USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 54
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John H. Heath, clerk of district court, was born in Cortland county, New York, January 11th, 1832. At the age of six years, removed to Knox county, Ohio, and resided there with his parents until 1848. Removed thence to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and clerked in a general merchandise store, shortly after being made a partner with his father in the same business. Subsequently was for three years engaged in farming in Iowa, then in 1864, came to Hastings. In 1876, received the appointment as clerk of district court, which po- sition he still occupies. He is agent for the American and United States Express companies and the Diamond Joe line of steamers. His mar- riage with Virginia Stultz of New York, occurred
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in 1858. Henry M., Anna, George M., Hattie M., Leila and William M. are their children.
Michael Heinen, county auditor, was born in Prussia, October 28th, 1846. Immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1857, and first settled near St. Paul, Minnesota. He was here reared on his father's farm, and was educated in the schools of Ramsey county. In 1865, came to Vermillion, Dakota county, and engaged in farm- ing. Held the office of town clerk of Vermillion four years and was chairman of the board of supervisors two years. During the fall of 1872 was elected county auditor and still holds that po- sition. Married in 1871 to Elizabeth Schwartz, who has borne him five children: Magdalene, Barbara, Josephine, Mary and Catherine.
P. A. Heitz, M. D., is a native of Germany, born February 12th, 1820. Acquired his educa- tion in his native country, and graduated from the University of Heidelberg with the degree of M. D., in 1846. Practiced there until coming to this continent in 1847. Located at Malta, Ohio, practicing one year; thence to Hannibal, Mis- souri, and practiced until July, 1880. He then removed to Hastings and is here permanently lo- cated. He was elected vice-president of the State Medical Association of Missouri, being still a member; is also a member of the Marion County, Missouri, Medical Society. Mary J. Webster, of Georgetown, D. C., became his wife in June, 1844. Louis, Anna, John, Homer, Mary, Orma, Elizabeth and Phillip are their children.
Henry Hetherington is a native of Ireland, born January 1st, 1825. At an early age he im- migrated to Upper Canada, remaining there until 1852. He then came to Point Douglas, Minne- sota, thence the year following to Hastings, mak- ing a claim, on which he lived two years. Subse- quently, he was made deputy sheriff of Dakota county, continuing as such five years. In 1862, enlisted in Company G, Second Minnesota In- fantry, and was mustered out on account of dis- ability at the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1863. Returning to Hastings, he remained until De- cember of that year, then enlisted in Company F, Second Minnesota Cavalry. Was discharged for disability after one year of service. Returned again to Hastings, and was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held many years. He married Adeline Legg, of Canada, in 1846.
George J., Emily S., Ruby M., Henry F., Ther- esa S., Gordon R., and Christopher C. are their living children.
William Hodgson, attorney at law, was born at Elizabeth, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, May 29th, 1847. His father visited Dakota county, Minne- sota, in 1854, and being favorably impressed re- turned for his family. The following year they settled in Green Vale township, after pre- empting one hundred and sixty acres. Here William was reared by working on the farm dur- ing summer, and attending school winters. De- cember 8th, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Sec- ond Minnesota Cavalry, and served until must- ered out at Fort Snelling, December 5th, 1865. After returning home, he resumed his studies attending Hamline University three terms. Com- menced the study of law at Red Wing, with Phelps and Tabor, being admitted to the bar in July, 1870. Began his practice in Farmington, continuing there until establishing himself at Hastings in 1874. In the spring of 1880, was elected city attorney. Married in September, 1870, to Drucilla S. Hutchinson, of Manchester, England: Lawrence C. and Edith C. are their living children. Mrs. Hodgson died in May, 1878.
Michael Hoffman was born in Luxemburg, November 16th, 1852. Was telegraph operator in his native country, and in 1871, came to Amer- ica, proceeding to Dubuque, Iowa, remaining until 1874. At that time came to Hastings to locate, choosing the liquor trade as a means of livelihood. Married in Hastings, in 1877, to Miss Susie Kohler; Peter and Katie are their living children.
David Hone, one of the oldest living pioneers of Minnesota, was born in Otsego county, New York, April 5th, 1808, his father being one of the early pioneers of that county. In 1837, he re- moved to Madison county, Illinois, and the next year began farming, continuing only a short time. He then moved to Washington county, Minnesota, and made a claim by cutting his name on a tree where Marine Mills now stands. Re- turned for his family, and came back during the spring of 1839, making the trip from St. Louis to the head waters of the St. Croix by boat in twenty-five days. After a short time spent in lumbering interests, removed in 1840, to Gray
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Cloud Island, and for three years engaged in farming. During the spring of 1843, located at Point Douglas, and in July of the same year, commenced building the old Union house, which was finished in 1844, it being the first all frame building in the state. This he managed five years, then rented it. In 1871, came to Hastings. In 1875, he retired from active pursuits in conse- quence of failing health. Mr. Hone was formerly magistrate at Gray Cloud Island, and took a ter- ritorial census in 1849. Married in 1838 to Mary A. Henry, who died in 1854, leaving three chil- dren: Edward A., John H. and Emmett M. He married Miss E. B. Barnes in 1865.
N. C. Johnson, son of Chauncey Johnson, one of the old pioneers of this county, was born in Lorain county, Ohio, June 28th, 1842. When a child he removed with his parents to Knox county, Ohio, residing there until 1854. The family then removed to Hastings, taking also a claim in Marshan township. August 12th, 1862, Mr. Johnson enlisted in Company F. Seventh Minne- sota Infantry, and served until mustered out at Fort Snelling in September, 1865. Returning to Hastings, he gave his attention to the grocery trade, and afterward to various other pursuits. He was the first fireman on the Hastings and Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway. He is now with the firm of Johnson and Greiner, well-known hardware deal- ers. Married in November, 1867, to Julia A. Thomas of Indiana. Merlin is their only child.
P. T. Judge was born in Vermont, December 25th, 1849. When but six years old he accom- panied his parents to this county, who made a claim in Marshan township. His father froze to death in Marshan, in 1858, and the next spring the family removed to Hastings. Here Mr. Judge attended school until fifteen years old, then, deciding to learn a trade, apprenticed to Mr. Warsop in his foundry. To perfect himself in his chosen trade, he afterward worked in St. Paul, St. Louis, Jersey City and Worcester. In 1875 he again returned to Hastings and purchased the old shop in which he first began his trade. This he has since owned and operated, having all the necessary machinery to do any work in his line of business. In 1874 he married Miss F. E. Cann- ing at Hastings. Frank is their only child.
Edmond Kane, a native of County Limerick,
Ireland, was born in 1839. After acquiring a common school education, he learned the black- smith's trade, working at it three years. In 1852, came to America and for three years made his home and worked at his trade in Alton, Illinois. He afterward visited other places in the pursuit of his trade. During the war was employed three years as blacksmith in Curtis' division. He then embarked in business for himself in Hast- ings and in 1880, took a partner, the firm being Kane and Cavanaugh. Mr. Kane owns two hundred and sixty acres in Vermillion township. Married to Kate Shay in 1860. John, Ellen, Pat- rick, William and Mary are their children.
John Kennedy, postmaster, was born Septem- ber 22d, 1827, in Canada West. Here he was reared and received his education at the public and normal schools. He afterwards taught school several years. In 1853, came to Traverse de Sioux, Minnesota. The next spring he went to Mendota, Dakota county, and was book-keeper for General Sibley until January, 1856. He then resigned to take the office of register of deeds, having been elected during the fall of 1855. This position he held six years. In Au- gust. 1862, he organized Company F. Seventh Minnesota Infantry, paying all the expenses of organizing, as to uniforms, arms, transportation, etc., the company being mustered in at Fort Snelling, with Mr. Kennedy as captain. Served until mustered out at Fort Snelling August 16th, 1865, with the rank of major, which he received March 13th, 1865, for gallant conduct at the bat- tle before Nashville, Tennessee. Returning to Hastings after the war, he was elected in 1866 auditor of Dakota county, which office he held until entering upon his duties as postmaster of Hastings in 1873.
Charles King was born on the Isle of Man in 1814. Went to school until fourteen years of age, then learned the painters' trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven vears. Worked at his trade ten years, and in 1854, came to America, proceeding to Minnesota. In 1856, built a house on his claim, where his family resided, while he followed his trade in Hastings. Was appointed teacher of district No. 33, he being the first teacher in the township. In 1860, moved his family to Hastings and purchased his present place of residence. Entered the war as overseer
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in the quarter-master's department and remained one year, then returned home. He has since fol- lowed his trade, and has the reputation of being a first-class painter. Married Mary Clague in 1840. Mary A., Lizzie E., Ellen J., and Wm. C. are their children.
Charles Knocke, merchant tailor, a native of Germany, was born in 1836. He was reared to manhood in his native country, and in Novem- ber, 1861, embarked for America, landing at New York. Early in 1862, removed to St. Paul, Min- nesota, where he worked at his trade until 1868. At that time came to Hastings, and was foreman of the tailoring department of the "New York Store " of Hastings. Subsequently, he established himself in the merchant tailoring business, in which he has since continued. His first wife was Leah Coleman, married in Germany in 1860. After his wife's death, he married again in 1871. Harry, Helen and Vernie are his children.
N. F. W. Kranz, the subject of this sketch, was born in Nusbaum (Province of Trees) Prussia, March 3d, 1841. He came to America with his parents in 1851, living at Hastings-upon- Hudson, until 1856. His father, Nicholas Kranz, having come to Hampton, in this county, as one of the first settlers, his son followed him in Au- gust, 1856. Mr. Kranz lived in Hampton for eleven years, holding the office of town clerk for the eight years after he was of age. He was early identified with the educational interests of the country, teaching the first school in the town of Hampton in the winter of 1856. He continued to teach for the next ten years in districts No. 60 and 62. In those primitive days the school-house was built of logs, and contained no chairs, bench or other educational appliance. The pupils sat upon the ground, and the master was also obliged to choose between that position and standing. Mr. Kranz led the life of a farmer at Hampton, living on a claim of one hundred and sixty. acres, made early by his father, and added to afterwards, by purchase. In 1864, he was mar- ried to Miss Anna M. Bohr. Receiving the elec- tion as register of deeds for Dakota county, he removed to Hastings in December of 1867, where he has since resided, retaining the same office. He was instrumental in building the German Catholic church, and German parish school of Hastings, as well as, with his father, in building.
the first Catholic church in the county, at New Trier. Mr. Kranz has brothers, John, Charles, Matthew and P. F. Kranz. It is from this family that Kranzburg, Dakota territory, derives its name.
J. B. Lambert was born in Bucksport, Han- cock county, Maine, May 17th, 1845. While an infant, his parents removed to Waldo county of the same state. Here was his home until 1863, when he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Maine Infantry, and served until mustered out at Fort Schuyler, New York, in May, 1865. Re- turning to Waldo county, he taught music until 1866; thence to Hastings and continued teaching school and music until 1871, when he started a music store. He has added to his present exten- sive stock by degrees. Mr. Lambert was mayor of Hastings from 1878-'80, serving two terms. Married in 1871, to Mrs. Barbara Schaller.
C. H. L. Lange, grain dealer, and one of the prominent firm of Kellogg and Lange, was born in Germany, February 17th, 1832. Came to the United States in 1852 and located at Galena, Illi- nois, where he was employed as book-keeper in a wholesale grocery house until 1858. Removed to Bellevue, Iowa, and established a general mer- chandise trade, continuing until June, 1861; then organized company I, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and served as its captain ten months. Upon receiv- ing news that his wife was dying and being re- fused a leave of absence he resigned his commis- sion. He moved to Hastings with his family in 1862, and has since been a prominent wheat deal- er. The new elevator erected by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway company has been rented by himself and partner and is in- tended for a transfer elevator, to be used princi- pally in connection with the Hastings and Dako- ta division. Kellogg and Lange have also other elevators on this division. Frederica Rehse of Germany, became the wife of Mr. Lange in 1853. William T., Charles T., Jacob II., Adele and Anna are their children.
William Lee was born in Manchester, Massa- chusetts, July 21st, 1812. At the age of fifteen he went to Ipswich and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1833. He then entered Phillips Academy remaining two years, afterward entered Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and remained three years, paying his
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tuition and supporting himself by labor at his trade during vacations. He next taught school at New London; was selectman of the town and justice of the peace, and held the lat- ter office until coming to Hastings in 1854. He was a contractor and builder until 1870, and built one of the first, if not the first frame dwelling in Hastings. Was a member of the first city council two years, and since 1874, has been county con- stable. Married in 1839 to Lydia Dow of New Hampshire. Sarah and Nancy A. are the living children. His wife died in 1876 and three years later he was married to Mrs. A. M. Lavery, of New York city.
Charles B. Lowell, one of the Dakota county pioneers, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, October 2d, 1829. He was educated at Fredonia Academy, and in 1851, studied law with F. A. Madison of Fredonia, but decided to adopt civil engineering. He served in that capacity next year on the Buffalo and State Line railroad. In 1853, went south and taught in Kentucky and Tennessee. Coming thence to St. Paul, Minne- sota, early in 1855, serving in the city survey for a short time, then came to Hastings. He was the first city surveyor of Hastings, elected in 1856. Was elected county surveyor, 1863, and re-elected five consecutive terms on the republican ticket, though the county was largely democratic. He is at present engaged in engineering and agricul- tural pursuits and is agent for the Northwestern Endowment and Legacy Association; is a fluent speaker and well versed in the politics of the day. Married in 1857 to Mary G. Crane of his native county. Their children are Arthur J. and Charles S.
Jacob Mares was born in Prussia, March 9th, 1839. He received his early instruction and grew to manhood in his native place, and in 1853, came to America, landing in New York city. He immediately proceeded to Wisconsin, residing in that state until 1860. Removed thence to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, making this place his home until 1869, then came to Hastings. Here he started in the grocery trade for himself, having since continued. Married to Miss Swig- ley, January 5th, 1862. Their children are Jose- phine, Andrew, Mary, Nicholas, Jacob and John.
Charles Mather, son of Alonzo Mather, one of
the oldest settlers of Hastings, was born at Be- loit, Rock county, Wisconsin, June 17th, 1850. When seven years old he came to Hastings with his parents, since making this his home. At the age of fourteen he engaged as clerk in a leading dry-goods House of Hastings, remaining seven years; afterward clerked in other lines of trade until 1877, then started in the grocery and crock- ery business. His father was also interested. Mr. Mather is at present city clerk of Hastings. In 1874, married Lucy Bechner of Galveston, Texas. Helen, Agnes and Shirley are their children.
John McDonald was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, February 25th, 1847. The same year his father, Thomas McDonald removed to Point Douglas and engaged in farming. The lives of himself and wife came to a sad end, both being drowned while crossing on the ferry from Hast- ings in February, 1858. John remained on the farm until December, 1863, then enlisted in Com- pany F, Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving until discharged for disability at Fort Ridgely in 1865. Returning to the old homestead, after one year, removed to Stillwater and gave his attention to lumbering for eight years; thence to the Pacific coast for two years. Locating at Hastings in 1876, he purchased one-half interest in the ferry, which he sold in 1880, and started a fine livery stable on Vermillion street.
Thomas McDonald was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, December 9th, 1843. When a child of four years of age his parents removed to Point Doug- las, Minnesota, and engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Thomas remained on the farm until July 15th, 1861, then enlisted in Company H, Second Minnesota Infantry, and served until December 27th, 1868. He then re-enlisted in the same com- pany as a veteran and served until mustered out with the regiment at Fort Snelling, July 11th, 1865. Returning to civil life he came to Hast- ings, and for one year was a farmer, then was in mercantile pursuits till his stock was burned in 1871. After railroading one year, he in 1873, started a saloon in which he still continues. Alice N. Jennison, of Boston, Massachusetts, became his wife in September, 1865. Five children have been born to them: Cora R., Effie M., Abbie P., Grace and Amy.
Michael McHugh was born in Brooklyn, New
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York, January 8th, 1826. Here he grew to man- hood and learned the trade of tinsmith. Con- tinued at his trade there. except two years at Philadelphia, until coming to Hastings in May, 1856. He followed his trade until 1861, then built a store at his present location, and started in the hardware business. Was for several years connected with the school board, and was instru- mental in converting the system of common schools to the present graded schools. In 1846, married Mary Casey, of Brooklyn, New York. James P., Mary J. and Agnes C. are their child- ren. Margaret A., who died in May, 1874, was a well-known and popular teacher in the schools of Hastings.
John McNiff, an old settler, was born in Ire- land, March 18th, 1806. Immigrated to Quebec, Canada, and soon after to Upper Canada. Dur- ing the fall of the same year, removed to Rich- mond, Virginia; here engaged in different pur- suits until the spring of 1840, then went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On May 23d, en- listed in the United States army and after serving one year in the Florida wars, was ordered to Fort Snelling in 1841, serving the balance of his term of enlistment. In 1845, came to Point Douglas, Minnesota, and until 1856, engaged in farming, then came to Hastings, and has since been a resident. Mr. McNiff also served in the late rebellion, enlisting in Company F, Second Minnesota Cavalry in December, 1863, being discharged for disability at fort Ridgely during the winter of 1864. He has been twice married. Margaret J. and Catharine are his daughters by his first wife. His present wife was Mary Perkins of Ireland, married in 1859. Julia A. is their only offspring.
John C. Meloy was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, March 14th, 1824. Removed to Baltimore, Maryland in 1838 and worked at house and sign painting till 1845. The follow- ing year went to Pottsville, making that place his home till 1850. Returning to his native county, embarked in the coal trade, and in May, 1856, came to Hastings. Subsequently was elected county auditor, serving two terms. Next engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and probably sold the first machinery in Hast- ings. In 1862, A. W. Gardner became his part- ner, the firm still continuing as Gardner and
Meloy. They are also agents for the Keokuk Northern Line Packet Company, and are largely interested in buying and storing wheat. Mr. Me- loy is also vice-president of the First National bank of Hastings. Elizabeth O'Regan of Ire- land became his wife in 1848. Eight children have been born to them; the living are, Charles J., Kate E., H. Vincent and Rose.
F. W. Meyer, merchant, is a native of Ger- many, born may 19th. 1851. In his native land his youth was passed, and in 1870 he came to this continent, landing in New York city. Came directly to Hastings, where he has since resided, having no relatives this side of the ocean. In 1877 the firm of Meyer, Whitman and Frye, deal- ers in dry-goods and clothing, was formed, they being the heaviest firm in Hastings. Mr. Meyer is a single man.
James S. Mills was born at Worcester, Massa- chusetts, November 20th, 1855. His parents having died during his childhood, he was placed under guardians; with them he came to Roches- ter, Minnesota, and was kept in school until reaching the age of seventeen years. He then ran away from his home to Mason City, Iowa, to learn the printer's trade. Returned to Roches- ter three years subsequently, immediately assum- ing the editorship of the "Reed's Landing Press." Retained this position one year; then relinquished it to accept that of editor and foreman of the "Wabasha Herald." Two years later he came to Hastings as editor of the "New Era," and after three years' experience he resigned, and now is one of the editors of the "Hastings Daily News." October 31st, 1880, he married Celina Chiquet of this city.
Barthel Miller was born in Prussia in 1848. After receiving a common school education, in 1867, came to America. For one year he clerked in a book-store in Chicago; thence to Minnesota and clerked in a shoe-store. In 1870 he located at Hastings, and after working in a shoe-store, began that business for himself. Has since been manager of several hotels; finally, in 1880, he purchased the City hotel where he now is. He married Miss Mary Schiltz in 1872.
William Moorhouse, born March 8th, 1830, is a native of Beckwith, Canada. He was reared as a farmer, and in 1835,removed to Leeds county, remaining until 1848; then entered the mercan-
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tile business at Perth as clerk. In 1851 he took charge of a branch store at Lanark, which he soon purchased. In 1861 he came to Nininger, Minnesota, and ran a saw mill with D. W. Truax. Came to Hastings in 1863, and was one of the firm of Truax, Moorhouse and Knowlton, inter- ested in what is now the Libbey lumber-mill. He next went into the grocery trade. continuing until 1868; then engaged in selling agricultural implements. Since 1870 he has been largely con- nected with millinery and fancy goods. He has been one of the elders of the Presbyterian church since 1878. Mr. Moorhouse has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Sarah Van Auken, a native of New York, who in 1864 estab- lished a millinery trade in Hastings. Isabella, Clare E. and Emma F. E. are his daughters by his first wife.
Stephen Newell, born in 1826, is a native of Ireland. Was educated in the Irish national schools, and for one year was employed as clerk by the government. In 1847 he came to America, proceeding to Rhode Island, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it until 1851, then for three years was in Chicago. In 1854, came to Burnsville, Dakota county, and took charge of his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His father died in 1855. Four years later be was elected to the legislature, and held his seat only thirty days, being displaced by the whole vote of Burnsville being thrown out. He held the office of school clerk until 1862; in the fall of the same year he was elected sheriff of Dakota county, and held the office until 1877; then re- signed in consequence of ill-health. In 1863 he removed his family to Hastings, where he now resides. Married, in 1858, Ann Killelia. Frank, Mary, Annie, John, Joseph, Kate, Stephen and Vincent are their children.
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