Waseca County, Minnesota Biographies

Welcome to Genealogy Trails!

Waseca County, Minnesota Biographies

Julia Krassin Bathke
Mrs. Julia Krassin Bathke, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Krassin, deceased, was born in St. Mary, this county, June 15, 1869. She married a man named Wm. Bathke, Dec. 5, 1896. They separated the following May and have since been divorced. A daughter was born to her in December 1897 and remains with her. Mrs. Bathke resides in Waseca and keeps house for her brother Edward. They have a pleasant home in Broughton's addition to Waseca.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

James Erwin Child
The family name of Child, or Childs, as some write it, is English without any doubt. History agrees with tradition in that respect. Josiah Child, born in 1630, was for many years at the head of the East India Company. Charles II made him a baronet and his son became Earl of Tylney, but with him the peerage expired and the name sank to the common level. Since then every Child has been called upon to "paddle his own canoe."
According to the family record as handed down from father to son, Elijah Child stands at the head of this branch of the Child family in America. He, in company with two brothers, came from Old England to New England in Colonial days, some years prior to the American Revolution. It is said that he married a Welsh woman, but the writer has never been able to get her father's name. Elijah first settled in Connecticut on the banks of the river of that name, engaged in the flour or gristmill business. He afterwards moved to Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, where he again engaged in the milling business on White river. Elijah served for a time in the Continental army, but was obliged to return home on account of illness. Shortly after the War of the Revolution, he lost nearly everything by a flood, his mill dam giving way, and he and his family were reduced to moderate circumstances in his declining years. Elijah's children, seven in number, were all boys: Stephen, David, Abner, Artemas, Daniel, Simeon, and Elias. Daniel, J. E. Child's progenitor, was born Nov. 10, 1777, in the state of Vermont. There he grew to manhood and was bred a miller. When twenty years of age he married Rebecca Howe, who was seventeen. She was born April 13, 1780, of Irish parents. Daniel followed his trade as miller at Royalton, Vt., until about 1824, when he moved to the town of DeKalb, St. Lawrence county, N.Y. Here he bought a small farm which he carried on until his death, which occurred in 1849, his age being seventy-two years. Daniel and Rebecca had eight children whom they names as follows: Delani, Avery, Hannah, Zabina, Clarinda, Martha, Simeon and Eliza.
Zabina, father of James E. was born Nov. 22, 1808, in Vermont, and at the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter and joiner trade. At the age of twenty, having one year more to serve, he bought his time of "Boss" Dustin, and went to St. Lawrence county, N.Y., where he worked as contractor and builder. He married Miss Orrilla Rice (originally Roice), of Jefferson county, N.Y., Feb. 14, 1833, and they settled in the town of DeKalb. Orrilla was a native of Jefferson county and was born March 2, 1810, being one of the younger children of Eneas Rice by his second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Parmenter. Both Eneas and Sarah were natives of Connecticut. Eneas was of Scotch parentage and Sarah of English stock. Rice was a Revolutionary soldier and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777. He was the father of nineteen children and died at the age of seventy-five years. Grandfather Parmenter was also a soldier of the Revolution.
Zabina and Orrilla were the parents of seven children: James Erwin, born in Jefferson county, N.Y., Dec. 19, 1833; Simeon Potter, born in Medina, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1835; Sarah Minerva, born in Ohio, Aug. 23, 1837; Reuben Parmenter, born in DeKalb, N.Y., Aug. 10, 1840; Julia Maria, born in DeKalb, N.Y., Oct. 26, 1842; Stephen Rice, born in Trenton, Dodge county, Wis., July 2, 1848; and John Benton, born near Appleton, Wis., Aug. 14, 1854. John B. died in his native town Nov. 21, 1851. Zabina moved with his family in 1834 from his New York home to Medina, Ohio, by horse team. Ohio was then a new country. There was a severe drouth and extremely hard times about 1836-7, and the family returned to DeKalb, N.Y. in the fall of 1837. They remained there on a farm until 1844 when they again moved to Ohio--this time to the town of Perry, Lake county. The next spring, leaving his family in Perry, the father pushed on to Wisconsin, where he worked during the season and sent for his family in the fall. The mother and children, late in the fall, took boat at Fairport and after a stormy passage landed in Sheboygan, the last days of November, 1844. The father had already selected a claim, in Dodge county, Wis., five miles south of Waupun, and in January, 1845, moved his family thither. He remained in Dodge county--a part of the time in the town of Herman--until 1853, when he removed with his family to Ontagamie county, near Appleton, Wis.
James E. taught school in Herman, Dodge county, in the winters of 1851-2, 1852-3 and 1853-4. In October, 1854, he made a trip into the Oconto pineries where he worked on the river and in camp until Dec. 19, when he returned to Dodge county and there made arrangements for a winter trip to Minnesota, as elsewhere related in this work. He married Miss Justina Krassin, April 19, 1856. She is the youngest daughter of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Gadske) Krassin, deceased, and was born near Posen, Prussia, March 3, 1834. She came to America with her married sister, Mrs. Gottlieb Prechel, in August 1853. Her parents and brothers followed soon after. Her family owned a small farm in Posen, but concluded to sell it and come to a country where they could get more land for less money.
Nine children have been born to James and Justina, three of whom died in infancy. The living are Capt. Walter Child, of Superior, Wis.; Stephen M., of Jackson county, Minn.; George E., of Kenmare, North Dakota; Annie E., now Mrs. Frank A. Wood; Orrilla Justina, now Mrs. George H. Goodspeed; and Dora M., now Mrs. Mark D. Ashley, of Jackson, Minn.
James E. carried on his farm in South Wilton from 1855 to 1863, when he entered upon the practice of law in Wilton. In the fall of 1863, he commenced newspaper work, and with the exception of about four years spent on a farm in Jackson county, from 1881 to 1885, has made newspaper work his principal business. He was chairman of town supervisors, school district clerk, county attorney, member of the legislature in 1861, and justice of the peace while on his farm in Wilton. He was deputy United States marshal in 1863-4, and had charge of the draft in several towns of the county. After that he served as county attorney, judge of probate, superintendent of schools, municipal judge of Waseca from 1890 to 1892, member of the state senate in 1872, member of the house of representatives in 1874, and again in 1883. The latest work of his life thus far is the production of this history--labor more pleasant than profitable. He has served as president of the Waseca charter commission since its appointment and organization in 1902.
(source: Child, James E.. Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.)

Under the firm name of Child & Murphy the Herald has continued to flourish, and it has become one of the leading journals of this portion of the State of Minnesota. James E. Child, the veteran journalist of Waseca County, is the son of Zabina and Orilla (Rice) Child and was born in DeKalb, St. Lawrence County, N.Y., December 19, 1833. His father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at that and farming. In the spring of 1834 the family moved to Medina County, Ohio, where they remained until about 1843, when they again returned to Ohio, but one year later emigrated to Dodge County, Wis., and were among the early settlers of that region. About 1854, the family removed to Outagamie County, Wis., near Appleton. James E. taught three terms of school in Wisconsin, following farming in the summer. In September, 1854, he went to the pineries of the great Badger State, and returned from thence in December, shortly afterward started with A.G. Sutlief for Minnesota, as detailed elsewhere, arriving in Waseca County, February 2, 1855. He came to take charge of the Sutlief farm and stock, which he did, taking up a claim for himself, however on section 24 and 25, putting up a shanty in the fall of 1855, in the latter section. He remained with Sutlief until November, 1855, breaking some land and cutting some hay on his own place that summer, however. He remained on this farm until the spring of 1863, when he rented it and moved to Wilton and commenced the practice of law. Shortly afterward he was appointed deputy United States marshal, which office he held for about a year. In the fall of 1863 he commenced his labors as editor of the paper as above mentioned, and has been in the journalistic harness nearly all the time since. In the fall of 1867 he removed to Waseca, where he practiced law in addition to his editorial duties, and has held the offices of county attorney, court commissioner, superintendent of schools and justice of the peace, besides numerous minor offices. He was elected to the Legislature in 1860, and took his seat in the IIId Legislature in January 1861. In the XIVth Legislature, in 1872, this county was represented in the Senate by Mr. Child, and in the lower house of the XVIth Assembly, in 1874, he was a member. He represented the district composed of Martin and Jackson counties in the XXIIId Legislature--1883. At the gubernatorial election held November 2, 1886, James E. Child was the Prohibition candidate for the office of governor. On April 19, 1856, Mr. Child and Justina Krassin were united in marriage, and they have been the parents of eight children: Walter, a resident of Waseca; S.M., now in Jackson County, Minn,; Annie, now Mrs. F.A. Wood, of Waseca; Orilla, now Mrs. George H. Goodspeed, of the same place; Dora M., a teacher in Jackson County, this state; George E., at home, and Avery and Marcia, deceased. Mr. Child is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. His life has been a busy one, and while he has "of necessity" made some enemies, he has a host of warm friends. A keen and trenchant writer, he is extreme in all his views and does not fear to give utterance to his belief on all occasions.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. An Album of History and Biography, embracing sketches of the Villages, Cities and Townships; Educational, Civil, Military and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Citizens, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Men. History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early exploration, organization, a review of its political history, together with an account of the Indian outbreak of 1862. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Mr. Henry Gehring
Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Gehring came to this country in 1863--first living in the town of St. Mary and afterwards in Wilton on section 13 where they now reside. Gottfried was for many years chairman of the board of supervisors of Wilton. He was always a very successful farmer. Mr. Henry Gehring, one of his sons, is also a prominent farmer. He was born in Marquette county, Wis., Dec. 25, 1857, and came to Minnesota with his parents in 1863. He married Miss Augusta Michaelis, daughter of John Michaelis, of New Richland. Augusta was born in Germany, Sept. 8, 1866. She came to America with her parents in 1869. They first lived in Marquette county, Wis., and then came to New Richland in this county in June, 1875. Henry and Augusta were married Dec. 5, 1885, and have eight children, four sons and four daughters. They have a comfortable home and a well improved farm.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Mr. Julius Gehring
This gentleman is to "the manor born," being a native of Waseca county and the second Christmas boy in the family, having been born Dec. 25, 1866--his brother Henry being just nine years of age at the time. Amelia Bethke, daughter of August Bethke, of Woodville, deceased, was born in Germany, Feb. 8, 1870. She married Julius Gehring May 24, 1894, and has borne him three sons and two daughters. They have a pleasant little farm in Wilton, their house being on the old John C. Huner residence block of the old village of Wilton. The site belonged tot he William Roddle estate at the time of Mr. Roddle's death.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Phillip Gehring
Mr. Phillip Gehring, son of Gottfried Gehring, of Wilton, was born in the town of St. Mary, Jan. 12, 1864. He lived on the farm with his parents until 1886, when he came to Waseca and worked as a cabinet maker for some time, afterwards learning the painter's trade. He opened a paint shop and commenced business for himself in 1892. He afterwards formed a copartnership with Mr. Klohe in the paint and paper-hanging business. Mr. Gehring served as alderman of the first ward of Waseca four years. Nov. 5, 1892, he married Miss Annie Tetzloff, of Janesville. She was born in Germany, March 9, 1873, and came to America in 1880. Her parents first lived in Janesville village and four years later on a farm in Janesville township. Mr. and Mrs. Gehring have eight children, three boys and five girls.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

William Grunwald
One of the substantial farmers of St. Mary is Mr. Grunwald, who was born in Prussia, April 9, 1866, and came to America in May 1872. He worked in and near Waseca as farm hand and laborer several years. He was married to Miss Dora Prechel, of St. Mary, March 22, 1889. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Prechel, now deceased, settled in St. Mary in 1855, and she was born March 22, 1868. Mr. Grunwald lived in Waseca until Dec. 9, 1891, when he moved to the farm where the family now reside. In 1897, he added another eighty acre lot to the farm making in all about two hundred forty acres of very fine land. They are the parents of six children: Edwin A., born August 27, 1890; Elsie R., born Nov. 4, 1892; Lillian F., Feb. 20, 1895; John G., May 5, 1898; Henry W., Nov. 21, 1900; and Adeline E., Nov. 3, 1903.
(source: James E.. Child's "History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers". Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905, submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

August C. Krassin
At the fall election of 1885 A. C. Krassin was chosen by the people of Waseca County to represent them in the office of sheriff, and is the present occupant of that position.
August C. Krassin, the present sheriff, is also one of the hardware firm of Krassin & Boucher, and is a son of Martin Krassin, one of the earliest settlers of this county. August was born in Wisconsin, and when he was but a small child was brought by his parents to this county in June, 1855. They located in what is now the township of St. Mary, where August was reared. In 1880 he came to Waseca City, where he engaged in business with J. C. White, but in 1882 Thomas Boucher purchased the interest of Mr. White and the present firm was formed. They carry all lines of hardware, and are very heavy dealers in agricultural implements.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. An album of history and biography, embracing sketches of the villages, cities and townships; educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent citizens, and biographies of old settlers and representative men. History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early explorations, organization, a review of its political history, together with an account of the Indian outbreak of 1862. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Christian and Gottlieb Krassin Jr. came here in the summer of 1856. Christian died here April 22, 1876; Gottleib is still a resident of the township.
(note: Saint Mary Township, Waseca, Minnesota)
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. An album of history and biography, embracing sketches of the villages, towns, cities and townships; educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent citizens, and biographies of old settlers and representative men. History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early explorations, organization, a review of its political history, together with an account of the Indian outbreak of 1862. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Edwin R. Krassin
Mr. Edwin R. Krassin is one among the early native-born sons of Waseca county. He is the second son of Martin Krassin, deceased, and was born July 27, 1857. He was inured to hard toil from infancy, and after his father's death had charge of the several farms left to the heirs. He is an expert at sinking tubular wells and handling farm machinery. He is a single man, owns a good farm in Wilton, and a comfortable home in Waseca.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Emil W. Krassin
Mr. Emil W. Krassin, another brother, the youngest of the sons, was born Feb. 5, 1865. He has also spent his life on the farm. He married Miss Edith Gehring, daughter of Gottfried Gehring, a pioneer settler of Wilton, Dec. 4, 1894. She was born in Wilton, Feb. 14, 1873. They are the parents of two daughters. Emil has a well cultivated farm in St. Mary and leads a happy and contented life.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Gottlieb Johann Krassin, Sr.
Gottlieb Krassin Sr. was an old man, born in Prussia, Germany, and lived with his son Martin, but took up a claim as most of the early settlers did in those days. His land also lay in what is now St. Mary. About the year 1860 he died in this county.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. An album of history and biography, embracing sketches of the villages, cities and townships; educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent citizens, and biographies of old settlers and representative men. History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early explorations, organization, a review of its political history, together with an account of the Indian outbreak of 1862. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Mr. John A. Krassin
This gentleman is a native of this county. He was born in St. Mary township, Sept. 6, 1856. He followed farming until 1889, when he came to Waseca and went into the machine business with San Galli and Herman Lawin. About a year later he sold his interest in the machine business and commenced the buying and selling of cattle and hogs, the business in which he is now engaged. He was married to Miss Emma Lawin, then of St. Mary, March 29, 1887. Mrs. Krassin was born near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, April 25, 1865, and came to Minnesota with her parents in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Krassin are the parents of five children--two boys and three girls. Mr. Krassin still owns his farm and other lands, in all about two hundred seventy acres.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

John Fred. Krassin
John Fred. Krassin was a bachelor, and settled in St. Mary, and is still living in single blessedness at Wilton. He is of German birth, and a son of Gottlieb Sr. also.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. An album of history and biography, embracing sketches of the villages, cities and townships; educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent citizens, and biographies of old settlers and representative men. History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early explorations, organization, a review of its political history, together with an account of the Indian outbreak of 1862. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Martin Krassin
Martin Krassin, of St. Mary, who first visited Waseca county in 1854, and who located here with his family in 1855, died June 1, 1877. Martin Krassin was the son of Gottleib Krassin, Sr., and was born in Prussia in the year 1821. He came to America with his aged parents and young wife in July, 1854. He stopped for a month or two with relatives, near Princeton, Wis., and then made a trip of exploration through Minnesota in company with Mr. John Greening, as noted in the 'First Settlement of St. Mary.'
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.)

Martin Krassin, his son, [son of Gottlieb Johann Krassin, Sr] was also a native of Prussia. On coming here he settled on what was then Indian lands inside the limits of the reservation, but in a few weeks found out his mistake, and removed to St. Mary Township, and made a claim upon which he resided until May 15, 1877, when he was called away by the angel of death. His family are still residents of the county. He had a family of six children, one of whom is the present sheriff of the county.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Stephen J. Krassin
Mr. Stephen J. Krassin is a native of Waseca county, born in St. Mary, August 14, 1859; his father, Martin Krassin, having explored Waseca county in the fall of 1854 and settled here in June 1855. Steve was married to Miss Lizzie Meyers, of St. Mary, March 15, 1886. She is the daughter of the late Henry Meyers of Waseca, and was born Feb. 9, 1861. S.J. owns land in this county and considerable land in Ward county, North Dakota. He is a breeder of good horses and an expert thresherman. His wife is a sister of Hon. W.H. Meyers.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Joseph Manthey
Mr. Joseph Manthey, of Waseca, after a long and painful illness, died May 10, 1901, in his seventy-seventh year. He was born at Adamsheim, Prussia, March 15, 1825. He came to the United States in 1853 and lived first, in Wisconsin, near Princeton, where he married Miss Minnie Krassin, daughter of Mrs. Augusta Krassin, in December, 1855. Mr. Manthey was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1856, in company with Gottlieb Krassin, Sr., and Cristian Krassin, came to this state and settled in St. Mary, on the farm where his son now resides. There he built a rude blacksmith shop, the first in St. Mary township, and also opened a farm. He was the father of nine children, eight of whom, with their mother, survived him. Samuel, the eldest son, was killed on the railroad, at the Otisco gravel pit, some years ago, leaving a wife and three children. Mr. Manthey was one of the genial of men. He excelled as a conversationalist in his native language, and was always kind and generous to his family and neighbors. He had troubles enough of his own, yet he was always cheerful and hopeful.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Mr. Henry J. Meyer
This gentleman was born in Germany, February 12, 1832, and lacked only ten days of being seventy-three years of age at the time of his death. He came to Waseca county about the year 1860, and first lived in Wilton. He married Miss Justina Krassin, daughter of Gottlieb Krassin, April 1, 1861. They commenced married life on a farm in the south part of Wilton. He soon after sold that farm, and then bought and sold several in succession, finally settling in Freedom in the early seventies. October 15, 1873, his left arm was torn off in a threshing machine. He still carried on his farming operations, however, until a few years ago when he built a residence in Waseca and turned his farm over to his sons. For about two years prior to his death, which occurred Jan. 30, 1905, he suffered from bladder trouble. He was the father of three children--Mrs. S. J. Krassin, Hon, W. H. Meyer, and Julius Meyer, all of whom, with his wife, survive him. Mr. Meyer was an energetic, prompt man in business, thoroughly honorable and upright in his dealings, and a good citizen.
(source: Child, James E., Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

William Mittelsteadt
Mr. William Mittelsteadt, born Feb. 15, 1848, in Prussia, came directly to Waseca county in 1867. He settled on section 9, and has become one of the wealthy farmers of the county. He has been married three times. His first wife was Caroline, widow of John Priebe, of St. Mary, by whom he had two children. She died June 19, 1880. Jan, 13, 1881, he married Augusta Fischer, who died March 20, 1884, leaving one child. His third wife was Mrs. Wilhelmine Leeck. He was town treasurer of St. Mary for a number of years, and is influential among his neighbors. He has also served as town supervisor for three terms.
(source: Child, James E.. Child;s history of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years; the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.)

William Mittelsteadt, is an enterprising farmer on section 9, where he carries on quite an extensive business in general farming and stock-raising. He came to Waseca County in 1867, settling where he now lives. He is a native of Prussia, born February 15, 1848, and is the son of Gottfried and Gustiva Mittelsteadt, who were the parents of eight children, seven boys and one girl. Gottfried died in the old country. William came to the United States in 1867, and came directly here, as already detailed, his mother, who lives with him, coming in his company. Mr. Mittelsteadt has been thrice married. December 26, 1872, he was united in marriage with Caroline Priebe, born in Prussia, in 1848, and who died June 19, 1880, leaving two children: Gustof, born December 12, 1876, and Emma, born December 7, 1878. January 13, 1881, he was married to Augusta Fisher, a native of Prussia, who died March 20, 1884, leaving one child, Martha, born May 11, 1883. He was married to Willimena Leeck, September 12, 1884, and they are the parents of three children: Freddie, born June 12, 1885; Eddie, born June 8, 1886, and Herman, born August 18, 1887. Mr. Mittelsteadt is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of town supervisor for three terms.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Julius Papke
Julius Papke, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 26, this township, was born in Prussia, September 1, 1838. He is a son of Michael and Ellaura (Block) Papke, who had but two children. Julius came to the United States in 1861, and for four years lived in Wisconsin, and then came to this county, locating on the section where he now lives. February 15, 1857, he and Eliza Boscho were united in marriage. She was born in Prussia, December 19, 1837. They are the parents of eleven children: Adolph, Melia, Augusta, Fred, John, Julius, Sarah, Mary, Edward, Lewis and Elia. Adolph married Maggie Criptner, December 22, 1884, and lives in Blooming Grove; Melia married A. A. Robinson, December 1, 1884, and lives in Freeborn County, this State, and Augusta married Lewis Priebe, February 12, 1885, and lives in Woodville. Mr. Papke was elected township assessor in 1882 and held that office for two years. Is school director for district No. 44, and has held that position since 1881, and has been school treasurer and clerk of the same district.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Emil H. Prechel
This gentleman was one of the earliest settlers of St. Mary township. He was born in the town of Princeton, Wisconsin, April 13, 1855. His father, Mr. Gottlieb Prechel, started with an ox team and a covered wagon for Minnesota about the 1st of May following, in company with Martin, John F., and Gottlieb Krassin, Frederick Wobschall and Frederick Prechel, the last known as "Big Fred." Emil came a babe and was reared in St. Mary where he has ever since resided. He married Miss Alvina Lawin of the same town Nov. 26, 1880. Mrs. Prechel was born in Germany April 27, 1857, and came to America with her parents in 1864. They first lived in Wisconsin, near the city of Oshkosh, where they remained until 1878, when the family came to Minnesota, making their home on a farm near the south line of St. Mary township. Mr. and Mrs. Prechel have a large well improved farm and good buildings. They are the parents of three sons all grown to man's estate.
(source: James E.. Child's "History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers". Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905, submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Gottlieb Prechel
Gottlieb Prechel, of St. Mary, about seventy-one years of age, died May 24, about noon, of inflammation of the bladder--having been ill some months. Deceased was one among the first settlers of the county, having located in St. Mary June, 1855. He was a native of Prussia and came to this country about 1853--first stopping in Wisconsin, where he remained until the spring of 1855, when he came to Waseca county in company with Fred Proechel, Fred Wobschall and others, and settled where he has since resided. Deceased was an industrious man and a peaceful citizen. He left surviving him two sons and two daughters--Lewis Prechel, of Woodville, Emil H. Prechel, of St. Mary, Mrs. Julia Montei, of Deerfield, and Mrs. Dora Grunwald, of St. Mary.
(source: Child, James E.. Child's history of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years; the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.)

Gottlieb Prechel, brother-in-law of Martin Krassin, a Prussian by birth, made a settlement in St. Mary, where he still resides.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Lewis C. Prechel
Mr. Lewis C. Prechel, of Woodville, is a son of Gottlieb Prechel, one of the very first settlers of the town of St. Mary, and was born in that township, Sept. 16, 1864. He was reared on the farm and brought up to hard labor. He married Matilda Bethke, of Woodville, March 19, 1890. He carried on his father's farm in St. Mary for two years and then bought a farm on section 4, Otisco, where he has resided since 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Prechel are the parents of two sons and one daughter. They have a pleasant, cozy home, Mrs. Prechel being a model housekeeper.
(source: James E.. Child's "History of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers". Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905, submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

August Priebe
August Priebe was born in St. Mary Township, Waseca County, July 31, 1864, and is the son of John and Caroline (Vondrie) Priebe, natives of Prussia, who came to this county in an early day being among the first settlers of St. Mary. John Priebe was a farmer and settled on section 10, where he died August 25, 1872; his wife died in 1880; both are buried in Iosco Township. August commenced life for himself on his farm on section 10 in the spring of 1887, he having 282 acres from his father's estate, where he carries on farming and stock-raising. June 16, 1887, he was united in marriage with Molvena Krienke, also a native of this county, born September 7, 1868, and a daughter of August and Henrietta Krienke, farmers in this town. August Priebe has a sister and a brother living; Amelia, the sister, is the wife of Julius Mittelstadt; married April 4, 1883; lives in Iosca; the brother, William, works for August. August and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.
(source: History of Steele and Waseca Counties, Minnesota. Chicago: Union Publishing Company, 1887.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

William and John Priebe
Messrs. William and John Priebe, brothers, both deceased, came from Prussia and settled in St. Mary as early as 1860. Both were single men. Wm. Priebe married Miss Augusta Prechel, who came to Minnesota in 1855 with her brother, Gottlieb Prechel. They were the parents of five sons and two daughters--all living but one, Gust Priebe, who was accidently killed in 1903, in Renville county, by a passing railroad passenger train.
Wiliam settled on section 22 of St. Mary. John settled on section 10 in the same town, where he and his wife, by very hard work and close economy, saved quite a fortune. His wife's maiden name was Caroline Vondrie. John died in 1872. Wm. Mittelsteadt married his widow about a year later, and she died June 19, 1880. John Priebe left three children: August, who owns a large farm in St. Mary; William J., who lives in Waseca and deals in farm machinery; and Amelia, wife of Julius Mittelsteadt. August Priebe who owns the old homestead married Molvena Krienke, a native of this county, June 16, 1887. She is the daughter of August and Henrietta Krienke, of St. Mary.
(source: Child, James E.. Child;s history of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years; the story of the pioneers. Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, c1905.) (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)