USA > Minnesota > Waseca County > Child's history of Waseca County, Minnesota : from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904, a record of fifty years : the story of the pioneers > Part 71
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MR. EDGAR C. TROWBRIDGE,
son of the late Ira C. Trowbridge, founder of the city of Waseca, was born at Woodstock, Ill., about 1854, and came to Waseca with his parents in August 1866. He is president of the Peoples State bank of Waseca, and an extensive owner and dealer in Waseca real estate. He was for many years engaged in the hardware business. On May 29, 1901, at Sac- ramento, he married Miss Stratton, daughter of Judge Stratton, of Cali- fornia. She is a native of Santa Barbara, Cal. 'Mr. Trowbridge has been an efficient member of the board of education of Waseca for eleven years.
MR. JOHN A. JOHNSON,
born in Otisco, in this county, July 25, 1861, is the son of Charles and Christine Johnson, early settlers in this county. His father, Charles John- son, was born in Sweden Dec. 11, 1829, and came to America about 1852.
B. S. LEWIS, ESQ.
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
He married Miss Christine Anderson, also a native of Sweden, about 1856, while living in Indiana. He remained in that state until 1860, when he came to Otisco with his family and made his home on section 16. Here he purchased one hundred sixty acres of land, which he still owns. Some fifteen years ago Charles became so afflicted with rheumatism that he quit his farm and bought him a home in Waseca where he has since re- sided with his family. John A. Johnson married Miss Anna Larson, of Idaho. She was born in Sweden in 1869, and came to America while young. They are the parents of six children, two sons and four daugh- ters. He owns one hundred sixty acres of land in section 16, and his residence is surrounded by one of the finest groves in the state. He has been town supervisor for a number of terms and is prominent in the pub- lic affairs of his town.
MR. BENEDICT S. LEWIS.
This gentleman was born in Courtland county, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1839. He was of Welsh descent, and his father was a clergyman. His parents came West to Columbia county, Wis., in 1851, and he came with them. He received his education after leaving the public schools, at Union col- lege, N. Y., and at the State University of Wisconsin in Madison. He read law with Gregory & Pinney, of Madison, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He came to Waseca in 1868, where he practiced law the re- mainder of his life very successfully. In addition to nis local business he was the retained attorney of the M. & St. L. railway company from 1884 until the close of his life. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Eaton, of Wisconsin, July 7, 1869, and four children were born to them, one son and three daughters-Harlow E., Esther, Irma, and Mary E. (deceased). Esther is the wife of Mr. Guy W. Everett, of the firm of Everett, Aughenhaugil & Co., of Waseca. Irma is the wife of James M. Hanley, Esq., a prominent attorney of Mandan, N. D. Harlow E. is con- nected with the milling business of Mapleton, Blue Earth county, Minn., and is doing a prosperous business. He married a daughter of Hon. M. R. Everett, a lawyer and banker, and for a number of years a state sena- tor, of Waterville, Minn.
Mr. B. S. Lewis died of bronchial consumption May 16, 1891, after many years of suffering. Judge Buckham and all the members of the bar of Waseca county attended his funeral in a body. Mr. Lewis was a very thorough student of law and an able attorney, always true to the inter- ests of his clients. He was public spirited and took an active interest in the welfare of his adopted city.
MR. W. F. ROURK,
born at Beechwood, Ontario, Canada, came to Minnesota with his par- ents when he was nine years of age. His parents settled on a farm in Watertown, Carver county, which they still own and reside upon. W. F. married Miss Mary Suel, at Credit River, Scott county, Minn., in 1882.
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
She was born at Dayton, Ohio, and came to Minnesota with her parents when she was a babe. They settled on a farm in Credlt River township. In 1882 Mr. Rourk engaged in the construction of cement walks at Min- neapolis, and carried on the business in the Twin Cities for eighteen years. In 1900, he came to Waseca and established a factory for the man- ufacture of cement stone especially for sidewalks, crossings, curbs, gut- ters, hitching posts, etc. He also owns a neat residence property in Waseca, although he does a great deal of work in other places. Thus far his work has been highly satisfactory, and cement-stone walks are taking the place of lumber walks. His address is Waseca, Minn.
THE HONORABLE S. P. CHILD.
Simeon Potter Child, son of Zabina and Orrilla (Rice) Child, was born Nov. 16, 1835, in Medina county, Ohio. His boyhood days were spent in Ohio, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and in Wisconsin. He lived in the latter state from 1844 to 1855. He came to Waseca county in January and February, as elsewhere detailed in this book. At the age of twenty- one years, he claimed and pre-empted a quarter section of land on sec- tions 23 and 24 in Wilton township. In 1855, as soon as he was able to walk, after freezing his feet so badly, he entered the employ of the Unit- ed States as chief cook for the employees of the government at the Win- nebago Indian Agency. In 1856, he was put in charge of a large number of breaking-team crews engaged in breaking lands for the Winnebagoes. Soon after he commenced improving his own claim. On the eighth of August, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Armenia Northrup, daughter of Caleb Northrup, one of the pioneer settlers of this county. She was born in the town of Horner, Steuben county, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1841, and came to Wisconsin a babe in arms, and to Waseca county with her parents in 1856. With the exception of one winter which S. P. spent as clerk in a Wilton store, he remained upon his farm until the Sioux Indian massacre in August 1862. Upon receiving news of the Indian outbreak, he at once tendered his services to the government, and was formally mustered in as a corporal of Company B, First regiment of Minnesota mounted rangers, Oct. 17, 1862. Hon. Horace Austin, after- wards governor of our state, was captain of the company. His company went into winter quarters at St. Peter, after having performed patrol duty on the frontier from the time of enlistment. Mr. Child was detailed for hospital duty at St. Peter during a portion of the winter, but was with the company at the hanging of the Sioux at Mankato, Dec. 26, 1862. Noth- ing other than the execution of the Indians transpired during the winter worthy of note. He kept a diary while following the Indians of which extracts are here given, as follows:
"Tuesday, June 16, 1863 .- Left Camp Pope, marched about seven miles and camped on the bank of the Minnesota river: called it Camp Crooks.
"Wednesday, June 17. Infantry marched about thirteen miles and camped at Wood Lake. We called it Camp Miller. On Thursday, June 18, we
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
made only seven miles and camped at Camp Baker, on the Minnesota river where there is plenty of good water and grass for stock.
"Friday, June 19 .- Lay in camp all day. Weather cold and threatened rain.
"Saturday, June 20 .- Moved above Camp Release, making about fifteen miles. Weather very cold; a little rain. The camp is on the river. We call it McPhail.
"Sunday, June 21 .- Remained in camp. Weather continues cold.
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"Monday, June 22 .- Broke camp early, made about fifteen miles, crossed the Lac Qui Parle river and camped near a small lake. Weather warm and ground very dry.
"Tuesday, June 23 .- Traveled fifteen miles. The ground is so dry the grass is all dead or has not grown any this season. There are no· lakes of clear water in this section-only nasty frog ponds. There is occasion- ally a spring, but, as a rule, water is very scarce and of poor quality. Camped by a little lake-called it Camp Averill.
"Wednesday, June 24 .- Broke camp at 5 a. m., crossed the Yellow Earth river. Earth completely parched, and almost all the lakes dry. No timber along the river near which we camped.
"Thursday, June 25 .- Made ten or twelve miles. Country more hilly; uplands bare; some grass in marshes. Stone on the surface. Camped at a beautiful lake two miles west of Big Stone lake. Named the camp 'Jamison.'
"Friday, June 26 .- Traveled about ten miles. Ruble's company killed a buffalo to-day. Five buffaloes were seen on left flank. Camped on the Minnesota river.
"Saturday, June 27 .- Remained in camp-also over Sunday. Plenty of good water by digging ten or twelve feet, and plenty of grass.
"Monday, June 29 .- Major Buel, with two companies of Rangers, while reconnoitering. found signs of Indians to the southwest.
"Tuesday, June 30 .- A portion of our command was dispatched for Fort Abercrombie for supplies under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Averill. Here a mule driver broke his leg. Moved about ten miles and camped at a small lake .. ... July 1 .- Made about twelve miles more. Lakes more numerous; water clearer, no timher ..... July 2 .- Scouts saw signs Indians but
no of redskins. Traveled about ten miles. Vegetation all dead except around margin of lakes. Camped at Skunk lake-water shallow-plenty of fish. . July 3 .- Made about fifteen miles. Weather hot; ground stony; grasshoppers in great numbers; water very poor; grass scarce ... . July 4 .- Marched about twelve miles. Grasshoppers very thick; no grass ex- cept in sloughs; camped on the Cheyenne river. This has a little timber along its banks .... July 5 .- A detachment of twenty-five mounted men was sent to Fort Abercrombie, a distance of forty miles. Land in this section is of the pocrest kind, very little grass and no water. There are
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
elks and buffaloes here. Two buffaloes were killed to-day. We arrived at Fort Abercrombie that evening where we stayed over the 6th and into the 7th until the mail arrived from the east. On the evening of the 7th we started on our return to the Cheyenne and camped at Rice river. Here Latowell got lost. I took Fay and started back to hunt for him; got back to the fort about 2 o'clock next morning. On the 8th and 9th we returned to camp on the Cheyenne ..... July 10 .- Remained in camp; on the 11th we moved up the river twelve miles where we found plenty of hay and wood and springs of good water .... July 12 .- Sunday; re- mained in camp all day. Found fresh signs of Indians in vicinity ..... July 13 .- Moved ten miles and camped between two small lakes. Found plenty of grass, but no wood, and no water except lake water. Fresh buf- falo tracks numerous .... July 14 .- Traveled about fifteen miles. Camped on bank of river. Plenty of wood and water. Weather cold and windy. . . .. July 15 .- Marched about ten miles. Found many small lakes, grass better. Camped near a good sized lake; water very poor-too much alkali ..... July 16 .- Made about ten miles, crossing the Cheyenne at Fisk's ford. Here Colonel McPhail killed an elk. Camped on a muddy lake. Grasshoppers not so thick and grass better. Ground rolling and stony ..... July 17 .- Made another move of about ten miles over a broken country with many small lakes, ponds, and marshes, most of them nearly dry now. To-day the boys killed an elk, and two half-breed Indians came into camp. Camped on the shore of a pond; plenty of grass, but very poor water-no wood ..... July 18 .- The expedition moved about nine miles and camped on the shore of a beautiful lake. Here a man of Company L was accidentally shot by a lieutenant of Company G. Re- mained in camp over Sunday ..... July 20 .- We made a long march, some eighteen miles, over a broken and stony country. Water poor-has a brackish taste. Weather cold for time of year and no wood. In the evening another man was accidentally shot and wounded. Here several half-breed Indians reported war-like Sioux on the James river ..... July 21 .- Made only about ten miles and camped at a lake where there is a little timber .. . July 22 .- The expedition made about twenty miles and went into camp near a large grove of timber. Grass rather poor, water not very good. Here an Indian came into camp ..... July 23 .- Marched about fourteen miles over a broken, stony, rolling country with some lakes. Camped near a long, narrow lake; had good grass and water, but no wood. Found spring water strongly impregnated with sulphur ..... July 24 .- Was an exciting day. Got an early start and made about ten miles when we came within sight of a large body of Indians camped about four miles from our army. We went into camp about 1 o'clock to await results. The train was brought into corral by a shallow lake under the shadow of a high hill, called Big Mound. The Indians appeared in large numbers on this mound and in larger numbers still at the west of it. They asked to have a personal conference with General Sibley, but he, having been
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
warned of treachery, declined. Doctor Weiser, surgeon of the mounted rangers, however, ventured to go among the Indians, many of whom he knew personally, and returned to the Sibley camp saying that they only wanted peace. He was permitted, at his own request, to return to the top of Big Mound, with two or three other rangers, and was almost im- mediately shot and killed. His companions escaped by fast riding and the poor marksmanship of the murderous Indians. General Sibley immedi- ately ordered the Minnesota mounted rangers to attack the Indians. They did so, followed by companies of the Sixth and Tenth infantry regiments. The ground was so rough and steep that the rangers had to dismount and fight their way up the hill on foot, driving the Indians before them. A terrific thunder storm occurred during this battle, and John Murphy, of Waseca County, was killed by lightning within a few yards of me. One section of the battery was brought into action and did most effective service. The Indians had a dread of artillery and soon began to retreat. The battery and the mounted rangers followed them closely until the artillery horses tired out and could go no further. The rangers continued the pursuit, following the Indians closely for about fifteen miles. The Indians were completely routed and demoralized. They threw away everything that would impede their retreat. Several Indians were killed and many wounded. The horses were tired and the pursuit ceased about sundown. Besides Murphy, who was killed by lightning, a man named Stark was killed by being shot in the abdomen. Lieutenant Freeman, while hunting in the morning, had been waylaid and killed, and his body badly mutilated. Wm. Hazlep, was shot in the shoulder, and Andy Moore was shot in the thigh and bowels. A sergeant of Company L received a wound in one leg. We had no ambulance, and carried our dead and wounded in buffalo robes for some distance, and finally loaded them into an ammunition wagon. We traveled all night in returning to camp."
Captain Wilson, in his account of the expedition, says the mistake of the campaign occurred at the close of the battle that day. Lieutenant Beaver brought an order to Colonel McPhail to "return" to camp. Gen- eral Sibley said his order was to "go into camp."
As Lieutenant Beaver soon after died, the mistake or blunder rests with him. No doubt the mistake was made either by Beaver or McPhail, for General Sibley had started the infantry out in the morning to support the rangers before the latter reached the camp. The cav- alry should have camped upon or near the battle field and awaited the arrival of the infantry. The Indian squaws and children were close hy. They could not have escaped if they had heen pursued the next day. But, on account of the blunder, they got two days the start.
On the 26th of July, at Dead Buffalo lake, the Indians made a dash for some men and mules that were out gathering hay. The mounted rangers at once went to the rescue and charged upon the Indians. It was
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
a smoky day, and the horses of whites and Indians made such a dust that It was often difficult to distinguish friend from foe. The fight lasted for half an hour when the Indians made a hasty retreat. The savages were led by Grey Eagle, who fought bravely but was soon killed. The Indians left several of their number dead on the field.
The last battle was at Stony Lake. As the train was moving along on the morning of July 28, the Indians appeared in great numbers, mostly mounted warriors, and attacked with great boldness. They made fre- quent charges but were easily repulsed. The artillery was too much for them, and they soon abandoned the field and made haste to cross the Missouri river."
This terminated the campaign and the troops soon after commenced the homeward march.
Mr. Child was mustered out November 9, 1863. He returned to his farm for a few days and then went into the quartermaster's department and went South with the Federal army. He was placed in charge of the Little Rock & Memphis railroad, where he encountered more dangers than when in the ranks. He was engaged in the transportation of men and supplies and in keeping the road in repair. He returned home in the spring of 1864, with his health much impaired. He remained ill for nearly two years, but finally got better, sold his property in Waseca County, and removed to Blue Earth City, where he engaged in private banking, real estate and collections. He also opened a brick yard and manufactured brick for a number of years.
He served in the state legislature as a member of the house from Fari- bault county in the years 1872, 1873, and 1877, and as a member of the senate in 1874 and 1875. He was appointed assistant postmaster to the United States senate in 1875, and held the position until June 29, 1878, when he was appointed postoffice inspector. He held this position con- tinuously until June 30, 1886, when he resigned. He was requested by Postmaster-General Vilas to serve in the Department of Justice to aid in the prosecution of the star-route thieves and he remained in that capacity until January 14, 1887. The latter years of his service as inspector were largely devoted to the work of detecting and bringing to trial the star- route rascals, and in that work he traversed large portions of New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Indlan Territory, and California. In New Mexico he drove one pair of horses over one thousand miles in searching for witnesses and looking up evidence.
In 1887 he came home and gave attention to his private affalrs, remain- ing until July 27, 1889, when he was again appointed postoffice inspector. This time he held the position until April, 1893, when he resigned to accept the agency of the American Surety company of New York, with headquarters at St. Paul. This position he held for ten years, resigning November 30, 1903. While holding this position he had supervision of portions of Wisconsin, Iowa, all of Minnesota and all of the two Dakotas.
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
Since that time he has devoted his attention to the management of his large farm, five miles east of Shakopee, known as the Barden farm. Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Child have been the parents of six children, four of whom are living. Ruth, now Mrs. Forrester, of St. Paul; Eugenia, Mrs. John McLoughlin, of Blue Earth; Edith, Mrs. Andrew Bottleson, of Blue Earth; and Hugh Child, mail route agent between St. Paul and Omaha.
MRS. EMMA A. (MOORE) REIBELING
was born in Wilton, December 13, 1857. She married Theodore J. Reibeling July 5, 1880. Theodore was born in the town of St. Mary, April 1, 1859, and died March 18, 1903. Mrs. Reibeling is a daughter of Mr. Robert Moore, one of the early settlers of Wilton. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reibeling, six of whom are living: Robert T., born April 27, 1881; Wm. H., born November 30, 1884; Elmer S., born April 6, 1887; Martha I., born September 9, 1890; Theo. J., born March 22, 1896, and Leland R., born April 21, 1898. Mrs. Reibeling, with the aid of her children, is bravely carrying on her farm in St. Mary and making a comfortable living.
MR. HENRY KROEGER,
of Iosco, was born in Schleswick-Holstein, Germany, February 28, 1832. His wife, Anna (Sommers) was born in the same country August 22, 1842. They came to America in the early spring of 1866, and settled in Iosco, May 8, 1866. They have been the parents of eight children, four of whom- are living: John, Henry W., Herman O. and Louise.
HENRY W. KROEGER.
Henry resides in Wilton on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in Iosco, February 7, 1870. October 30, 1895, he was married to Miss Ida Manthey, of Iosco, who was born October 30, 1869. They are the parents of two girls. Henry W. is one of the prosperous farmers of his township.
THE REVEREND ALVIN KETCHUM.
This gentleman, a Baptist minister, came from Ohio to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1856. He moved to Blooming Grove in 1857, on the "Bliven's Hill," near where John Diedrich now lives. He afterwards moved to Morristown where he died in 1863. While living in Blooming Grove, Rev. Ketchum and Joshua Smith carried on a shop, the first in the county, for the manufacture of chairs, bedsteads, stools, spinning wheels, wooden- ware, etc. They had a turning lathe run by foot power. Rev. Ketchum preached in what is known as the Bowe school house up to the time of his death in 1863. His wife died some years before he passed away. They left surviving them, Rosalia, now Mrs. W. H. Gray; Orrilla, now Mrs. D. A. Erwin; Charles F., then a young lad; Alvin, since deceased; Wm. K., now a resident of Wisconsin, and Luman, now dead. Charles was
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
about a year old when his parents came to Minnesota, and he knows a good deal of the hardships of pioneer life. He is married to Alice Luceba Smith, daughter of the late A. C. Smith. They now live within forty rods of where Mrs. Ketchum was born.
MR. THOMAS McHUGO.
This gentleman was among the honest, sturdy farmers that settled in Janesville in 1856. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1825, and came to America in 1845, landing in New York. He went thence to the state of Vermont where he worked on a farm seven years. In 1852 he came West, stopping in Wisconsin four years, and then coming to the town of Janesville, where he made a fine home, and where he lived until his death, which occurred November 20, 1896, of paralysis. He married Miss Hannah Kelly, of Faribault, in 1866, who survived him.
THE HONORABLE JOHN L. SAUFFERER.
Hon. John L. Saufferer, one of the 1856 settlers, is a native of Wurtem- berg, Germany, and was born January 20, 1821. At the age of twenty-four years, he came to America, landing in New York; from here he made his way to Lawrence county, Ohio, where he found steady employment as a farm laborer, thus fitting himself for the calling in which he has been so successful. He then went to Clay county, Ill., and purchased a farm of his own. At the age of thirty-one, needing a housekeeper, he returned to his native land, married Miss Henrietta Miller, and again sailed for the "land of the free" where they arrived safely without any incident of note. After some five years, he sold his Illinois farm and came to Blooming Grove. They are the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living. He was elected a member of the lower house of the legislature in 1872, where he served with fidelity to his constituents. He is one of the wealthiest men in the township, and, in politics, is a Populist or free- coinage advocate. He has always heen popular with the people of his town, having held some town office nearly every year since the town was organized. He is at this writing in his eighty-fifth year and re- markably well preserved.
The following named children were born to them: George, born Octo- ber 25, 1852, deceased; Henrietta, born November 14, 1853; Charles John, born March 19, 1855; Maria Anna, horn January 26, 1857; Caroline, born April 9, 1859; Matilda W., born December 1, 1860, deceased; Henry, born October 12, 1862; Amelia J., born September 19, 1864; Lydia, born October 23, 1866; John G., born February 25, 1869; Benjamin, born Jan- mary 6, 1874; and Lonis, born June 27, 1876.
MR. FRANK ERFURTH.
This gentleman was born at Madison, Wisconsin, April 13, 1863. He came to Minnesota in 1884, and married Miss Annie R. McDougall, Jan- uary 1, 1886. She was born in Otisco, Minn., July 22, 1868. They resided
MR. AND MRS. FRANK ERFURTH.
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CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY.
in this county until 1898, when they emigrated to Malta, Montana, where Mr. Erfurth still resides. Mrs. Erfurth while here on a visit in 1902, was taken ill of typhoid fever and died October 25, 1902. Three children were born to them: Mary A., February 10, 1887; Robert F., February 25, 1888; and Ronald E., April 19, 1890. Mr. Erfurth carried on a sheep ranch for a number of years, hut is now engaged in the grocery and confectionery business. He was at one time elected sheriff in the county where he now lives, but declined to serve. His children are with him in his Montana home.
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