Winona County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (3 of 4 so headed), 1883 (part 3 of 3)

William C. Bekry was born in Elk Grove, Wisconsin, November 11, 1848. His parents moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, when he was but five years old. Here he went to the country schools until about twelve years of age, when his parents moved to New Hartford, Minnesota. Here he enjoyed the country schools winters and "grubbing" summers; and while he made decided progress in the schools, there is no record to show that he made any progress in the art of "grubbing." In 1874 Mr. Berry bought a farm of 160 acres in Pleasant Hill. He married Miss Orilla Richmond and commenced to improve his farm. He has taught school negj-ly every winter and tilled the ground in summer, and by so doing, and practicing a fair amount of economy, he has succeeded in surrounding himself and family with all the necessaries of life. He has served his township two terms as assessor, and has been a Master Mason since 1873. He has four children: Mary Orilla, born June 13, 1875; Zoe Susannah Hannah, born September 22, 1877; Maud Beatrice, born October 28, 1879 ; Elsie Elizabeth, born June 1, 1882.

Christopher Busmann, farmer, was born in Hanover, Germany, December 13, 1843. He came with his parents to Monroe county, Illinois, when ten years old. Here he received his training on a farm and in the common school. In 1870 his father died, and in 1872 he paid a visit to Minnesota. Three years later he removed here and bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 7, St. Charles, which has been his home ever since. He was married, March 4, 1873, to Catharine, daughter of Philip Spielman, of this township. Mr. Busmann is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political principles are republican. He has held some public positions of trust and responsibility, and in Illinois he was deputy sheriff four years. He has been school director in his district for several years since coming here. Mr. Busmann's family includes six children, born as follows : William, May 14, 1874 ; Matilda, June 30, 1875 ; Katie, November 3, 1876 ; Henry, February 10, 1879 ; Frederick, July 16, 1880 ; Lydia, April 1, 1882.

M. B. Webber, county attorney, elected in the fall of 1880, term of service expires December 31, 1882, and was renominated without .opposition by the republican convention of October, 1882. Office corner Maine and Third streets, over Hackley's drugstore. Mr. Webber is a native of Racine county, Wisconsin, received his early literary training in the schools of Racine and graduated from Hillsdale College, Michigan, in 1875, class of thirty graduates. Came to this city the same year, read law with ex-Gov. Yale, and was admitted to practice at the October term of the district court for 1877. In the spring of 1878 he formed a law partnership with Mr. Yale, which continued until he entered upon his duties as county attorney in 1881, to which he had been elected as the nominee of the republican party by a majority of 180, in a district usually democratic by 500 majority. Mr. Webber married Miss A. M. Robertson, daughter of Mr. Robertson, of Hillsdale. He is a member 'of the lodge of K. of P. of this city, and its present prelate.

Henry Taylor is of English descent, his father settling in Massachusetts in 1818, where Henry was born November 20, 1842. Mr. Taylor was engaged with his father on the home farm until he became eighteen years of age, when he went into the grocery store of Simmons & Co., Concord, Massachusetts, as clerk, where he remained several years. He came to Wisconsin in 1870 and engaged in agricultural pursuits, moving into this state in 1875, and went into the lumber business at Minneiska, in which he is now engaged. Mr. Taylor married Miss Julia Berry, of Keene, New Hampshire, in 1868, and has no children. He has never engaged actively in politics, though often solicited to do so.

Swan Peterson, farmer, was born in Sweden, 1814, where he remained until his thirty-fourth year working at agricultural pursuits. He came to America in 1848, settling in Michigan as a farm laborer. Several years later he came to Minnesota and purchased a claim in Watopa, Wabasha county, which he soon converted into a fine farm. After a twelve years' residence he sold out and purchased another farm at Sand Prairie, same county, which he also held tor some ten or twelve years, when he again sold and came to Minnieska village, where he still resides. Mr. Peterson has accumulated a handsome competency. He has never assumed the matrimonial yoke, and prides himself on being a confirmed old "bach." Republican in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran church.

John H. Morley, pastor of the First Congregational church of Winona, was born at Hartford, Connecticut, January 3, 1840; was the second son of Rev. S. B. and Mrs. Anna C. Morley. His motherwas the only daughter of Selah Treat, of Hartford, and sister of Rev. S. B. Treat, of Boston, Massachusetts, for many years secretary of the American Board of Foreign Missions. She died May 9, 1881. Mr. Morley graduated at Williams College, 1863, and at Andover . Theological Seminary, 1866. During the war he spent several months at the south in the sei-\ace of the United States Christian Commission. He became acting pastor of the Congregational church, at Magnolia, Iowa, in December, 1866, where he was ordained, January 2, 1867, to the work of the ministry. In June,

1879, he resigned the pastorate of this church, and accepted a call to the Congregational churcli at Sioux City, Iowa. In November, 1876, he resigned at Sioux City and accepted a call to the Congregational church of Winona. He was married October 12, at Mendota, Illinois, to Miss Edith T. Johnson, daughter of George and Mrs. Edith (Baxter) Johnson. Miss Johnson had been a teacher in the Illinois State Normal University, and in Bonham's Ladies' Seminary at St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Morley have three children : Frank Johnson, born June 5, 1875 ; Edward Treat, born December 22, 1876, and Clara Edith, born October 12, 1879.

G. H. Krumdigk, dealer in grain, hides, seeds, wool, cement, etc. Office and elevator corner of Front and Lafayette streets. His lot fronts 100 feet on Front street, 120 on Lafayette, and upon it, in the fall of 1882, he erected his elevator, a wooden structure 80x50 feet, with a handling capacity of 28,000 bushels a day and a storage capacity of 40,000 bushels ; motor supplied by a twenty-five horsepower engine, and a force of four men kept employed. Cost of construction, including machinery, $9,000. Wheat and barley are handled in about equal quantities, oats one-third the amount of these grains, and corn one-fifth. Business was established in 1876, corner of Front and Center streets, and there conducted until possession was taken of the elevator, October 10, 1882. The volume of business for the current year foots up, in round numbers, as follows : Hides, 15 car loads; wool, 1 carload; cement, 10 cars; stucco, 6 cars ; salt, 30 to 35 cars. Of the 1881 grain crop the house handled about 70,000 bushels of wheat, 75,000 bushels of barley, 25,000 bushels of oats and 15,000 bushels of corn. Mr. Krumdick is a native of Hanover, Germany ; came to America with his parents in 1854, the family settling at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1863. From that date until 1876 he was at Fountain city, Wisconsin, dealing in grain and agricultural implements, then came to this city. Mr. Krumdick is married, and has three children attending scfiool in this place. His parents are still residing on the old homestead, near Sheboygan, where tliey have lived twenty-eight years and over, and where, on the 9th day of October,

Nicholas Krrz, a native of Germany, emigrated to this country at an early age and took up his residence in Mount Vernon township in 1876. Mr. Ritz cultivates one of the finest farms in the county, and is also an extensive breeder of hogs. He was married to Miss Blumenthal, of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and has had a family of two sons and one daughter. He lost his eldest son, Plerman, in the army, and he himself served in the 99th Penn. reg., participating in some of the most severe engagements of the war.

A. J. Bykne, of Witoka, was born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, March 31, 1850. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to America in 1848. They first settled at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but soon after removed to Wisconsin. His parents were farmers, and he consequently spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving at the same time a common school education. In 1868 he went to learn the blacksmith's trade with James Kunton, at Schullsburg, but being apt he soon started a shop for himself at Monroe. In 1877 he opened a shop at New Hartford, which he continued with success until the first of January last, when he bought the saloon business at Witoka which he now carries on. August 20, 1872, he wedded Miss May Daacon, of Schullsburg, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Theodore and Catherine Daacon. They have had one child, now dead: George, born June 14, 1874, died June 15, 1876. Baby lies buried at Schullsburg, Wisconsin. Mr. Byrne is a democrat in politics.

J. Marsland, dealer in furniture and crockery, 97, 99, 107 East Third street. This business was established by Mr. Marsland five years since at 108 East Third street, and removed to its present location in 1880, having leased the premises of A. Munch before the buildings were erected, of which he took possession as soon as completed. No. 107 was not occupied until the season of 1881. He occupies a total of over 8,000 feet of flooring-room in his storerooms, keeps the largest stock of furniture in the city, a heavy assortment of crockery and glassware, employing a force of five persons. Mr. Marsland was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1832 ; was bred a machinist, but for twentj^ years prior to coming to America was cottonmill foreman in Rochedale, Lancaster, and had for some years as many as 1,100 operatives under him. He came to America in 1877, direct to Winona ; commenced business in a small way the next day after his arrival, October 21, 1877, and has been steadily enlarging his trade ever since. Does quite an extensive jobbing trade, shipping as far west as Dakota.

father carrying on the carpenter business which Joseph also learned. He received a good district school education, and early in life he struck out for himself, working at his trade in Chicago and Milwaukee. His health failing he was forced to give up working as a carpenter and obtained a position as clerk with the hrm of Smith & Hotchkiss, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Kemaining with them a couple of years, he then went traveling for a La Crosse commission house, purchasing produce, pickles, etc. He is now the representative of several agricultural establishments selling reapers, mowers and other farming implements. He is well and favorably known throughout this and adjoining counties. He married in 1878 Miss Eliza St oner, the daughter of a well known resident of Whitewater, and makes his home at Beaver. He is an independent in politics and was brought up an Episcopalian.

L. F. YoN WmPFFEN, civil engineer and architect ; room 5^ Simpson's block. Mr. Yon Winpfl'en was born in Alsace-Loraine, April 26, 1841, was educated at the Grane-Klaster, Berlin, graduating there in 1858. He then successively attended the universities of Heidelberg, Jena and Geneva, completing his studies in 1862, at which time he entered the military service of Prussia as cadet in the 1st Dragoon Guards, Berlin. In 1863 he graduated lieutenant at the Military Academy, Potsdam, and was then transferred to the Queen's 2d regiment of Cuirassiers, in Pomerania, and served there until after the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, being wounderl at the battle of Koeniggraetz. On the formation of the sixteen new regiments he was transferred as recruitmg ofhcei- to the 11th Dragoons, then in Pomerania. In 1868 he was granted leave of absence to visit India and the outlying islands. While there, in the capacity of civil engineer, he was with the topogra])liical survey in Sumatra, Celebes, Java and Amboyna, in which latter island he assisted in making the original surveys. Returning to Germany in 1871, he passed through the closing scenes of the Franco-Prussian war, with the engineer reserve corps, and then resigned the service with therank of captain of engineers. The next two years were spent in England, and in 1874 the captain came to America. Was here employed in the United States coast survey in the department for compilation of maps, at Washington, District of Columbia. He wa& then transferred to the bureau of education, under Gen. Eaton, for whom he made all the map-work for the records of that board at th& Centennial exhibit of 1876. Of these maps there were thirty-two.

During the Playes campaign lie served as assistant-secretaiy for th6 Union congressional committee of the re])ul)lican party, under Edmunds, of Vermont. He was then transferred to tlie war department for construction of state war and navy dej^artment, under Col. (\isey, and was thei-e until he left the national capital for Winona in ] 878. Since coming to this city he has served three years as c'Ay engineer, from 1879 to 1881 inclusive, and is now serving his second term as county surveyor. During this time lie has made to date, October, 1882, 296 sectional surveys, chiefly for sub-sections and county roads. He is also successfully prosecuting claims for United States pensioners as pension agent ; belongs to the Knights of Honor and Druid beneficiary associations.

William Franklin Richakds has but lately removed into Mt. Vernon, though identified with the county for many years. INfr. Richards was bom in Vermont, in 1850, coming west in 1870, settling in Wabasha county. He was married in 1872, to Miss Eliza Dermoth, a young lady from Wisconsin. Mr. Richards will prove a great acquisition to the township.

Walter S. Cr^ustdall, of AVitoka, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1853. He is the son of Dr. J. C and Oeraldine (Bogg) Crandall, both natives of Pennsylvania. Walter received a common school education, and, in addition, is a graduate of La Crosse Business College, La Crosse, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty he went into the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad as a brakeman, and subsequently as a telegraph operator. He was in the employ of this com])any and the Northwestern for three years. At La Crosse he learned the trade of a wagon and buggy builder, and subsequently, at Money creek, learned the trade of carriage and sign painter. August 15. 1881, he bought the shop in Witoka, where he now does a good business in buggy and wagon repairing.

K.JOSTOL (tundkrson was born in Norway, in 1812, where he grew up, mari'ied, and i-emained until his thirtieth year on a little farm that barely gave them sustenance. When he arrived in America he had but very little money, and could not read or write. He got as far as Ohio, where he worked out for some years among the fanners. He accumulated some money, and in the meantime had taught himself to read and write English. He came west and pre-empted a claim in Zumbrota township, Goodhue county, where

F. Dixon, dentist, came to Minnesota from Canada in 1877, where he was born in 1852, in the town of Mount Forest, near London. Mr. Dixon, besides being a dentist, has charge of a stock of furniture the property of Mr. D. Bacon. He is a married man and officer of I.O.O.F. '

Francis Demoth was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1831, came to America in 1836 and settled in this county. Mr. Demoth was elected supervisor for a number of years for Elba, and has always enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Demoth has never married.

John Walters, born in Aurora, Illinois, in 1858, married in 1880, to Miss Jenny Minsky, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Walters is thoroughly versed in agricultural affairs, and is a typical young American farmer. He is so improving his estate that it will be at an early date one of the finest in the county.

GEc)R(iE Miller, butcher, was born in Bavaria, September 2, 1848. He received a common German education, and emigrated at sixteen years of age to America, coming direct to St. Charles. After working at farm labor two years, he went in partnership with a brother in a meat market on Whitewater street, this city, and in 1870 became sole owner of the shop and business. After several removals he built his present brick market on Whitewater street in 1880, which is a handsome and neat structure, 50x22 feet in area. He also owns the adjoining dwelling, in which he resides, and the original shop and dwelling at the north end of the street ; also has a farm of eighty acres within the city limits, on section 30. His business is prospering, and he earns his good fortune by industry. Mr. Miller is a member of the St. Charles Odd-Fellows' lodge and Knights of Honor. He was reared under the Roman Catholic religion. On May 14, 1872, he was married to Anna M. Speeter, who was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1854. They have five children, born as follows : Mary K., April 27, 1873 ; Otto P., December 28, 1874 ; Rosa* C, January 30, 1878 ; Edward J., April 2, 1880 ; Clara E., April 24, 1882.