Bio of Colby, Loyal D. (b.1836) Wabasha Co., MN ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. If you have found this file through a source other than the MNArchives Table Of Contents you can find other Minnesota related Archives at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm Please note the county and type of file at the top of this page to find the submitter information or other files for this county. FileFormat by Terri--MNArchives Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm and Carol Judge ========================================================================= This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884. Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book: http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some of the bios on her pages. Colby, Loyal D. farmer, of Plainview, and son of Jonathan Colby, also a Plainview farmer, was born in Orange county, Vermont, on April 20, 1836. In 1855 he accompanied his father to California. They went thither via the isthmus of Panama, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. In the spring of 1858 they started from Vermont with eight horses, which they drove nearly the entire distance to Wabasha county. In 1863 he bought eighty acres on section 16, in Plainview, but did not take up his residence thereon until after his marriage, which occurred January 1, 1867, the lady being the daughter of Smith P. Avery, a wealthy farmer of Orange county, Vermont; the ceremony took place at her Vermont home. The children of this marriage are: Lula B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J. and Rolla W. P. Mr. Colby is a member of the Plainview Methodist Episcopal church, the masonic fraternity and the grange, and is independent in politics. His home is still on section 16, just east of the village, where he has one hundred and sixty acres of fine land. For more information see web site for Colby Family and Others. E-mail the List Administrator at: COLBY- L@rootsweb.com or UTSEVIER- L@rootsweb.com ========================================================================= This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1920. Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book: http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab3.htm There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some of the bios on her pages. Colby, Loyal D. (p. 285), pioneer, farmer, and educator, was one of those substantial men whose life was a part of the history of the county for many years, and whose character and worth won for him a high place in the regard of his fellow men. He was a man of great industry and tireless energy. No toil was too much for him, no sacrifice too great if made for his family or for the cause of humanity. He lived for home and family and for all the things worth while in life. He established a good home, brightened by the presence of a gracious wife, and together they labored to rear their children, and educate them as useful men and women. Loyal D. Colby was born in East Orange, Orange County, Vermont, April 20, 1836, son of Jonathan and Malinda (Proutt) Colby. He was reared and educated in his native town. In 1855 he and his father went to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. Then they returned to their home in Vermont. In 1858, with other members of the family, they started for the upper Mississippi region, driving the entire distance with eight head of horses, and bringing their household goods and supplies. Upon their arrival here they settled in Whitewater Township, in Winona County. Three years later they settled in Plainview Township, a few miles southeast of the village. Here they developed a good farm. Royal D. assisted his father with the farm work, and for several years taught school, his longest service being in the Whitewater Falls district. In 1863 he purchased 80 acres in section 16, Plainview Township, and to this place in 1867 he brought his bride. Later he bought 80 acres more, making a good farm of 160 acres lying on the eastern limits of the village. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying February 24, 1919. Mr. Colby joined the Masonic order in Plainview in 1873, and was secretary from 1883 until advancing age caused his retirement in 1901. He was one of the most faithful brothers of the order and was numbered among its most honored members. He and his family were active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Colby was married January 1, 1867, at the bride's home, to Orrilla Avery, born in Corinth, Orange County, Vermont, daughter of Smith P. and Betsey (Nichols) Avery, substantial and well-to-do Vermont farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Colby were blessed with seven children: Lulu B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J., Rolla W., Albert and Nellie. Lulu B. is the wife of E. A. Carpenter, of Plainview. Gardner A. is proprietor of the moving picture theater at Plainview. Carl is editor of the Pine Co. Courier at Pipestone, this state. Esther J. is the wife of Dr. J. V. Anderson, of Red Wing, this state. Rolla W. lives in St. Paul. Albert died at thirteen months and Nellie at thirteen years. Mrs. Colby still lives in the family home, surrounded by the love and companionship of friends and relatives, and is highly esteemed by all who know her. The home has ever been a hospitable one, and has been one of the influence for good in the community.