Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/856

 746 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY lowed for many years in the old country. He came to America in 1868 and located in Red Wing, entering the employ of D. C. Hill as engineer. After a few years he started work as engi- neer for the old Bluff Mill. In addition to. this he was a patrol- man on the police force and a member of the volunteer fire de- partment. In the latter capacity he assisted in the brave efforts to save the Bluff Mill from total destruction by fire in 1883, and in thus assisting, he received injuries which shortly afterward, in the early spring of 1883. resulted in his death. His widow still survives and makes her home in Red "Wing. Having been brought to Red Wing at an early age, Gustave attended the city schools, and then worked in the office of A. Danielson, who at that time conducted an extensive lime and cement business. In 1881 he was engaged with the old Bluff Mill as miller. After the destruction of this mill by fire in 1883 he entered the employ of the La Grange Mills and a few years later was given his present position. Mr. Beckmark has served five years in the state militia and belongs to the Foresters, the Fraternal Insurance and the Samaritans. lie was married February 15, 1894, to Edna E. Martin, daughter of John B. and Delia (Hasting) Martin, the former ;i one-time Red Wing miller, now a land agent in Okla- homa. The latter is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Beckmark there has been born one daughter — Frances Irine, November 4, 1894, who is now a pupil in the Red Wing high school. William Boothroyd, one of the first settlers of Welch, and for many years' oi I' its leading citizens, now living retired at 1209 Twelfth streel. Red Wing, is a native of Pollington* Yorkshire, England, horn .Inly l(i. 1833. His parents, Michael and Nancy Boothroyd. came from England to Canada in 1853 and there ended their days, their residence being near Thamesville, in that Dominion. William attened the schools of England and started work on a farm. This occupation he continued until May 10, J So."), when he came to Red Wing. For some time he w r as occupied with draying. He purchased a team of his own and engaged in the teaming and quarrying business. To him. and a man named Miller, who assisted him, belongs the honor of having furnished the stone for the county court house and also for the first Methodist church. In 1857 he went to Feather- stone township and farmed until 1862, when he went to Welch, purchased 280 acres, carried on farming, and became one of the most substantial citizens of that township. He served as justice of the peace fifteen years, as moderator for a long period, and as town treasurer, member of the school board and school director. When the Grange was enjoying the height of its popularity he went through all the offices of the branch of that society in Welch township. He also belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. and votes