History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 53

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

USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 53

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H. L. Durr was born in France, in 1848. Came to America in 1854 with his parents. Went to Stearns county, Minnesota, and received his edu- cation at St. John's college, where he remained five years. At the age of fifteen taught school and has since taught different schools in Stearns and Dakota counties. In 1873 came to Vermil- lion and has since continued his vocation as

teacher. Married M. A. Hammer in 1871. Henry M., Edward, Mary B. and Jacob are their child- ren.

Joseph A. Ennis is a native of New York, born in 1824. He was reared as a farmer, remaining at home until attaining majority. He with his father then engaged in railroad building and as- sisted in building the New York Central, also was engaged on the Erie canal. In 1851, came west and worked on the Illinois Central about two years. Returning to his former home, in 1855 he came to Minnesota with two brothers. They purchased lands in Dakota and Fillmore counties. In 1859, located in Hastings and in the spring he, with his brother Charles built the first wheat warehouse, which is situated on the levee, now occupied by Smith and Thompson. They speculated in wheat until 1870, when Charles re- turned east. On dividing the property Mr. Ennis retained the flouring mill on the Vermillion river, which they had previously erected. The warehouse still belongs to the estate of Charles, who is dead. In 1872, Mr. Ennis was married to Mrs. Thurber, who has borne him two children, Mattie P. and Mary S. They died within a month of each other, in 1881.

John Estergreen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, March 18th, 1826. He learned' the trade of carriage maker there and worked at it until 1852, then came to America. Located in Illinois and worked at his trade in Chicago, Aurora and Rockford. In 1857, came to Hastings and estab- lished a blacksmithing and carriage making busi- ness, in which he has been interested since. While living at Rockford, Illinois, he married Eva Swanson, in 1855. Their children are, Franz, who is associated with his father in business; Emma V., Amanda and Jennie E.

E. M. Everson was born in Chenango county, New York, May 11th, 1846. Moved in 1858 to Lake City, Wabasha county, and clerked in a dry goods and general merchandise store until 1869. He next embarked in the drug trade on his own account, which he continued until 1871, then started in his present line of business, his stock consisting of dry goods, millinery and fancy goods. In October, 1880, he opened an extensive business in the same line at Hastings and intends next spring to add his Lake City stock. Married

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in 1866 to Julia Hurd. Two children have been born to them, Edwin L. and Julia L.

D. E. Eyre is a native of Northamptonshire, England. Came with his parents to America in early youth, and located at Galena, Illinois. Here he was reared and acquired his early education. In 1857, moved to Hastings and has since been in the dry goods trade. From 1872-76 he was a partner in the firm of Fletcher, Loring and Eyre, of Minneapolis. Has also another store in Or- tonville, Big Stone county; firm known as Eyre and Yanz. In 1869-70, he was mayor of Hast- ings, and in 1871 was elected to the legislature, serving two terms.

James T. Fahy was born in Lower Canada May 22, 1847. When a babe his parents moved to Ohio, where they remained three years, thence to Freeport, Illinois. In 1854, they re- moved to Dakota county, locating on a farm in Marshan township. Here James was reared. September 17th, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was dis- charged at Nashville, Tennessee, June 23d, 1865. Remained in Tennessee, and engaged in various pursuits till 1868, then returned to Hastings and entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, continuing until 1880. He then became a partner of Thomas Mc- Donald in saloon business. Mary A. King, a na- tive of Ireland, became his wife in 1875. Mary A., Gertrude A., Clara B., and Lucy G. are their children.

C. H. Ferry was born in Lake county, Illinois, in 1850. Moved with his parents to Massachu- setts, and stayed four years, then returned to Illinois for two years. In 1856 came to Hastings. His father took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Marshan township, on which Mr. Ferry assisted nine years. Moving to Hastings he dealt in grain and horses, with his father, ten years. In 1879, engaged in livery business, the firm name being Richards and Ferry. Married Miss Etta Simmons, a native of Minnesota, in 1880.

Wm. Felton was born in 1802, June 15th, in Lu- zerne county, Pennsylvania, and was educated as a farmer. In 1825, August 18th, he married Miss Mahala Dana, who was born October 15th, 1805, in Dutchess county, New York, and who had removed in 1812 to Susquehanna county, in

Pennsylvania. There have been born to this now aged couple two sons and four daughters. One of the sons is at present in the south, one of the daughters is a resident of Rice county, another daughter is a pioneer in Dakota territory, as her mother was in Dakota county, while the remaining son and two daughters are living within a mile of their parents home. Beside children and grand- children Mr. and Mrs. Felton have six great- grandchildren.

In 1852 the Feltons took boat from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for Minnesota. The name of their craft was the Ben Campbell, and this was its first trip. Landing at Wabasha in June they re- mained there until September of 1852, when they came to Hastings. Mrs. Felton claims the honor of being the first white woman settler at this point. On arriving at Hastings Mr. Felton rented a log house, the first house built in the town, where he opened the first boarding-house in the county. Mrs. Felton did the cooking for the first three families in Hastings. This log house was only 12x16 feet in dimension, with a kitchen 10x12 feet. In these narrow and primitive quar- ters Mr. and Mrs. Felton showed a generous hos- pitality and kindness to new comers and to every one, that will long be remembered and recounted. As many as forty-three persons have remained of a night in that little cabin, which was long ago pulled down. This house was also granted to the Catholics, as early as 1853, as a house of the Lord, and its walls re-echoed the holy mass. In the autumn of the same year Rev. T. R. Cressy, a Baptist clergyman, began holding meetings also at Mr. Felton's house. As Dido knew no differ- ence between Trojan or Tyrian, so the Feltons in in the spirit of true liberality, made no discrimi- nation in those early days between Catholic and Protestant. Mr. Felton was the first elected justice of the peace, and the little log house was in turn dedicated to the law as it had previously been to the church. Mr. Felton has also been coroner since 1856, and has held office longer than any other man in the county. In 1854 he built the first wharf and established the first ferry at Hastings across the Mississippi. He fixed the rate at ten cents and earned nothing at the com- mencement of his experiment, but the tide of im- migration setting in strongly soon afterwards, he reports even so high as $15 as the receipts for a

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. CITY OF HASTINGS -- BIOGRAPHICAL.

single day. In May of 1855, the Feltons made a claim in Nininger township, and have lived upon it since 1856, universally respected and esteemed.

Peter Ficker was born in Germany, February 17th, 1842. Came to the United States in 1860, first locating in Scott county, Minnesota, where he farmed four years. Thence he went to Doug- lass, Dakota county, remaining until 1874. Here he held for several years the offices of assessor, justice of the peace, also was a member of the school board. In 1873 he was elected from the twentieth district to the legislature and served two terms. Coming to Hastings in 1874, he at once established himself in the brewing business with Mr. Kelnhofer, as proprietors of the Hast- ings City Brewery. Since becoming a resident of this city he has been a member of the city council and of the school board. Married in April, 1866, to Magdaline Irrthum of Luxemburg. Mary, Anna, Anthony, Nicholas and Matthias are their living children.

Jeremiah E. Finch, president of the Minnesota State Medical Society, is a native of Woodstock, Province of Ontario, born November 22d, 1829. When quite young, the family moved to Long Point Bay, Norfolk county, on the shore of Lake Erie. There he was reared on a farm, receiving his education at Brockport Academy, New York where he spent two years. He read medicine at Toronto with Dr. John Rolfe, once a member of the Canadian parliament; attended medical lectures in the same city, and graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1854. Dr. Finch practiced a few months in Du Page county, Illinois; one year at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and in November, 1856, settled at Hastings. Here he has been in constant practice, except during one year's service in the Union army. He was appointed surgeon of the Seventh Minnesota Infantry in 1862, but losing his first-born child a year later, he resigned and hastened home. In his studies, the doctor has confined himself to his profession and its collateral branches. He is a close student and well posted, being an expert in both medicine and surgery. At a meeting of the State Medical Society, held in June, 1878, he was unanimously chosen president of the society, an act clearly indicating his standing among the medical fra- ternity of the state. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and was a dele-

gate to its annual meeting, held in Philadelphia in 1872. He has been a frequent contributor to medical periodicals, and some of his papers have been reproduced in British journals. Dr. Finch was mayor of the city of Hastings one term; has been president of the local school board for the past eight or nine years, and always stands ready to lend a helping hand in advancing the educational interests of the city. He lectures to the students of the high school on anatomy, physiology, hygiene and physics. The unusually high grade of studies in this school is owing largely to his influence. He is a Knight Templar in the masonic order, and was grand lecturer one year, -all the time he would consent to serve in that capacity, although elected for a term of five years. He has been married since the 10th of May, 1858, his wife being Mrs. Mary E. Holmes of Hastings. They have had three children. Only one of them, Albert A., survives.

Denis Follett, assistant cashier of First Na- tional bank, was born in Knowstone parish, Eng- land, March 3d, 1840. Came to this continent in 1856, and forthwith came to Hastings, Minne- sota, locating here. He engaged as book-keeper for the banking house of Follett and Rennick until 1864, when that firm merged into the First National bank of Hastings, Mr. Follett was made assistant cashier, which position he has since held. Married in 1871 to Abbie Williams, Boston, Mas- sachusetts.

C. E. Freeman, deceased, was born in Dela- ware county, New York, November 18th, 1824. For nine years previous to locating in Danville, Illinois, 1856, he was engaged in the mercantile business. Was pay-master for the Chicago and Carbon Coal Company three years. In 1859, kept a hotel in La Fayette, Indiana, came thence to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was manager of the Nicollet house five and one-half years. Moved to Faribault, and for three years was in the dry- goods business, and there educated his children. In 1870, came to Hastings, and became manager of the Tremont house, where he died in 1881. Married in 1849, to Miss M. J. Bryant. Three children have been born to them: Frank is the only one living.

E. Herbert Freeman is a native of Hudson, Wisconsin, born February 26th, 1853. Accompa- nied his parents to Hastings, during the spring

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of 1855. Was reared on a farm, but farming being distasteful to him, he turned his attention to other means of procuring a livelihood. In September, 1870, apprenticed to the printer's trade in the office of the Hastings Union. Dur- ing the summer of 1872, established a journal at Prescott, Wisconsin, called the Patriot, which existed only one year. In 1875, purchased W. R. Todd's interest in the Hastings Union, con- tinuing as one of its editors five years. Estab- lished the Hastings Daily News in December, 1880. Mr. Freeman has been twice married, his first wife. Jeanie L. Smith, died in 1876, his pres- ent wife was Kate C. Ferry, married in 1879.

Doctor R. Freeman was born in Orleans county, New York, in 1818. Here he was reared until twenty-two years as a farmer, also devoted some some time to the study of medicine. Went to Ohio and remained ten years, thence to Iowa, continuing his former occupation. In 1855, came to Minnesota and located at Hastings in 1875. His medical education was received through the study of human nature and observation. He has an electro-thermal bath institution. Has been twice married and has seven living children by his first wife. In 1867, married Mrs. Topping. His eldest son is a surgeon in Kansas.

J. P. Frye, of the firm of Meyer, Whitman and Frye, was born in Franklin township, Milwau- kee county, Wisconsin, April 16th, 1855. At the age of ten years removed to Pierce county, Wis- consin, remaining till 1872, and there received his education. Locating at that time in Hast- ings, he clerked in a grocery two months, then taught school in Vermillion six months. Re- turning to Hastings, he clerked for H. Gillitt four years, then became a partner of the firm of Meyer, Whitman and Frye.

Stephen Gardner is a native of Massachusetts, and was born at Bolton, on the 7th of December, 1806. Stephen was the eldest son of a family of eleven children and was carefully educated and fitted to enter Harvard college, at the age of twenty-one years, but chose a different career from the one marked out, and did not take a col- legiate course. He determined to seek a home in the West, and leaving home in December, 1827, passed the winter in New England, and in April, 1828, went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

and found employment in the salt works. In 1829, he made a trip on a flat-boat down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. He there became subject to chills and fever which unfitted him for business, and obliged him to seek a more healthy climate. He accordingly came to St. Louis and was for a time in the hospital. In the spring of 1831, he volunteered in the United States serv- ice for forty-five days, and served as private under General Gaines in the Black Hawk war. In 1832 he supplied steamboats with wood, thus laying the foundation for the large property he now owns. He next engaged in mercantile business at Columbia, Illinois, and met with great success. He was appointed postmaster by president Jackson, and held the office ten years. He was also engaged in milling business, run- ning both grist and saw-mills, first by ox-power and afterwards by steam. In 1864 he removed to Hastings and purchased the mill site at Ver- million Falls, including about one hundred acres of land, and the same year, erected a large stone mill. In 1873 he built a mill at Cannon Falls, Goodhue county. In addition to his milling in- terests, he is also largely interested in banking, and is president of the First National bank at Hastings, and the First National at Cannon Falls, in both of which he is a large stock-holder. He was first married in 1848, to Miss Alice Cleg- horn of New York, by whom he had one son, Lyman Shaw; both wife and child died of cholera in 1849. In 1850 he was married to Miss Louise S. Ingalls, of Griffin, Georgia, by whom he has six children living, having lost one in infancy. Achsah, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Charles Espenschied of St. Louis, Missouri, who is the manager of the Vermillion mill; Abby was married in 1876, to Samuel W. Mairs, of New Jersey; Stephen P., the eldest son, was married to Julia Brewster, of Chicago, Illinois, in 1877; Clara Louise, the fourth daughter, is an artist, having completed her studies at the cele- brated school of Miss Putnam, in Boston, Massa- chusetts, and has since traveled in Europe and the Holy Land; George and Fred are the two youngest sons, and are now completing their ed- ucation. Mr. Gardner is eminently a self-made man, having accumulated a large property, through his untiring personal efforts. Until quite recently he has been able to give his per-

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sonal attention to active business, though hav- ing passed the alloted three score and ten years.

J. H. Gieske is a native of Germany, born June 6th, 1889. Came to America in 1844, to El- gin, Kane county, Illinois. When twenty-one years of age enlisted in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry as lieutenant under Captain Myers, who, in conse- quence of deafness, was discharged, Mr. Gieske being promoted to fill the position. Participated in many battles, and after the battle of Pitts- burgh Landing, was promoted to the rank of colonel of the Fourth Missouri, and was honorably discharged at St. Louis, May 10th, 1865. Re- turning home, he was ice dealer fifteen years, and was an auctioneer in his native state twenty years. In 1879, came to Hastings, and has since been manager of the Western hotel. Married Sophia Weber in 1859. John L. F., August C., Herman H., Ameail I., Walter C., Will. N., and Matilda are their living children.

Harvey Gillitt was born in New York in 1830. Attended school until fourteen years of age, then accompanied his parents to Adrian, Michi- gan. Soon after the father died, and for one year Harvey worked the farm on shares. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, follow- ing it three years. In 1849, went to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; thence to La Crescent, Minne- sota, in 1851, making him one of the earliest settlers. He made a claim and lived in a shanty two years, then built a log house. In 1855, laid out a town and soon succeeded in seeing there about three hundred settlers. During the summer of that year sold his interests to what was known as the Kentucky Company, then went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and, with his brother, pur- chased the steamer "Adelia," which they ran be- tween St. Paul and St. Louis. In.1856, bought Henry G. Bailly's addition to Hastings for $14,- 500, and soon after sold for $32,480. Two years later traded the steamer for Hastings property. In 1870, bought out D. W. Truax, and opened a general merchandise store, in which business he is still engaged. A stock company, called the Hastings Publishing Company, was formed in 1875, being incorporated under the state laws for the general printing business, and a paper was started called the New Era, with Mr. Gillett as manager. The following year he purchased the entire stock, and in April, 1880, sold a one-half

interest to U. M. Thomas. Married in 1857 to Georgia R. Shubert, of Philadelphia. Ella E .. Clara A., George H., William H., Ernest L. and Fred C. are their children.

William Gillitt was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 19th, 1832. In 1852, came to Wisconsin with his brother and helped to organ- ize the town of La Crescent, near La Crosse. Removed to Hastings in 1858, and for several years was captain on the Mississippi. He after- ward engaged in other enterprises in Dakota county, until purchasing his present valuable property. Captain Gillitt is better known among his fellow townsmen for his generous and modest demeanor than as the recipient of public honors or great wealth.

A. H. Gilkey, a native of Indiana, was born in Columbus, Bartholomew county. March 17th, 1855. When ten years of age came with his par- ents to Hastings and was reared as a farmer. He started in the pump and drive-well business on his own account in April, 1880, although still in- terested in agriculture. Elia C. Temple, of this city, became his wife in April, 1878.

S. U. Greiner was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, October 9th, 1839. He was reared in his native place and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1859, removed to Minnesota and worked at his trade in different parts of the state until 1862, then permanently settled in Hastings. Continued at his trade until 1864, then engaged in wheat buying, and three years later returned to his trade. In 1877, became a partner of Mr. Johnson, the firm being Johnson and Greiner, hardware dealers. Married, in 1868, to Sarah L. Johnson. who has borne him two children, Frank L. and Harry S.

Rev. James B. Halton, priest of the Church of the Guardian Angels,is a native of County Meath, Ireland, born August 4th, 1844. Acquired his preliminary education at a classical school in his native county. In 1861 he came to America and at once entered St. Charles college, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained until graduating in 1866. Entering St. Vincent's college at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he studied for the priest- hood until 1868, being then called to St. Paul, Minnesota, by the bishop to prepare for ordina- tion. In June, 1868, he was ordained, and the

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next month was sent to Hastings which has been the field of his labors since.

George Hampton was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, April 6th, 1833. Here he resided until 1857, then came to Dakota county, Minnesota, locating at Randolph. Engaged in farming till 1861, then removed to Vermillion township and turned his attention to agriculture and stock raising. While there held the offices of town clerk and director of schools. Removing thence to Hastings he has since been farming. Was a member of the school board of Hastings three years. Married in 1863 to Ruth Butcher, of Cumberland county, New Jersey.

Jerome Hanna was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1843. When ten years old came with his parents to Nininger township, Minnesota. His father pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres and built a house receiving his lumber from Stillwater, there being none nearer at that time. Jerome attended school at Nininger, and when nineteen years old enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving fourteen months, was honorobly discharged at Fort Ridgely in 1864. About five years later, in company with his brother, bought eighty acres and have since added by purchase, having now six hundred and fifteen acres. He came to Hastings in October, 1879, and rented a home, where he still resides. Miss Julia Browning became his wife in 1869. She has borne him two children Nellie L. and Mary T.

G. H. Hawes, M. D., was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, November 19th, 1832. Here he was reared and in 1855, removed to St. Anthony. Minnesota, engaging in mercantile pursuits until 1860. For six years after, gave his attention to lumbering. He then commenced the study of medicine, with Dr. Higbee of Red Wing, Minnesota, afterwards graduating as M. D. fi n Hahnemann College of Chicago, Illinois. After three years practice in Iowa, Dr. Hawes located in Hastings in 1875, where he has since been in practice. Married in 1857, to Mary E. Pratt of River Falls, Wisconsin. Ellen M. and Arthur B. are their living children.

O. T. Hayes was born in New London, Merri- mack county, New Hampshire, December 2d, 1827. Was reared in his native place and received his early instruction. Early in life he embarked in 1

mercantile pursuits, having three stores, one of which was in his native town. He first read law with Samuel Butterfield of Andover, New Hamp- shire, remaining with him four years. He was also postmaster and justice of the peace at George's Mills, Sullivan county, which offices he held until coming to Hastings during the fall of 1858. Was practicing law and dealing in real es- tate; also appointed county attorney of Goodhue county by Governor Gorman. In 1855, was made county attorney of Dakota county, also post- master. The latter position he resigned soon after. Was one of the first aldermen in Hastings and Mayor in 1860. At the first call for volun- teers in 1861, he assisted in raising Company H. First Minnesota Infantry, with which company he went out as first lieutenant. After the battle of Bull Run, was mustered out on account of physical disability. In March, 1863, was com- missioned major of the First Minnesota Cavalry, by Governor Ramsey, serving until mustered out at Fort Snelling in December, 1863. Returning to Hastings he resumed his practice but soon re- tired in consequence of declining health. He was a member of the legislature in 1863; has been justice of the peace several years; was elected court commissioner in 1880. He was admitted to the bar of supreme courts in 1854, at Hastings, and is now the oldest lawyer in Dakota county. Mr. Hayes has been twice married. Lucina A. Emerson his first wife died in 1858, leaving two children, Henry H. and Lucina A .; his second wife was Mary C. Matthews, married in 1859. Kate and Archie M. are children by his second wife.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 53

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

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