Philip Biesanz

As printed in 1894

PHILIP BIESANZ, one of the representative citizens of Winona Township, living on section 30, is the owner of a brickyard and quarry. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., on the 8th of July, 1842, and is one of a family of eight children, and is of French descent. His parents, John and Mary (Lcberel) Biesanz, were both natives of France. When a young man of twenty-two, the father bade adieu to the friends and home of his childhood and crossed the ocean to the New World. He settled first in Buffalo, N. Y., where he embarked in the manufacture of brick, which he successfully carried on for the long period of thirty years. He then moved to the West, going to Dubuque, Iowa, in the vicinity of that city purchasing a farm, on which he spent his remaining days. He died at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and many friends mourned his loss, for he was a highly respected citizen. His wife passed away at the age of fifty-two.

Quietly were the boyhood days of Mr. Biesanz passed. His time was taken up by play and work, and by study in the common schools, where he acquired a fair English education. In his father's brickyard he also learned the trade to which he now devotes much of his time and attention. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when, in September, 1864, he enlisted in his country's service, and was assigned to Company- C of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war. fle participated in the battle of Nashville, and went across the country with his command. When hostilities had ceased, the South having laid down its arms, he received an honorable discharge from the service, and returned to his home.

Soon after, Mr. Biesanz came to Winona, and for seven years worked by the month in different brickyards. He had become familiar with the business while at home, and as he was an expert workman, his services were always in demand. At length he bought out iiis employer, and has since engaged in business in his own interest, lie has a large kiln, and turns out about two million brick per year, which, being of a superior quality, finds a ready sale in the market. He also has a large stone-quarry, one of the best in the county, and carries on a stoneyard in the city of Winona.

In December, 1869, Mr. Biesanz married Miss Cynthia Salisbury, of Winona, and eight children graced theiiunion, but Samuel, the second, died at the age of twelve years. The others, who are Lizzie, Charles, Frank, Frederick, Leona, William and Flossie, are all yet at home. The family is widely and favorably known in this community, and the household is noted for its hospitality.

Mr. Biesanz exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and firmly believes that its principles will produce the best results for the nation. He has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with several local offices, having served as Supervisor of his township for two terms, and as Town Treasurer for two terms. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United

Workmen, and with the Order of Druids of Winona, and in religious belief is a Catholic. He now owns two hundred and six acres of land, and is doing a good business, which has made him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He started out in life for himself, working by the month, and thus labored until by industry, economy and perseverance he had acquired a sufficient capital to begin an enterprise of his own. He has trusted not to good fortune, but has made the most of his opportunities, and by determined effort has overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path. Thus has lie become one of the representative business men of the community.

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.