Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois It has been said that biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit; and it is especially interesting to note the progress that has been made along various lines of business by those of foreign birth who have sought homes in America, the readiness with which they adapt themselves to the different modes and customs of this country, recognize the advantages offered and utilize the opportunities which the new world affords. To this class belongs Mr. Wendelschafer, the present efficient county treasurer of Lesueur county. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, August 10, 1833, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Trost) Wendelschafer, who were natives of the same country, where they remained until 1853, when they crossed the Atlantic to America. The voyage, covering six weeks, was made in a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. They went to Buffalo, where they spent nearly two months, thence to Chicago, and on a farm near Joliet, Illinois, made their first home in America. In 1856 they came to Lesueur county, Minnesota, and the father secured a patent from the government for one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, making it a good farm. There he resided until his death in 1870, aged sixty-six years. His wife passed away in 1867. They had four children, Charles, Fred, Gustav and Betty, wife of Gunter Geyer. Mr. Wendelschafer, of this sketch, attended the schools of his native land between the ages of six and fifteen years, and then learned the cabinet-maker's trade, after which he worked as a journeyman in various towns and cities of the fatherland. When a young man of twenty years he came with his parents to America and assisted in the development of farms in Illinois and Minnesota. The claim in this state was heavily timbered and it required much arduous labor to prepare it for the plow. At length he started out in life for himself, and after accumulating some capital he purchased land, to which he has added until he is now the owner of a valuable tract of four hundred and seventy-five acres. Its deep rich soil is admirably adapted to the raising of all kinds of small grain as well as corn, the barns and pastures contain excellent grades of horses, cattle and hogs, and a good set of buildings add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. The farm is now run by his three sons, while Mr. Wendelschafer gives his attention to his duties as county treasurer. In 1857 he married Miss Dora Wilkins, of Will county, Illinois. She was born in Germany, and during her girlhood came to America with her father, Peter Wilkins. Seven children were born to this union, five sons, - Gustave C. H., Fred W., Theodore G., Archibald and Emil, - and two daughters, - Bertha and Alvina. His wife died in 1867. Then he was married again in 1868 to Mary Vonhoff, a native of Germany, and by this marriage have been born three daughters, - Louisa, Emma and Lena, - and one son, - Charles. Mr. Wendelschafer is a member of Cleveland Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M.; Lesueur Chapter, R. A. M.; and Volney Lodge, No. 165, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the Cleveland Lutheran church. In 1882 he was elected county commissioner and served three years. In 1884 he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent Lesueur county in the state legislature, where he served acceptably for one term. In 1886 he was elected county treasurer for a term of two years, assuming the duties of the office January 1, 1887, since which time he has continuously filled that position, being re-elected in 1896. This fact not only indicates his efficiency and fidelity to duty, but also attests his personal popularity, for the county usually has a Democratic majority of four hundred. In all business relations he is straightforward and honorable and his well-directed efforts have brought to him success. He owns besides his home farm five hundred acres of land in Ottawa and Washington townships, and has all been acquired through his own industry. (pages 456-457)