Page 253. 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 (Leberel) 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. He 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 his employer, and has since engaged in business in his own interest. He 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
Page 254. graced their union, 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. Riesanz 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 he become one of the representative business men of the community. (Portrait and Biographical Record of Winona County, Minnesota, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago, IL, 1895)
WINONA PIONEER RESIDENT DIES AT HOME HERE. Funeral of Philip Biesanz Will Be Held Tuesday Morning – Operated Brick Yards and Stone Quarry Here – Lived Here for More Than Fifty Years – Survived by Wife and Seven Children. Philip Biesanz, aged 79, a well known pioneer resident of Winona, died Saturday night (November 26, 1921) from pneumonia at his home in Gilmore valley. Funeral services are announced to be held at 8:30 a. m. Tuesday at the cathedral, with burial to be made in St. Mary’s cemetery. The Rev. Father J. P. Sherman will conduct the service and old soldiers will act as honorary pall bearers. Mr. Biesanz had made his home in Winona for more than 50 years. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., July 8, 1842, came west with his parents and settled at Dubuque, Iowa, before coming to Winona. Soon after coming here he took a position with Charles Butler as the manager of the brickyards in Gilmore valley and afterwards became owner of the same. He also operated the stone quarry on the bluff adjoining from which was taken the stone used in the abutments of the lower railway bridge here ad also the high wagon bridge. This quarry later passed into the hands of his son, Charles P. Biesanz. Mr. Biesanz was connected with the operation of the brick yards up to the time of his death.
One of Jefferson Davis Guard. Probably the most striking incident in the life of Mr. Biesanz was when at the close of the Civil war he acted as one of an escort of four accompanying Jefferson Davis, the Confederate leader, from the place of his capture to Washington. He often told of a remark he heard Mr. Davis make to some of his men at the time, “Well, boys, we’ve had a hard four years.” Mr. Biesanz served for over a year in the Union army as a member of the Fifth Iowa cavalry, from which organization he was picked as one of the guard of Davis to go to Washington. He participated in the famous march of General Sherman to the sea through Georgia. He was identified with the Sheardown post of the G. A. R. in Winona before it was disbanded.
Seven Children Survive. Mr. Biesanz is survived by his wife, Cynthia, four sons. Charles and Frank Biesanz of Winona, William Biesanz of White Salmon, Ore., and Fred Biesanz of Minneapolis, and three daughers, Miss Leona Biesanz of Gilmore Valley, Mrs. Wm. Liebe of Owatonna and Mrs. John Riley of Creston, Iowa. The children from out of the city are all here to attend the funeral tomorrow. Another son, Sam, died at the age of 12 years. Also surviving Mr. Biesanz are a brother, Frank Biesanz, and a sister, Mrs. Mary De Muth, both of Dubuque. (The Winona Republican-Herald, Saturday Evening, November 26, 1921, Page 4)