Bio of McALPINE, Michael (b.1853), Wright Co., MN
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361   HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY  

  Michael McAlpine, a leading farmer of Corinna township, and proprietor
of a well-patronized summer resort, was born near Toronto, Canada, March 
27, 1853, son of John and Nancy (McCune) McAlpine. The parents came from 
Canada in 1856, and lived in Saginaw, Mich., seven years, and in St. Paul, 
Minn., three years. In 1866 they came to Maple Lake township in this county 
and purchased eighty acres of land. They built a log house, 16 by 22 feet, 
with a slab roof and a board floor. Seventeen acres were cleared the first 
winter. This was done by hand, for it was two years before they were able 
to purchase a yoke of oxen and a cow. They made a wooden-toothed harrow 
from poles and brush. The wheat was reaped with a scythe and a cradle, 
and marketed in Monticello. The first winter they had no meat, and they 
had no means of killing wild game. The next summer the deer proved to be 
a great nuisance.  Sometimes twelve or fifteen at once would come into 
the clearing to eat turnips. The children of the family caught the fawns 
and raised them as pets. Thus the family passed through the joys and 
sorrows of pioneer life, and as the years passed prosperity came to them. 
The father died in August, 1894; the mother in February, 1892. Michael 
McAlpine was reared on the farm, and lived at home until 1883, when he 
bought eighty acres in section 25, Corinna township. Like his father before 
him, he became a pioneer. He erected a log house, 16 by 20, with a shingled 
roof and a board floor, and started farming with two cows and a span of 
three-year-old colts. By hard work and diligent endeavor, he has achieved 
prosperity in unusual measure. He now owns 204 acres of good land, with a 
sightly home, and roomy buildings. He has just completed a modern barn, 
32 by 74 feet, with cement floor and patent stanchions, the structure 
having a capacity of thirty cows, twelve horses and 100 tons of hay. 
Aside from his extensive operations along the lines of general farming, 
he raises graded Shorthorn cattle, Poland China swine and Plymouth Rock 
chickens. The farm lies on the shores of Summer lake, and the 

362           HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY 

160-rod gravel beach is one of the best in the county. This beach has 
caused a demand for summer accommodations by people who come to visit it, 
and Mr. McAlpine has accordingly opened a resort. He has more applications 
than he can accommodate, but usually cares for about twenty-five guests 
throughout the summer. The rooms are cool and airy, and the food is of 
the best. Four boats are provided, and the lake abounds in all the best 
game fish. Mr. McAlpine is a popular man in the community, and has served 
seven years as a member of the school board of district 119. The family 
attends the Catholic church in Maple Lake. Mr. McAlpine was married 
November 11, 1879, to Margaret Welton, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dacy) 
Welton. In the family there are ten children: Martin D. was born November 
9, 1880, was married June 7, 1904, to Elizabeth O'Rourke, and lives in 
Maple Lake. Samuel P. was born November 25, 1882, and was married April 
8, 1913, to Mary Murphy. He lives in Butte, Mont. Mary Loretta was born 
December 2,1884. Anna Ethel was born December 28, 1886, and was married 
June 8, 1910, to Albert Miller, of Maple Lake. Michael F. was born October 
17, 1888, was married August 16, 1911, to Minnie Enghauser, and lives two 
and a half miles west of Maple Lake. John Joseph was born April 1, 1890. 
Elizabeth Agnes was born June 30, 1893, and died April 25, 1894. Margaret 
Evelyn was born July 4, 1895; Grace Marie was born January 15, 1901; and 
Edward Jerald was born September 17, 1904.