History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 52

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

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CHAPTER XLV.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

W. H. Adams, attorney at law and son of Gen. C. P. Adams, was born at Hastings, Minnesota, August 20th, 1856. He received his early educa- tion at the High school of Hastings and academy of Notre Dame at South Bend, Indiana. Studied law in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and graduated from that institution in March, 1879. During that

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month he was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of Michigan, and to the courts of Minneso- ta the next April. Since that time he has been in practice as one of the firm of Hodgson and Adams. Married August 14, 1879, to Mary A. Muehlig, of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

William Ainsworth was born in Vermont in December, 1825. He was reared on a farm, and when sixteen years old learned the carpenter's trade. Worked at it two years, then in 1843 came to Illinois. The following year removed to lowa, still working at his trade until 1856, then came to Hastings, there being at that time only two stores and one hotel. In 1858, bought a farm, now hav- ing one hundred and sixty acres. Married Miss Maria Ingram in 1855. Mary is their only child.

Sherman Nathaniel Aspinwall, proprietor of the Foster house, is of English-Scotch descent, born in Cayuga county, New York, April 3d, 1832. His father, Edson Aspinwall, was a mer- chant of Auburn. While living in Auburn young Aspinwall was sent to the Auburn academy, then in charge of Professor Hopkinson. During this time his father and grandfather owned three stores and a large steam grist mill. The family moved from Auburn to a large farm in Wells, Brad- ford county, Pennsylvania, since known as As- pinwall's corners. Here Sherman opened a small store while yet a boy. In 1844 he went to Troy to work in the store of Pomeroy Brothers, who were relatives. He next went to Towanda, the county seat, where he was for a time employed in one of the county offices. After a short time he went into a store, of which he soon had control. His father being appointed superintendent of the North Branch canal, rented his farm, removed his family to Towanda, where he soon after died, and Sherman, who was then but eighteen years of age, took care of the family. He removed to El- mira, where he began work for Henry S. Wells, railroad and canal contractor, as book-keeper and cashier. Wells, on account of some difficulty in which he became involved, sold the contract to build eighteen miles of the Great Western rail- way, between Chatham. Canada, and Detroit, to Hollenbeck and Aspinwall. The firm cleared $35,000 each by this contract and their work gave such satisfaction that the engineers of the road urged them to remain with the company as con- tractors. However, they returned to Elmira, and

Wells having heavy contracts in New Jersey, wished to secure their services. They visited the work, but did not enter his employ. Aspinwall wishing to go to Chicago. But tempted by promises made by Wells, they took two sections of heavy work under him and by the operation lost money. Aspinwall then went to Detroit, in 1855, and for one year had charge of a store at Mount Clemens. On account of the malaria of the country he left and went to Chicago and there began his experience as a hotel keeper. Rented a large stone house opposite the old Dearborn hotel, which he run two years, when failing health again compelled him to change. After a year's rest at Corpus Christi he recovered his health. Next went to New York and was em- ployed in the wholesale hardware house of Churchill, Rogers and Wetmore. When the war broke out he at once enlisted in the Fifty- ninth New York, in May, 1861, and in July following, was mustered into service as second lieutenant of Company A. Served two years, and was in the Peninsular campaign. He was sick with typhoid fever, but getting some- what better again entered active service against Magruder. Being greatly weakened by sickness he was soon exhausted by his efforts, and carried to the hospital at Fortress Monroe, where for a number of weeks he was very low, suffering from a relapse. His wife was unable to find him until he was removed to Hampton seminary. When taken sick his weight was one hundred and sixty pounds, but when he recovered it was only ninety. His rank at this time was first lieutenant, but he was promoted to captain, and was offered a com- mission of major. After he left the service, he opened a hardware store in Troy, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1864, and did a business of $12,000 the first year, and afterwards of $60,000. In addition to his business in Troy, he built a block of stores in Towanda, and kept one of them him- self, doing a total business of from $80,000 to $110,000. His winters were passed in the south, where he bought a plantation of four hundred acres, at Aiken, South Carolina, besides a steam- mill and one thousand acres of timber in the same state. He left his business in the north in charge of a son of a friend, who neglected it, and his partner speculated in the firm name and lost quite heavily. Aspinwall then went to St.

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Louis and speculated in stock; then went to Jacksonville, Illinois, and run a hotel for a couple of years. In 1875, he came to Minnesota, bought property in Minneapolis, and dealt in fine stock. This he traded for the Foster house in 1877, taking possession in March, 1878. Married at Towanda, Pennsylvania, in 1854, Sarah H. Myer of that place. Their children are Mrs. Dr. Pratt. of Minneapolis, Sallie, Virginia. Mrs. R. J. Parker. Their only son Lloyd, born December 26th, 1872, was drowned in the Mississippi river, June 3d, 1881.

George Barbaras, a native of France, was born September 14th, 1832. His early education was received in France and Germany. Came to America in April, 1847, and located near Chicago, being engaged in farming until 1861, then came to Dakota county, Minnesota, and settled in the township of Vermillion. He continued farming until 1869, then removed to Hastings. Was assistant cashier in the Farmer's and Trader's bank four years; was justice of the peace four years, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1874, by Judge Crosby. He has been in active practice since. He is also agent for several lead- ing insurance companies, and six steamboat com- panies, for whom he sells tickets, and deals in foreign exchange. Has been mayor of Hastings two years, and alderman two years. Married Harriet Vandaworker. Alma and Julia A. are their children.

A. B. Bell was born in Tompkins county, New York, March 21st, 1832. When sixteen years old removed to Tioga county, and learned the trade of cabinet maker, working at it there three years. In 1862 enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninth New York Volunteer Infantry; served until July 1st, 1865; was mustered out at Elmira. He was commissioned second lieutenant by Gov- ernor Fenton, in 1864, for meritorious conduct, after the siege of Petersburg, Virginia, in which battle he was wounded. After leaving the army he came to Hastings; in 1866, went east and graduated from Eastman's Business college. Returning to Hastings he worked at his trade until 1867, then spent three years in Winona, and in 1870 returning, to this city, became one of the firm of Bell, Rhodes and Company, now changed to Bell Brothers. Married Isabel Chapman of

Hastings, in 1866. Mary E., and Lou A. are their children.

James Bell was born in Newfield, Tompkins county, New York, in 1834. His father was a painter, and of him James learned the trade when eight years old. In 1861 he came to Hast- ings. He worked at his trade until 1870, then became a member of the firm Bell, Rhodes and Company, which has since changed to Bell Brothers. Mr. Bell has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Mary Cornish, of River Falls, Wisconsin. In 1878, he married Mrs Ella Fry, of Cherry Valley, New York, by whom he has one child, Kate C.

C. F. Beltz was born in Saxony, October 4th, 1840. Came to America in 1858 with his parents and first located in Oneida county, New York. In 1856 removed to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and learned the trade of mason. During the fall of 1859, went to Milwaukee and clerked in a wholesale liquor store until 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry. and served until honorably discharged as first ser- geant July 28th, 1864. He passed about five years in prospecting, and in 1869. bought a farm in Iowa. Soon after came to Austin, Minnesota, and worked at his trade until coming to Hast- ings. Continued in the pursuit of his trade till 1878, then assumed charge of the pres- ent business in behalf of the Peller estate, and soon after for Shroth, the firm being formerly Peller and Shroth. In 1879 he purchased the business of Mr. Otte, and still continues dealing in leather, harnesses and hardware. Married in April, 1869, to Margaret Link, of Wisconsin. Amanda H., Frances L., Oswald C. and Carl N. are their children.

H. J. Beokmeier is a native of Germany, born March 14th, 1856. Came to America in 1874, proceeding directly to Hastings. Five years later, he with two associates purchased their business from M. Marx, and formed a copartnership under the name of Boekmeier, Stern and Rude, dealers in dry-goods and gents' furnishing goods. He is unmarried.

Henry Butturff, the pioneer furniture dealer of Hastings, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 21st, 1828. He resided in his native state until 1850, then removed to Muscatine, Iowa, and clerked in a furniture store

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five years. In 1855 he came to Hastings and at once started in the furniture trade, bring- ing with him the first furniture for sale in Dakota county. In 1864 he was engaged with others in the manufacture of furniture, sash, doors and blinds. Although sustaining losses by fire in 1856 and twice in 1865, he is still prominent in the business. He also owns several valuable farms, working some and renting others. Mar- ried in 1877 to Mary E. Clark, of Columbus, Ohio.

John Byers, mayor, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, October 6th, 1829. He removed with his parents to Cass county, Michigan, and until 1850 was engaged in farming. During Oc- tober of that year he came to Hastings, but took a claim in Goodhue county. He has given his attention chiefly to farming since first coming to Hastings. He has been alderman and member of school board several years; was a member of the legislature in 1875, and is president of the Farmers' Board of Trade of Minnesota. In 1880 he was elected mayor of Hastings and still holds the position. Elmira L. Stowell, of Massachu- setts, became his wife in 1853. Albert and Louisa are their living children.

B. D. Cadwell was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, April 23d, 1836. In 1857, he came to Hastings and engaged as miller in the old Ver- million mill. In 1866, he formed a partnership with Theodore Gardner at the Ramsey mill. The following year he went into the mill west of the Vermillion street bridge, and since then has been engaged in general mill-wrighting and repairing. He is a member of the city school board. His children are Almeda, Lincoln, Lucy, May, Ben- jamin P. and Harvey.

M. A. Canning was born in Nova Scotia in 1825. Moved to Maine with his parents in 1887. Learned the blacksmith's trade, and worked at it until 1847, then went to Michigan. Remained in that state nine years. While there learned the millers' trade, and in 1856 came to Minnesota. Locating at Hastings he worked at milling and afterward run a mill two years. Was with Curtis, Cowles and Company for five years, then worked five years as a joiner. In 1868, built the shop where he now is, corner Fifth and Vermillion streets; has two fires. Also owns a wagon shop. Married Ann M. Hayes in 1858. Fannie, Wil-

liam H., Clara S., and Katie M. are their chil- dren.

Lawrence J. Casserly was born in New Jersey in 1857. His father came to Minnesota in 1858, but left his family in New Jersey until he could prepare a home for them. In 1859, they came to Hastings, and here Lawrence attended the High school eight years. In 1874, he commenced his career as teacher in Lebanon township, and has since taught in the county. While teaching in Rosemount he organized a brass band, afterward becoming its leader.

A. J. Catton was born at Quebec February 15th, 1840. When three years of age, he accom- panied his parents to Burford, Ontario. In 1859, Mr. Catton removed to Missouri, but was forced to return to Canada at the breaking out of the the war. He removed to Michigan, thence went to Kansas, where he began the profession of a dentist. Returned to Canada to complete the profession, and practiced there ten years. During December, 1879, Dr. Catton came to Hastings and opened his present office. Married in 1873 Miss Zilpha J. Charles, by whom he has one child, Arthur C.

D. T. Chamberlain, attorney at law, was born in Wayne county, New York, June 18th, 1852. Here he resided until 1864, then came to Hast- ings with his parents. Attended school until 1871, then entered Rochester University of New York, and studied two years. He next entered the law school from which institution he grad- uated in November, 1874. Was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of New York, the same month. and in December following, to the courts of Minnesota. Has since been in active practice at Hastings, was elected a member of the school board in 1871, and elected to the state legislature in 1878. Married in 1874 to Emma M. Thorpe: Anna K. is the only child living.

A. B. Chapin was born in Milton, Pennsylva- nia, in 1845. He studied dentistry at Williams- port. In 1862, enlisted in the Thirty-first Penn- sylvania Regiment and served nine months. In October, 1863, enlisted in the United States Navy, and was stationed at Sapelo Sound, Geor- gia, where he served as surgeon steward until May, 1865. In 1871, removed to St. Paul, and practiced his profession there. Served on the

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United States boundary survey in northern Da- kota and Montana. In 1876, he came to Hast- ings and opened his present dental rooms. Mar- ried Mary P., daughter of Rev. C. S. Le Duc, in 1878.

J. R. Clagett, attorney at law, was born at Al- exandria, Virginia, October 26th, 1826. His early education was received at the high school of his native place, and from private tutors. He afterward entered Brown's University at Provi- dence, Rhode Island, graduating with the class of 1848. Studied law with Henry W. Davis, of Alexandria, Virginia, and was admitted to the bar at Washington, D. C., in 1858. Four years subse- quent, he removed to Hastings, where he has been in active practice since. Has long been identified with the interests of the Episcopal church of Hastings, and is its senior warden. Has been twice married. His first wife, Eliza Thorne, died in January, 1876; his present wife was Mrs. Frances Pringle, of Brooklyn, New York, by whom he has one child: Frances E.

John Seymour Clark, M. D., was born in Syra- cuse, New York, December 3d, 1844. Here he was educated by private tutors; afterward studied one year in Paris. On returning from Europe, he commenced the study of medicine at the medical department of Syracuse University, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1877. He practiced in New York immediately after, and was physician to the New York dispensary three years, also physician to the Midnight as- sociation of that city. During the fall of 1880, came to Hastings, and has since been in practice here. Helen M. Chittenden, of Syracuse, New York, became his wife in 1865: Marion C., Har- low C. and Alice S. are their children.

D. C. Conklin, of the firm of Conklin and Whitman, hardware dealers, was born in Brook- lyn, New York, November 25th, 1854. He, with his parents came to Minnesota in 1862. Entered the employ of C. W. Williams, a hardware mer- chant of Hastings in 1875, for whom he worked three years, was then six months in the employ of B. Pringle. Removing thence to Minneapolis, he was in the employ of Smith and Day of that place until the spring of 1881, then formed a partnership with R. Whitman, and purchased the hardware stock of C. W. Williams, of Hastings.

Rev. H. J. Crist, a native of Lawrenceburg,

Indiana, was born March 8d, 1848. His father, William H. Crist was of German descent, and re- moved from Ohio with his family to Hastings; thence to Lakeville in 1856. The family lived during the first summer in a log house, whose oc- cupants numbered sixteen. In his eighteenth year Mr. Crist prepared for college at Red Wing. In 1862 he was one of the thirteen who started out from Lakeville to the relief of the frightened and fleeing settlers at the commencement of the Indian outbreak. His father exchanged a yoke of oxen for a horse, that his son might be fully equipped for travel or conflict. The little party reported at Fort Snelling, and were sent from there to St. Peter. In 1864 he enlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Volunteers, Company D, and served until June 26th, 1865. During Hood's raid his regiment guarded the Louisville and Nashville railroad. He was raised to the rank of corporal. Returning to Red Wing he gradu- ated from Hamline University, and in 1869 from Garrett Biblical Institute of Evanston, Illinois. He was then appointed successively pastor of Methodist Episcopal churches: At Can- non Falls in 1869, Duluth in 1870, Brainerd in 1871, Austin in 1874, Grace church at St. Paul in 1876, and Hastings in 1878. Mir- anda F. Jones became his wife in 1870. One child has been born to them Royal H.

Charles W. Crosby, lawyer and justice of the peace, was born in Milford, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, October 22d, 1832. He finished his education at the Nashua high school. At an early age he engaged in the grocery business in Boston, having also a store at Nashua. Closing out that business he spent two years in Cali- fornia. In 1854 started in the printer's business at Dubuque, Iowa, and sold the first printing press used in Hastings. Engaged as a clerk in 1856 on the "Minnesotian," at St. Paul, remain- ing until 1859; thence to Cannon Falls where he was in the milling business until 1862. Settled next at Hastings and clerked in the office of register of deeds and auditor, previous to 1865. Has been justice of the peace since 1864 .. Was assessor in 1865 and took a state census the same year; was court commissioner in 1866-67-68. and police justice in 1872. Admitted to the bar during that year and has been in active practice since. Married Myra G. Smith in 1849. He has

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had six children, five of whom are living: Charles, Nettie, William, George and Mathias.

Hon. Francis Marion Crosby is descended from an old Massachusetts family. His parents. Eliel and Grateful, nee Allen, Crosby, belonged to the agricultural class. Francis was born at Wil- mington, Windham county, Vermont, Novem- ber 13th, 1880. He was educated at the Wil- mington high school and the Mount Cæsar Sem- inary, Swanzey, New Hampshire, and was early a teacher himself. He read law with Hon. Oscar L. Shafter of Wilmington, since chief justice of California, and at Manchester, Vermont, with Hon. Daniel Roberts. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1855, and began practice at Wilmington. He served in the session of the Vermont legislature for the same year, 1855, and also in the session of 1856. In May, of 1858, he settled at Hastings. During his residence in Dakota county, he has been city attorney of Hastings for two or three terms, and was judge of probate in 1860 and 1861. He was member of the school board from 1866 until he took his seat as judge of the first judicial district of Min- nesota, January 1st, 1872. He was re-elected to this latter position without opposition for another term of seven years, at the election held in No- vember, 1878. Judge Crosby has the reputation of being an able, conscientious and courteous jurist. Originally he was a free soiler in politics, but since the organization of the republican party he has been one of its staunch supporters. Judge Crosby was first married, in 1866, to Miss Helen Mar Sprague, of Cooperstown, New York. She died in 1869, leaving one child, Frank Noble. His present wife was Miss Helen M. Bates of Cherry Valley, New York; married in October, 1872. By her he has three children: Howard Walworth, Marion Emma and Helen Bates.

Eugene Dean, justice of the peace, was born in Ireland, in 1828. Came to America in 1850, and first worked on the Hudson River railroad, afterward worked in different parts of the country. In 1855, came to Hastings, purchased some lots, also pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in Vermillion. Two years subsequently he was elected county treasurer, which office he held until 1860. The next four years he run a farm, and later engaged in grocery business. Was a member of school board in 1878, elected

justice of the peace in 1876, and still continues in the office. His principal business at present is contracting. Has been twice married; his first wife, Ellen M. O'Connor, died in 1865; his pres- ent wife was Elizabeth Quirk of Illinois, married in 1866. James and Mary are children by his first; John, Francis Eugene and Johanna by present wife.

W. H. DeKay, attorney at law, was born in Sullivan county, New York, November 4th, 1845. When a mere child removed with his parents to McHenry County, Illinois. In 1859 removed to Hastings and attended school, also lived on a farm until 1864. He enlisted July 30th, 1864, in Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving until mus- tered out at Fort Snelling, May 11th, 1865. Re- turning to Hastings he read law with Eli Robin- son a short time, then with Clagett and Crosby. Was admitted to the bar in 1870, and has been in active practice since. Was elected police just- ice in 1878 and re-elected in 1880. Married in 1874 to Miss Julia Van Inwegen, of New York. Richard H. and Frank C. are their children.

Rev. Jolin B. Donaldson is of Scotch descent. His American ancestors were Pennsylvanians, and his great grandfather fell in the Revolution- ary war. His father was a missionary at Bluff- ton, Indiana, where John was born, January 9th, 1852. He fitted for college at Elder's Ridge Academy in Pennsylvania, and entered Wabash college at Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1870. Graduating from college four years later he entered Alleghany Theological Seminary, re- maining one year, then completed his theological education at Union Seminary, New York city, graduating in 1877. He then was sent as a mis- sionary to Ashland, Oregon. There he labored fifteen months with marked success. September 20th, 1880, Rev. Donaldson came to Hastings, having since remained as pastor of the Presby- terian church. He arrived in season to be in- strumental in building the new edifice and to see every debt removed. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Rev. Dr. Sam- ple of Minneapolis. They have one child, bear- ing the name, Robert Sample.

Jacob Donndelinger, a native of Germany, was born December 6th, 1842. Came to this contin- ent in 1856, and located in Jackson county, Iowa. In 1861, came to Hastings, and in August of the

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following year enlisted in Company F, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, serving until honorably dis- charged August, 1865. Returning to Dakota county, he farmed in Douglass township until 1872, then came to Hastings, and was in the liquor and ice trade six years. In 1878 a partner- ship was formed with Mr. Ficker in brewing business, in which he still continues. Married Miss Emma Irrthum in 1865. Claudius, John, Peter, Mathias, Nicholas and Annie are their children. His wife died in 1879, and he mar- ried in 1880, Mrs. Irrthum, of Germany. One child, Emma, was born to them.

John Dudley, lumber merchant, was born in Milford, Penobscot county, Maine, June 29th, 1814. He began in the lumbering business at the age of fourteen years, and has continued in it fifty-three consecutive years. During the fall of 1853, he removed to Michigan, remaining two years, thence to St. Anthony, Minn., and built a house in 1856. The same year he rented a mill at Prescott, Pierce county, Wisconsin, and has since manufactured lumber at that place. In 1870, located at Hastings, starting a lumber yard, which still continues. Established a yard at Cannon Falls in 1875; three years later one at Montevideo, Chippewa county; and in 1879, one at Appleton, Swift county. Mr. Dudley is still quite an extensive lumber dealer, it having been his life work. Hannah Babbage of Deer Isle, Maine, became his wife October 26th, 1888.

John Duffy, a native of Ireland, was born in 1848. While young, acquired a common school education; afterward attended college. In 1867, came to America and clerked in a law office in New York three months; thence to Peoria, Illinois, and kept books for Dunn and Company six months. Coming thence to Hastings, he was deputy register of deeds for N. F. W. Kranz. In 1873, he commenced his career as a printer, and engaged as editor for the Hastings Union, where he is still officiating.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 52

Author: J. Fletcher Williams Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: