Nelson Breed

As printed in 1894

NELSON BREED, a horticulturist of Winona County, living in the village of Homer, has made his home in this locality during the greater part of the time since 1865, and is therefore numbered among its early settlers, almost thirty 3'ears having passed since his arrival. He was born on a farm in Broome C'ount\ N. Y., June 11, 1850, and is a son of Lemuel and Hannah (Decker) Breed, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of the Eimpire State. In his younger years the father learned the trade of shoe-making, and also the mason's trade, and for some time carried on the two occupations. He also engaged to a limited extent in farming. He was in humble circumstances, and with the hope of benefiting his financial condition he emigrated westward in 1855, locating in Homer in the month of June. Here he remained until 1865, when he went to Iowa, wiiere he has since resided with the exception of one year spent in Nebraska. He is now engaged in the hotel business. He started out in life empty handed, having nothing on which to depend for a livelihood save his own resources but his labors have brought to him success, and he is now in comfortable circumstances.

To Lemuel and Hannah Breed were born three children, and when they were quite young their inotlier died, being called to the home beyond in January, 1864. Nelson was the eldest. Mrs. Itasca Rolland, now of Iowa, was the second, and Mrs. Eva Denton, the wife of an engineer, was the youngest, and died in Dakota when about twenty-five years of age. After the death of his first wife the father was again married.

Nelson Breed remained at home until the death of his mother, which occurred when he was only thirteen years of age. In the following February he offered his services to the Government, enlisting in Company I, Second Minnesota Cavalry. From Homer he went to Rochester, and thence was sent to Ft. Snelling, Minn., where he was eneased in Indian warfare until the 17th of November, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He served as a private under Capt. Isaac Bank, and was ever a faithful soldier.

On being mustered out Mr. Breed returned to

Homer and later went to Iowa, but after a short time left that state for Cliippewa Falls, Wis. He has always considered this place his home, however,and it has been his permanent above for some time. He now owns nine acres of land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. The improvements upon it were all made by him, and the buildings were among the best in the village. He is engaged in small farming and fruit culture, and the products which he places on the market find a ready sale, for they are alwaj'S of good variety. He also owns some sixty acres of other lands. In this way Mr. Breed has achieved a comfortable competence and is now supplied with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Breed was married, on the 26th of May, 1874, to Miss Mary L. Hanes. She was a native of Canada, and came to Homer on a visit. Here she met Mr. Breed, and, the friendship ripening into love, they were married on the above date. Four children have been born of, their union: Itasca M., born March 12, 1875; Claude G., February 21, 1877; Holland E., November 22, 1881; and Mary E., November 29, 1884. All are still with their parents.

Mr. Breed has long served as School Treasurer, his efficiency leading to his repeated re-election. He belongs to the Grand Array of the Republic, and is a Democrat in politics. His duties of citizenship are faithfully performed, and his many acquaintances and friends know him to be a high minded and honorable gentleman, in whom they can place all conOdence.

Prof. Hermann Rohweder.

As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Winona county, Minnesota. Containing biographical sketches of prominent ... citizens .. (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.