The i eligious affiliations of the family are with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jacob Posz, for many years a well known citizen in southeastern Minne¬ sota, especially in Winona County, was a substantial, genial man, of excellent standing in the community and of sterling worth. He was the friend of all, his private benefactions were many, and he died in the respect and honor of the community. Jacob Posz was born in Billingheim, Rheinfalz, Bavaria, April 28, 184o. In 1869 he came to America and found his way to Winona, whither several relatives had preceded him. There he was married by the venerable Rev. Philip Von Rohr, to Katherine Nuss, who had come to America on the same ship. From Winona they went to Covington, Ky., where Mr. Posz was employed for many years in the foundry and iron-working business. In 1879 he came to Lewiston, in Winona County, this state, and there engaged in busi¬ ness for the rest of his life. He died April 28, 1897. Mrs. Katherine Nuss Posz, who was born in 1847, died February 2, 1884. She was a faithful wife and loyal and understanding mother, and their home life was ideal. To her husband she bore eight children, Anna, Charles, Katherine, Millie, Al. D., Dora, Marie and Jacob. Anna, born March 30, 1870, is the wife of J. P. Linden. Charles, born in 1871, is in the produce business in Plainview. Katherine, born March 25, 1873, is the wife of Robert Simon, of Forest Grove, Ore. Millie is the wife of B. A. Shaver, of Salem, Ore. Al. D., born February 15, 1878, is in the produce business in Plainview. Dora, born November 6, 1880, is the wife of Michael Hoffman, of Lewiston, this state. Marie, born May 6, 1882, is the wife cf Bert Sorenson, cf Kasson, Minn. Jacob died in infancy. For his second wife Jacob Posz married Margaret Cartarins. She died in 1891. This union resulted in two children: Fred, born at Deer Creek, Minn., June 6, 1887, and Elizabeth, born in Winona, July 28, 1885.

Albert Daniel Posz, who is successfully engaged in the produce business in Plainvieyv, as a member of the firm of H. J. O'Connell & Co., was born in Covington, Ky., February 15, 1878, son of Jacob and Katherine (Nuss) Posz. He was but an infant of one year when he was brought by his parents to Lew¬ iston, Minn., where he subsequently attended the public schools. He began industrial life as fireman on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, being thus occupied for two years, during which time he resided at Huron, S. D. Then returning to Lewiston, he engaged in the meat business, which he followed there until 1907. In that year he went to Independence, Benton County, Ore., and was there associated in the meat business with his brother-in-law, J. P. Linden, until the following year, after which he followed the same business in Lewiston, Minn., until 1911. He then came to Plainview, where he was asso¬ ciated with his brother Charles in the produce business until the spring of 1912, and during the next two years he was in the same business for himself. In 1916 Mr. Posz became a partner in the firm of H. J. O'Connell & Co., produce merchants, and has so continued up to the present time. The firm does a very flourishing business in buying and shipping various kinds of produce to the amount of about 300 car loads a season. They also grow about 40 acres of produce themselves yearly, and are one of the many thriving houses of this kind in Plainview. Mr. Posz is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Yeomen. He was married, November 3, 1907, to Mary E. Gaylord, of Nebraska, who was born May 23, 1889. The children of this marriage are: Everett D., born January 20, 1911; Mary E., born October 25, 1912, and Dosey, born May 28, 1916. Mr. Posz and his family attend the Congregational church.

August F. Johnson, a prosperous business man of Plainview, formerly en¬ gaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Whitewater Township, Winona County, March 25, 1889, son of Frank and Christina (Johnson) Johnson. The parents were natives of Sweden, who came to America when young, and settled in Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minn., where for a number of years they were engaged in farming. Later they moved to Plainview village, where the father still resides. The mother died April 17, 1911. August F. Johnson, who was his parents' only child, was educated in the district schools of Winona County. He grew to manhood on the parental farm, which in time he rented, conducting it on his own account for a year and a half. He then rented a farm in Highland Township, Wabasha County, for one year, and after that, in 1915, purchased a farm of 95V2 acres in Plainview Township, section 4, where he farmed until the fall of 1919. Then selling his farm, he moved to the village of Plainview and purchased his present home, a handsome seven-room bunga¬ low. He is now salesman for the Independent Co., selling silos and milking- machines and Mitchell barn equipment, in which occupation he is meeting with encouraging success. Mr. Johnson was married, June 19, 1912, to Catherine Foley, who was born in Highland Township, this county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foley. She is a member of the Catholic church, and of the Royal Neighbors and the Daughters of Isabella. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three children have been born: Arvid J., September 25, 1913; Madelyn E., October 31, 1914, and Ronald J., February 18, 1917.

John B. Lyon, who passed from this life at his home in Plainview, April 2, 1920, was in former years a prominent farmer and poultry raiser of Elgin and Oakwood Townships, and a widely known and honored citizen whose work was highly beneficial to the community in which he resided. He was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, May 16, 1875, son of William H. and Sarah (Batson) Lyon. Growing to manhood in his native township, he received his education in the country school and the Elgin school. Until attaining his majority he worked on his parents' farm, which he subsequently rented. After¬ ward he bought a part of it and built up a home, where he remained until on account of ill health he sold it in 1910 and moved to Plainview, where the rest of his life was spent. Of a quiet, retiring disposition, he was a great favorite among his companions. Having a natural love of all living things, he was well adapted to his chosen occupation, farming. He was a poultry fancier, and a competent judge of fowls, and developed many fine specimens, which at¬ tracted notice and admiration at various shows and fairs. He served as secre¬ tary of the local poultry association for a number of years, and in that capacity did much toward building up the poultry industry of this community. His services in this respect were of inestimable value, and his opinion on poultry matters was often sought. This county had been his home from boyhood, and he was personally known by a large majority of the people. He was honored and respected by all, being the soul of integrity, a kindly and mild-mannered man, an excellent neighbor and true friend. Of a hopeful disposition, during his twelve years of failing health he was never known to complain. Mr. Lyon was married, January 1, 1900, to Ida Klavetter, by whom he had three children: Frances S., born March 21, 1904, who died October 17, 1906; Ardell K., born July 11, 1909; and Ruth May, born September 6, 1915.

Gardner A. Colby, proprietor of a moving picture theatre and opera house in Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, January 27, 1873, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Colby. He was educated in the local schools and at a business college in Minneapolis, and for some years thereafter remained on his parents' farm, working for his father, at first by the month, and during the last year on a percentage. In 1898 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Regiment Band, as trombone player, and went with the organization to Chicago. After his return he was variously employed until 1909, in which year he entered into his present business, at first renting the theatre, but later buying it, as his enterprise has proved a success. The house is provided with an elevated floor, and has a capacity of 200. Mr. Colby takes pains to secure good attractions, and that his effoits are appreciated is shown by the large number of patrons with whom the place is a favorite resort. Mr. Colby is a member of the Masonic order and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married, December 9, 1899, to Helma R. Christopher, who was born in Plainview, Minn., May 6,' 1878,' daughter of Nels and Anna Christopher. Of this union there is one' child' Ruth, who was born September 21, 1905. Mr. Colby and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jonathan Colby, who left behind him an honored memory as one of the hardy pioneers of southeast Minnesota, was born in Corinth, Orange County Vermont, September 4, 1809. The first 46 years of his life were spent in his native state, and in 1831 he was there married to Malinda Pratt, who died in 1854. Of that union five children were born, of whom Mrs. John Q. Richardson is living. Mr. Colby continued his residence in Vermont for a year after the death of his wife, and then he and his son, L. D. Colby, joined the throng of gold seekers on the way to California, where for two years they were engaged in mining. They then returned to Vermont, remained there a year, and in 1858 came to Minnesota, stopping at Elgin until the following spring. Jonathan Colby then took a claim in Whitewater Township, Winona County - the farm later owned by David McCarty - but three years later moved to a farm a few miles southeast of Plainview, in Plainview Township, Wabasha County. In 1859 he married his second wife, Azubah Melendy, and until 1897, a period of 37 years, was actively engaged in looking after his farm, being recognized as a practical and successful agriculturist, and an excellent man and citizen. His health Anally began to fail, and for a year before his death he was obliged to leave business affairs to the care of his wife. On January 16, 1898, he passed away, deeply mourned by his family, friends and fellow citizens. Be¬ fore leaving his native state he had connected himself with the Freewill Baptist church, and had remained faithful to its teachings. He was a man of good principle, good business judgment, and had bettered the world by his having lived.

Loyal Dyke Colby, pioneer, farmer, and educator, was one of those sub¬ stantial men whose life was a part of the history of the county for many years, and whose character and worth won for him a high place in the regard of his fellow men. He was a man of great industry and tireless energy. No toil was too much for him, no sacriAce too great if made for his family or for the cause of humanity. He lived for home and family and for all the things worth while in life. He established a good home, brightened by the presence of a gracious wife, and together they labored to rear their children, and educate them as useful men and women. Loyal D. Colby was born in East Orange, Orange County, Vermont, April 20, 1836, son of Jonathan and Malinda (Proutt) Colby. He was reared and educated in his native town. In 1855 he and his father went to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. Then they returned to their home in Vermont. In 1858, with other members of the family, they started for the upper Mississippi region, driving the entire distance with eight head of horses, and bringing their household goods and supplies. Upon their arrival here they settled in Whitewater Township, in Winona County. Three years later they settled in Plainview Township, a few miles southeast of the village. Here they developed a good farm. Royal D. assisted his father with the farm work, and for several years taught school, his longest service being in the Whitewater Falls district. In 1863 he purchased 80 acres in section 16, Plainview Township, and to this place in 1867 he brought his bride. Later he bought 80 acres more, making a good farm of 160 acres lying on the eastern limits of the village. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying February 24, 1919. Mr. Colby joined the Masonic order in Plainview in 1873, and was secretary from 1883 until advancing age caused his retirement in 1901. He was one of the most faithful brothers of the order and was numbered among its most honored members. He and his family were active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Colby was married January 1, 1867, at the bride's home, to Orrilla Avery, born in Corinth, Orange County, Vermont, daughter of Smith P. and Betsey (Nichols) Avery, substantial and well-to-do Vermont farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Colby were blessed with seven children: Lulu B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J., Rolla W., Albert and Nellie. Lulu B. is the wife of E. A. Carpenter, of Plainview. Gardner A. is proprietor of the moving picture theater at Plainview. Carl is editor of the Pine Co. Courier at Pipestone, this state. Esther J. is the wife of Dr. J. V. Anderson, of Red Wing, this state. Rolla W. lives in St. Paul. Albert died at thirteen months and Nellie at thirteen years. Mrs. Colby still lives in the family home, sur¬ rounded by the love and companionship of friends and relatives, and is highly esteemed by all who know her. The home has ever been a hospitable one, and has been one of the inAuences for good in the community.