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1800
Book
1
Glass FG12 , M3A3
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ALBUM:
OF.
HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY
270
OF
7.4
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA,
Containing Sketches of the Cities, Villages and Townships, Educa- tional, Civil, Military and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Citizens and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Men, together with a Full History of Meeker County's Experience During the Famous Indian Massacre of 1862.
HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
Embracing an Account of Early Explorations, Organization, a Review of the Political History and a Concise History of the Indian Outbreak.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES,
Embracing Biographical Sketches and Full Page Portraits of Each.
ILLUSTRATED.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
ITY OF WASHINGTON
CHICAGO: ALDEN OGLE & COMPANY, 1888.
S
F 618
" BIOGRAPHY IS THE ONLY TRUE HISTORY."-Emerson.
..
CHICAGO : DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, PRINTERS AND BINDERS, 1888.
PREFACE.
N the compilation of this volume, it has been the aim of the publishers to prepare a local encyclopedia dealing with the history and biography of the people of Meeker county, of the past and present, comprising in a single volume of convenient form a varied fund of information, not only of interest to the present, but for preservation for coming generations, from which future searchers for historic data may draw, without the tedium incurred in the preparation of this. We have gathered together a vast mass of historic faets, and present them with individual sketches of hundreds of those who have been identified with the development of the various localities. That our work is wholly without error, or that nothing of interest has been omitted, is more than we dare to hope, and is more than any reasonable or intelligent reader will expeet, but we have spared neither pains nor expense in our efforts to have the work as nearly perfeet as it is possible for such a work to be made. The manuscript of the historical portions was carefully submitted to committees of prominent old settlers, who were requested to make all changes or additions necessary for a com- plete and correct work. The certificates of these gentlemen will be found on page iv. As to the biographical department, equal care was bestowed. The biographical sketches, in every ease, were submitted to those whom they concerned, so that all had an opportunity to correct and revise the statements and data before it was sent to press.
In closing our labors, we have the gratifying consciousness of having used our utmost endeavors in securing reliable data, and feel no hesitaney in submitting the result to an intelligent public, feeling justi- fied in believing that the work will compare favorably with any loeal historieal work ever published in the State.
There is always more or less difficulty, in an historical work, in selecting those things which will interest the greatest number of readers. Individual tastes differ so widely, that that which may be of absorbing interest to one has no attractions for another. Some are interested only in that which concerns themselves, and do not care to read of even the most thrilling adventures in which they were not partici- pants. Such persons are apt to conelude that what they are not interested in is of no value, and its pre- servation in history a useless expense. In this, they are in error, as the most trivial reminiscence becomes more and more important, as years roll by, and the preservation of the names of the pioneer partici- pants is regarded with a just pride by their descendants. In the settlement of any new township or county, no one person is entitled to all the credit for what has been accomplished, but every individual is a part of the great whole, and all are directly or indirectly connected with each step of progress. For this reason. it is always a very difficult - if not impossible - task to measure and express the exact meed of praise or commendation due to the individual, and we have, therefore, stated facts, with "naught set down in malice or in praise."
In conclusion, we desire to express our sincere thanks to the citizens generally, the pioneers, the press, and the county, township and village otlicials, who have extended more than ordinary courtesy to our employes in their arduous duties of obtaining data.
That our efforts may prove satisfactory, and this volume receive a welcome commensurate with the care bestowed upon its preparation, is the earnest desire of the compilers.
ALDEN PUBLISHING COMPANY.
CERTIFICATES OF COMMITTEES.
Certificate of Revision and Correction of the Indian Massacre and General Chapters.
W E, the undersigned, members of the committee appointed to revise and correct the chapter relating to the Indian massacre, and also the general historical chapters of the History of Meeker County, compiled and published by Alden, Ogle & Co., do hereby certify that the manuscript was duly submitted to us, and fur- ther, that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and additions we deemed necessary; and, as corrected, we hereby approve of the same as being correct and complete, to the best of our judgment and recollec- tion.
[Signed, ]
HAMLET STEVENS.
J. B. ATKINSON,
A. NELSON,
J. B. SALISBURY,
M. J. FLYNN.
Certificate of the Revision and Correction of City and Township History.
W E, the undersigned, members of the various committees selected to revise and correct the history of our respective township or city for the History of Meeker County, do hereby certify, that the manuscript relating to our respective township or village was duly submitted to us, and further, that we revised and corrected the same, making all the changes and additions we deemed necessary; and, as corrected, we hereby approve of the same as being complete and correct, to the best of our judgment and recollection.
[Signed, ] J. B. ATKINSON, J. B. SALISBURY,
J. M. PITMAN,
SOREN MORTON,
DANIEL JACKMAN, JOHN A. SAMPSON,
WV. D. JOUBERT,
C. A. GILMAN.
E. EVENSON,
PATRICK CASEY,
J. S. SHIELDS,
ANDREW DAVIDSON,
C. E. Currs, M. MURPHY,
ORRIN WHITNEY,
JAMES A. KLINE,
THOMAS RYCKMAN,
JER. LEAMING,
ED. 11. MURPHY.
C. C. REITAN, A. P. NELSON, R. D. GRINDALL,
O. II. CAMPBELL, OLE KITTELSON, DANIEL DANIELSON,
HARRISON FULLER,
W. H. GREENLEAF (Ellsworth),
PETER JOHNSON,
JOHN RUDBERG,
L. L. WAKEFIELD,
G. W. HARDING,
N. E. HANSON, NILS ELOFSON, J. BLOMBERG,
N. C. CASWELL, JAMES LANG,
M. J. FLYNN, C'HAS. IF STROBECK,
.
CONTENTS.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
PAGE.
PAGE.
George Washington. 9
Zachary Taylor. 68
John Adams. . 14
Millard Fillmore .. 72
Thomas Jefferson 20
Franklin Pierce. 76
James Madison. 26
James Buchanan. 80
James Monroe 32
Abraham Lincoln 84
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Johnson. 93
Andrew Jackson.
47
U. S. Grant .. 96
Martin Van Buren ..
52
Rutherford B. Ilayes 102
Wm. Henry Harrison. 56
James A. Garfield 109
John Tyler. 64
Chester A. Arthur. 113
James K. Polk
64
Grover Cleveland.
117
HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
CHIAPTER I.
LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY, &C.
123
Location 123
Resources. 193
Topography.
193
Railroads.
124
Population Statistics. 124
CHAPTER II.
IIISTORY FROM 1660 TO 1888
195
Early Explorations. 125
During the Seventeenth Century. 126
During the Eighteenth Century. 198
During the Nineteenth Century.
129
Organization as a Territory
131
Organization as a State
131
Chronological Events. .
131
CHAPTER III.
THE INDIAN MASSACRE.
133
Indian Tribes. 133
Bloodshed. 135
Battles.
138
Surrender of Indians
138
Execution of Thirty-eight Indians 189
CHAPTER IV.
TERRITORIAL AND STATE OFFICERS.
140
CHAPTER V.
REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS AND CREATION OF
COUNTIES
143
Senators ..
143
Representatives.
143
Creation of Counties
144
HISTORY OF MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
CHAPTER I.
LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY.
499
CHIAPTER II.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
500
CHAPTER III.
OFFICIAL MATTERS.
509
CHAPTER IV.
POLITICAL
519
Official Vote, 1857-1886.
519
CHAPTER V.
JOURNALISM AND EDUCATION
527
CHAPTER VI.
MEEKER COUNTY DURING THE MASSACRE ....
531
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER XVI.
PAGE.
FOREST CITY TOWNSHIP.
550
DANIELSON TOWNSHIP.
569
Forest City Village 551
CHAPTER XVII.
LITCHFIELD TOWNSHIP.
570
CHAPTER XVIII.
COSMOS TOWNSHIP.
572
CHAPTER X.
UNION GROVE TOWNSHIP.
573
CHAPTER XX.
FOREST PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
574
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XXI.
CEDAR MILLS TOWNSHIP 558
ACTON TOWNSHIP.
575
Grove City Village ..
576
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XXII.
SWEDE GROVE TOWNSHIP.
560
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
DASSEL TOWNSHIP ..
561
COLLINWOOD TOWNSHIP.
579
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XXIV.
DARWIN TOWNSHIP.
567
ELLSWORTH TOWNSHIP.
581
Darwin Village. 568
Greenleaf Village.
582
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XXV.
HIARVEY TOWNSHIP
568
HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD.
584
BIOGRAPHICAL.
PAGE.
Adams, Frederick 275
Blomberg, John.
PAGE. 202
Chapman, Dr. Will E 352
Ahlstrom, Chas. M ..
317
Blackwell, John. 368
Chevre, Frank .J. 359
Akesson, Hans M
329
Bogar, T. H. 260
Chaney, Win. P. 482
Akeson, Nels ..
195
Bogar, Moses Il
279
Clements, Nels.
195
Amundson, Ole
230
Boyer, Marion
289
Clay, Henry 360
Ames, Harlow
429
Boring, Eli. 816
Clark, Geo. W. 419
Ames, Harlow I
429
Boynton, Ilenry J .. 332
Bowen, Mrs. Martha 436
Comstock, Ezra B. 200
Anderson, Israel J.
252
Brown, Lansing V 197
C'ossairt, Samuel. 209
Anderson, Andrew .].
359
Brown, Peter K 212
Cox, William S 272
Anderson, David
361
Briggs, E. A .. 430
Connole, Peter .J. 277
Andersen, Halsten.
399
Brown, Mons A. 451
Coleman, A. W 473
Angier, H. M. 378
Branham, Jesse V., Sr. 466
Cross, Daniel A 200
Angell, C. L ... 279
210
Branham, 11. S,. 455
Brower, Adam. . 375
Daggett, F. E. 169
Danielson, Daniel. 176
Danielson, Henry E. 392
Danielson, Nels. 237
Danielson, D. N. 301
Davidson, Andrew. 180
Davidson, August. 265
Davis, James P 312
Damuth, Robt. N 271
Dart, Chas. 11. . 321
Becker, George. 248
Beckstrand, C. M. 281
Belknap, Geo. S. 305
Benton, John W. 309
Belfoy, Mrs. Mary 367
Belfoy, Frank. 368
Campbell, O. H1.
418
Delong. Albert 11 350
Bergquist, Gustof. 368
Cates, Mark .. 440
Case, Roy M .. 382
Dersch, Otto .. 407
Bigelow, Chas. 11 429
Christenson, J. (Union Grove). 162
Dime, John E. 210
Bjorhus, Ole K. 476
Christensen, John (Grove City) 423
Diekson, George.
389
Bjorhus, Andrew 476
Caswell, N. C. 444
C'aswell, A. M .. 216
Caswell, Silas II 450
Casey, Patrick .. 236
Carlson, Andrew 267
Carlson, Elias. 298
Carlson, Swan. 484 Delaney, Michael. 155
Dearey, James
205
Case, R. F. 298
Carney, John. 3.11
Delong, Madison. 347
Campbell, Hon. W. M 485 Deek, Phillip. 352
Deck, Franklin 355
Bissell, Dr. F. E. 256
Birch, John .. 3-12
Burns Brothers. 483
Butterfield, Chas. W 225
Crowe, Luke I). 379
Cutts, llon. C. E.
300
Atkinson, J. B. 156
Atkinson. C. HI. 252
Barrick, Nimrod 182
Bylund, Erick 389
Baden, Christian. 325
Bauer, Niek. 466
Benson, E. B .. 220
Berggren, Peter 226
Berggren, Nels (). 226
Berg, J. P. 232
Cairncross, Alex. 270
DeCoster, F. V 330
Armstrong, P. F
Branham, Jesse V., Jr 491
Coombs, Vincent. 189
Ames, Ilenry. 401
PAGE.
CHAPTER IX.
MANANNAHI TOWNSHIP.
553
Manannah Village.
555
Eden Valley Village 556
CHAPTER XIX.
KINGSTON TOWNSHIP.
556
Kingston Village
557
GREENLEAF TOWNSHIP.
578
Dassel Village 563
PAGE.
Chapman, Geo. Il.
206
Dowling, Ilugh.
180
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
PAGE.
PAGE.
Dorman, S. A. 460
Harris, Virgil H.
349
Leighton, Luther W 318
Dorman, A. T. 390
Ilawkinson, N. W. 357
Lenhard, Jacob. 178
Doyle, Richard. 469
Hawkinson, O. W 420
Lenhardt, M. F. 329
Draxton, Nels A. 466
Ilawkins, Buel J 399
Dunn, Timothy. 228
Duckering, John. 241
Duckering, Chas. Il. 358
Hines, Harry H
357
Lindgren, John 198
Eckstrom, P. 480
Ehlers, Theo. 461
Ekbom, Nels. 251
Iloar, David B .. 180
Ekhom, Louis 479
Eklund, Andrew W. 261
349
Ilukriede, William.
159
Lund, Peter J. (Acton). 370
Ekman, Nels
470 297
Elofson, Nels. .
Elofson, Andrew 277
Elofson, Peter
297
Elmquist, D. .
275
Elliott, Richard. 276
Hutchins, Albert
492
Martenson,. Louis. 371
Enright, Patrick. 387
Erickson, August. 471
Esbjornsson, John. 235
Evenson, Ilans .. 221
Evenson, Hon. E. 158
Evenson, John F. 992
Evenson, Andrew. 312
Falk, John P. 286
Finnegan, Michael 556
Flynu, John. 225
Flynn, Hon. M. J
337
Flynn, Daniel. 229
Fosen, Amos N. 199
Johnson, Alfred J. 338
361
Melntyre, Frank.
268
Fuller, G. W. 288
Fuller, Harrison.
325
Gardner, Mrs. Elizabeth 162
Gardner, Peter 162
Gibney, John. 246
Gibney, Timothy. 398
Gilman, Chas. A 391
Gorman, David. 391
Gordon, A. L. 316
Gorton, Milton 841
Greenleaf, Hon W. H 149
Greenleaf, Chas. A. 261
Kennedy, Dr. V. P 165
Keilty, Peter. 939
Kimball, E. 255
Kittelson, Harold
Kittleson, Ole. 377
Kline, James A 247
Knights, John 175
Knight, John W. 372
Koerner, August T. 208
Konsbrick, John. 392
Kruger, John C. 268
Lang, James. 423
Laughton, Chas. A 178
Larson, Lewis 212
Larson, Nels. 450
Larson, Ole. . 475
Larson, Peter E. 476
Larson, Andrew
336
Nelson, Erick W 335
llalvorsen, Christian 296
Larson, John E
349
Nelson, Frank. 340
Ilalversen, II. O. 388
Hallgren, Jolın 297
Lawton, James 278
Nelson, N. L. 347
Nelson, Soren 431
378
McAloon, Charles.
339
McGraw, Cornelius
362
Jorgenson, Olof B. 280
McDevitt, Rev. Il. 371
MeLane, Daniel. . 370
Mclaughlin, Frank. 464
Merrill, N. D .. 191
Minton, Frank W. 326
Miller, William 1] 257
Miller, Israel. 446
Mitchell, David, 406
Mitchell, Peter J. 446
Mousley, John M 152
Morris, James HI 258
Morton, Soren 489
Murray, John. 290
Grotte, Peter. 401
Gunderson, Andrew 318
Gumaelius, C. M. 442
Harding, G. W. 168
llanson, James N. 225
Nelson, HIon. Andrew 171
Nelson, Carl 166
Nelson, Rasmus. 181
Nelson, Andrew J 218
Nelson, B. P 966
Nelson, Ole. 319
Hanson, C. J. G. 378
Lawson. A. O. 270
Nelson, Ola. 3.15
Ilamilton, William 301 Lasher, H. J. 212
Heard, Samuel A. 281
Leaming, Jer 432
IIill, F. R. 299
Hill, John. . 391
Lindell, Ole N ..
255
Ilouk, Martin 161
Linnell, Hon. O. M.
382
Lovett, Michael. 346
Lovett, James. . 346
Lund, Peter (Greenleaf ) 321
Martin, N. C. 152
Martin, Ilenry. 185
Martin, John. 250
Martenson, Peter. 155
Martenson, Nils .. 387
Mattson, Andrew S 158
Mattson, John. 145
Mayer, Simon. 161
Maynard, George. 365
Manguson, Chas. 209
March, N. J. 240
Johnson, Nels F 179
Johnson, L. M. 188
Johnson, Peter (Acton) .. 202
237
MeCue, James.
328
McCusker, Fergus.
474
McCann, Henry.
369
McCaffrey, Patrick
462
Fourre, Richard. 480
Jolinson, John W.
433
Mcintyre, Peter,
479
Johnson, John.
435 439
McIntee, John.
331
Johnson, Ola
McKarney, Patrick.
326
Johnson, Nels. 464
Johnson, C. G. 490
Johns, William H. 199
Joubert, W. D. 166
Jorden, August. 307
Kastett, Ole Nielson 395
Kauffman, Dr. J. II. 309
Greenwood, Marcellus 262
Grant, James. . 285
Grindall, Ralph D. 380
Grindall, E. L 442
Grindall, Hiram. 442
Grono, Wm. 388
Murphy, William. 328
Murphy, Edward II. 434
Murphy, Michael. 439
Ilanson, Peter N. 246
Ilanson, Christian L 407 Hansen Peter E. 409
Hanson, N. C. G. 362
Ilanson, Bengt 453
Jackman, Daniel 271
Jewett, Col. T. C. 308
Johnson, Svenning. 168
Malmquist, Peter J. 292
Maass, Adolph .. 366
MeCarney, James 205
Johnson, Peter (Dassel)
Johnson, A. C.
216
Jolinson, John M. 287
Johnson, Taylor.
HIukriede, Ilenry 160
Hunter, John. 186
Hull, Caleb .. 199
Hubbard, Joseph. 272
Hurley, John. 335
Lee, Andrew 299
Hershey, R. S ... 239
Leavitt, S. W. 421
Lindgren, S. O. 302
Hoar, Adelbert B 198
Iloward, Col. J. M. 30G
Eklund, Eric P
Inman, Jacob C. 308
Iverson, Ilans. 182
McKenney, James H.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
PAGE.
PAGE.
Rails, Luke. 367
Stevens, Ilamlet. 443
Nelson, James. 489
Ralston, Robert B. 327
Staples, Charles A 170
Nelson, Andrew P 397
Ralston, John 376
Sundquist, John J 265
Neubauer, George. 390
Remick, John Il.
Sundahl, Gunder 11 191
Sullivan. Andrew 287
Swanson, Fred. . 198
Swanson, August. 267
Taylor, Norris Y 150
Norgren, John. 493
Norgren & Co 493
Roach, William.
345
Roach, Michael .J
490
Ogren, John. 366
Olson, Johannes 160
Olson, John 346
Olson, L. M.
463
Rumsey, II. V. 332
Rudberg, Jonas. 440
Rudberg, IIon. L. 376
Osterlund, Lewis. 349
Rudberg, John. 400
Ryekman, Thomas 292
Paulson, Geo. 358
Sallberg, August. 408
Paulson, Martin J 454
Salisbury, Hon. 1. B. 311
Paulson, Panl M. 307
Sangreen, Peter. 167
Paulson, John. .. 207
Sampson, John. 176
Sampson, John A 167
Scarp, J. P.
248
Peterson, E. J' 190
Scarp, Swan A
247
Peterson, Il. 1. 257
Schultz. Carl ..
262
Wanvig, D. M .. 459
Peterson, Frank T 220
Schwarz. Rudolph
300
Waylander, Nels. 482
Peterson, Ilans
409
Segar, William 11
269
Weeks, Dr. E. B.
181
Peterson, John 336
Shelley, James 151
Sherman, Job B. 187
Shields, Ilon. J. S 196
Wheeler, Isaac.
218
Peterson, Peter (Acton). 376
Pennoyer, J. B.
218
Shepherd. Charles. 315
Shimin. James 1] C80
Whittington, W. J. 470
Pier, Lewis A .. 295
Smith, John. 318
Whalen, John 389
Plumadore, Joseph. 386
Smith, Daniel F 320
351
Williams, Ilenry R. 405
Price, Thos. F. 190
Smith, A. C
493
Wileox, William H. 896
Pratt. Sophia C. 229
Snell, John.
201
Wood, Miller C .. 454
Proctor, Edwin F 417
Soule, T. ... .
296
Wood, Loxley R 485
Printy, Owen.
471
Quick, John A 235
Youngstrom, John. 169
Quigley, James. 897
Quinlan, John ... 451
Strobeck, Geo. B. 465
Zaekrison, John E.
285
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS.
Adams, John. 15
/ Adams, John Quincy. 39
/ Arthur, Chester A. 112
Jefferson, Thomas.
' Johnson, Andrew. 92
Shields, John S. . 193
$ Belknap, George S
303
Johnson, Peter. 233
¿ Lasher, II. 1. 243
Tyler, John.
53
Evenson, E . 163
. Lang, Mrs. James 426
'Washington, George.
8
Fillmore, Millard 73
' Flynn, M. J .. 213
Garfield, James A. 108
Lincoln, Abraham 85
Madison, James. . . 27
+ Monroe, James. 83
' Morris, James II. . 263
Nelson, Andrew 173
Pennoyer, J. B. 203
Hayes, Rutherford B. 103
Pierce. Franklin 77
Hubbard, Joseph. 273
Jackson, Andrew 46
'Rodange, John. 137
Sampson, John A 183
Taylor, Zachariah. 69
Buchanan, James 81
Cleveland, Grover 116
Lang, James. 425
+ Leaming, Jer. 103
"Whitney, Orrin .. 414
Whitney, Mrs. Rebecca C. 415
Wilcox, William II. 393
Grant, U. S 97
VIEWS.
Greenleaf, William II 153
r Grindall, Ralph D.
: llansen, Peter E. 467
Harrison, William HI 57
Wise. John. 469
Polk. James W. 310
Smith, Charles,
Sorenson, Lars P 380
Wright, Jasper. 460
Spath, Frederick .. 420
Spaulding, Charles F 462
Strobeck, Charles II.
211
Turner, Nelson. 286
Twombly, Frank J 465
Viren, N. A. 197
Vincent, Samuel C. 402
Vose, Orrin B. 231
Vossen, Joseph 290
Vogel, John ..
455
Von Eckstaedt, Albert V. 346
Wakefield, L. L. 239
Wakefield, Joseph L 453
Wall, Ambrose. 422
Waller, IIon. G. B. 434
Waller, Geo. B., Jr 43
Welch, Richard. 398
Peterson, Olaf. 452
Wheeler, R. A 215
Peterson, Peter R. 481
Shepherd, David. 277
Wheeler, Frank E. 219
Whitney, Orrin. 419
Pitman, J. M. 302
Rodgers, Alfred.
452
Topping, Oren W 463
Rowley, llenry C.
473
Torrey, John W. 472
Olson, Peter.
483
Ornberg, Peter P. 449
O'Keeffe, Menus. 259
Renos, Ole J. 369
Ness, Martin () 461
Ringstrom, Peter D 355
Ness, Carl O ... 462
Roman, Leonard. 177
Ross, A. D). 317
Teberg, John .. 295
Thoms, James Il. 319
Thorp, Bersvend S. 3.40
Rodange, John 441
Russell, J. M 179
Nygren, I. P. 291
Reitan, C.C. 238
Ness, Ole II .. 187
Ness, Halver O 456
Nelson, Nicholas. 472
Peter E. Hansen's residence ... 515 Andrew Nelson's residence .... 525
Becker, George .. 253
Van Buren, Martin.
- Linnell O. M. 383
Polk, James K. 65
Palm, John ... 207
Patterson, James 405
r
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
GEORGE
ASHINGTON.
EORGE WASHING-| TON, the " Father of his Country" and its first President, 1789- '97, was born Febru- ary 22, 1732, in Wash- ington Parish, West- moreland County, Virginia. His father, Augustine Wash- ington, first married Jane But- ler, who bore him four chil- dren, and March 6, 1730, he married Mary Ball. Of six children by his second mar- riage, George .was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John, Au- gustine, Charles and Mildred, of whom the youngest died in infancy. Little is known of the early years of Washington, beyond the fact that the house in which he was born was burned during his early child- hood, and that his father thereupon moved to another farm, inherited from his paternal ancestors, situated in Stafford County, on the north bank of the Rappahannock, where he acted as agent of the Principio Iron Works in the immediate vicinity, and died there in 1743.
From earliest childhood George devel- oped a noble character. He had a vigorous constitution, a fiue form, and great bodily strength. His education was somewhat de-
fective, being confined to the elementary branches taught him by his mother and at a neighboring school. He developed, how- ever, a fondness for mathematics, and en- joyed in that branch the instructions of a private teacher. On leaving school he re- sided for some time at Mount Vernon with his half brother, Lawrence, who acted as his guardian, and who had married a daugh- ter of his neighbor at Belvoir on the Poto- mac, the wealthy William Fairfax, for some time president of the executive council of the colony. Both Fairfax and his son-in-law, Lawrence Washington, had served with dis- tinction in 1740 as officers of an American " battalion at the siege of Carthagena, and were friends and correspondents of Admiral Vernon, for whom the latter's residence on the Potomac has been named. George's inclinations were for a similar career, and a midshipman's warrant was procured for him, probably through the influence of the Admiral ; but through the opposition of his mother the project was abandoned. The family connection with the Fairfaxes, how- ever, opened another career for the young man, who, at the age of sixteen, was ap- pointed surveyor to the immense estates of the eccentric Lord Fairfax, who was then on a visit at Belvoir, and who shortly after- ward established his baronial residence at Greenway Court, in the Shenandoah Valley.
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PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Three years were passed by young Wash- ington in a rough frontier life, gaining ex- perience which afterward proved very es- sential to him.
In 1751, when the Virginia militia were put under training with a view to active service against France, Washington, though only nineteen years of age, was appointed Adjutant with the rank of Major. In Sep- tember of that year the failing health of Lawrence Washington rendered it neces- sary for him to seek a warmer climate, and George accompanied him in a voyage to Barbadoes. They returned early in 1752, and Lawrence shortly afterward died, leav- ing his large property to an infant daughter. In his will George was named one of the executors and as eventual heir to Mount Vernon, and by the death of the infant niece soon succeeded to that estate.
On the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia in 1752 the militia was reorganized, and the prov- ince divided into four districts. Washing- ton was commissioned by Dinwiddie Adju- tant-General of the Northern District in 1753, and in November of that year a most important as well as hazardous mission was assigned him. This was to proceed to the Canadian posts recently established on French Creek, near Lake Erie, to demand in the name of the King of England the withdrawal of the French from a territory claimed by Virginia. This enterprise had been declined by more than one officer, since it involved a journey through an ex- tensive and almost unexplored wilderness in the occupancy of savage Indian tribes, either hostile to the English, or of doubtful attachment. Major Washington, however, accepted the commission with alacrity ; and, accompanied by Captain Gist, he reached Fort Le Bœuf on French Creek, delivered his dispatches and received reply, which, of course, was a polite refusal to surrender the posts.
as to induce the Assembly of Virginia to authorize the executive to raise a regiment of 300 men for the purpose of maintaining the asserted rights of the British crown over the territory claimed. As. Washing- ton declined to be a candidate for that post, the command of this regiment was given to Colonel Joshua Fry, and Major Washing- ton, at his own request, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. On the march to Ohio, news was received that a party previously sent to build a fort at the confluence of the Monongahela with the Ohio had been driven back by a considerable French force, which had completed the work there be- gun, and named it Fort Duquesne, in honor of the Marquis Duquesne, then Governor of Canada. This was the beginning of the great " French and Indian war," which con- tinned seven years. On the death of Colonel Fry, Washington succeeded to the com- mand of the regiment, and so well did he fulfill his trust that the Virginia Assembly commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of all the forces raised in the colony.
A cessation of all Indian hostility on the frontier having followed the expulsion of the French from the Ohio, the object of Washington was accomplished and he re- signed his commission as Commander-in- Chief of the Virginia forces. He then pro- ceeded to Williamsburg to take his seat in the General Assembly, of which he had been elected a member.
January 17, 1759. Washington married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, a young and beautiful widow of great wealth, and de- voted himself for the ensuing fifteen years to the quiet pursuits of agriculture, inter- rupted only by his annual attendance in winter upon the Colonial Legislature at Williamsburg, until summoned by his country to enter upon that other arena in which his fame was to become world wide.
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