USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 55
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John F. Newton was born in London, Eng- land, February 12th, 1840. When ten years old ran away from home and came to the United States; after a short stay in the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, succeeded in coming west. He first learned the printer's trade at Prescott, Wisconsin. He worked later on the Minnesotian at St. Paul. Came to Hast- ings in 1860 and worked on the Conserver until 1861, then enlisted in Company B, Sixth Wiscon- sin Infantry, and served until mustered out at
Central Park hospital, at New York, during the fall of 1863. Returning to Hastings, he worked at his trade on the Hastings Democrat; subse- quently clerked in the auditor's office three years. Kept a restaurant two years, and in 1871, was chief of police. In 1875, was elected police justice, which office he held until elected sheriff of the county in 1878. Married in 1866, Ella Ware, a native of England: John E. and Marga- ret L. are their living children.
George W. Noesen is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born February 2d, 1842. Came with his parents to this country in early youth, and first located at Port Washington, Wisconsin. Here he remained and received his early educa- tion, afterward attending Delavan College. In 1862, went to Lake Superior country as salesman for a grocery house, and remained until 1866. Returning to his home, he began the dry-goods business, continuing till 1869; thence, after re- ceiving a commercial education at Chicago. Bry- ant and Stratton's College, to Reeds Landing, Minnesota. and clerked for a short time. For five years was in the drug business, then went to Red Wing in the same line of trade. Coming to Hastings in 1879, the well-known firm of Noesen and Funk was formed, dealers in drugs, paints, oils, etc. Married Mary Delfeld in 1873. Their living children are, Mary A. and Adolph G.
Samuel Norrish, of the firm of Thorne and Norrish, druggist, was born in Devonshire, Eng- land, November 2d, 1818. He engaged as a tiller of soil until 1873. Immigrated at that time to the United States, and has since been a resident of Hastings, being principally interested in wheat speculation. He has a grain elevator on the Hastings and Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway. In November, 1878, he became a partner in the present firm. In 1847, married Mary A. Fisher, of England. Their living children are, Alfred F., John F., Frank F., Ellen F. and Kate M.
Daniel O'Brien is a native of Kilkenny county, Ireland, born in 1839, was raised as a farmer. In 1858, came to America with his father and set- tled in Rice county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 1862, with his two brothers in Company H, Tenth Minnesota Volunteers, and served three years; was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, in August, 1865. He returned home and soon after
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bought one hundred acres in Empire township. He farmed until elected treasurer of Da- kota county in 1876. Married Mary Casey in 1868. Their children are, Julia, Mary, Maggie, Agnes, Matilda, Stephen and Daniel.
C. Otte, a native of Germany, was born in 1852. Was with his father in business in the mercantile trade. Came across to America in 1856, and located in Hampton township with his father and remained until 1869, they having four hundred and sixty acres. On locating at Hast- ings, he learned the carriage-making trade and worked at it until 1876. Opened the hotel where he now is in 1877. Kate Swartz became his wife .in 1876. Frank and Mary are their children.
E. G. Otte, son of the early settler of Hastings, August Otte, who died in 1869, was born in Ger- many August 13th, 1854. Came to the United States in 1857, locating first in Hampton, Minne- sota, engaged in farming. In 1870, moved to Hastings, and for six years was clerk in register of deeds office. Filled the position of book- keeper of the First National bank one and one- half years. In 1879, became a partner in the firm of Beltz and Otte, dealers in hardware, leather, etc. He and Miss Charlotte Reinhardt, of Hast- ings, were united in marriage in 1876. Fred and Edwin are their children.
Benjamin Pringle, the pioneer hardware dealer of Hastings, is a native of this city, born Sep- tember 25th, 1859. Here he has since resided, although his education was acquired principally at St. Paul and Minneapolis. His present exten- sive business was established by his father in 1856. Upon the death of his parent he assumed full charge of the business.
Henry H., eldest son of Judge Benjamin Pringle, was born in Batavia, New York, March 10th, 1882. Graduated at Hobart College, in New York, in 1853, and three years later engaged in hardware business at Hastings. He was one of the most influential and successful citizens of the town. Was a director in the First National bank, a prominent freemason and officer in St. Luke's parish. September 2d, 1858, married Louise A. Sprague, of Batavia, who with two sons, Benjamin and William, survive his death, which occurred September 21st, 1879.
John Rhodes, dealer in agricultural imple- ments, is a native of New York, born in St.
Lawrence county, December 12th, 1837. In 1856, came with his parents to Point Douglas and soon after to Hastings. He was for some time engaged in the merchandise and agricultural machinery business. Subsequently speculated in wheat un- til 1864. He then entered the army as commis- sary clerk, and after serving eleven months, re- turned to Hastings and again began dealing in farm machinery, at which he has since con- tinued.
F. A. Richards was born in Maine in 1844. He was reared on a farm, and in 1862 enlisted in the Nineteenth Maine Infantry, and served three years; was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Get- tysburg and several others. Was honorably dis- charged at Augusta, Maine, in 1865. Came thence to Hastings and worked in a saw-mill for three years, then engaged in trucking business nine years. In 1878, started in the livery,having since continued. He formed a partnership with Mr. Ferry, the firm known as Richards and Ferry. Married in 1869 to Anna A. Simmons. Ada, Mary, Etta and Ralph are their children.
Albert Schaller, county attorney, is a native of Chicago, Illinois, born May 20th, 1856. While yet a babe was brought by his parents to Hast- ings. Here he was educated and passed his youth; his education was completed at St. Vin- cent's college at Cape Giardeau, Missouri, and two years in France acquiring a knowledge of the classics. Studied law at the St. Louis Law School, graduating from that institution in 1879. The same year was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Missouri and the courts of Min- nesota. Was elected county attorney in Novem- ber, 1879.
Peter Schmith, a native of Germany, was born September 29th, 1825. Came to the United States in 1848 and located at Louisville, Ken- tucky, and farmed one year; then was employed in a boot and shoe house in the same place six years. In 1855, came to Hastings and manufac- tured boots and shoes two years, afterward clerked in the grocery store of J. F. Rees. Be- gan farming in 1863, continuing three years, then into the brewing business until 1873. The spring following embarked into the grocery trade, car- rying a stock of groceries, crockery, flour, feed, etc. Christina Schmutz, of Louisville, Ken-
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tucky, became his wife in 1863. Two children were born to them, Tilli and Helen.
Frederick Schurch was born in Switzerland, March 25th, 1844. After passing eleven years in his native land, he came to this continent, and first located in Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania. One year later he removed to Phillips- burgh, New Jersey, there learning the trade of harness-making. Coming to Hastings in 1865, and after working one year with his father, be- came his partner in his chosen trade. In this po- sition he continued till 1869, then began again alone at his present location. He engaged in various lines of business in connection with his regular trade, but since January, 1878, has given his entire attention to harness-making, having present one of the finest harness and horse-furnish- ing establishments in the north-west. Married in 1867 to Lena Marty, of Washington county, Minnesota. Annie, John F., Elizabeth and Em- ma are their children.
Alex A. Scott was born in 1154, and is a native of Canada. Attended school until thirteen years of age then came to the states with his parents in 1867. Coming to Hastings he clerked for L. L. Twichell three years and soon after began in the photograph business under Mr. Proctor. Sub- sequently he became his partner and was with him seven years. In 1876, opened a photograph gallery for himself; he has all the facilities as well as the ability to do first class work, his being the leading place in the city.
Peter Smith, jeweler, is a native of Germany. and there lived from the time of his birth, 1819 until 1847, then came to America. The father being a jeweler, his son acquired the trade at the age of ten years. He settled in America, first at Mansfield, Ohio, removing two years later to San- dusky City, thence in 1851,to Cincinnati. In 1855, came to Hastings and opened the first jewelry store in Dakota county. The next year he built a store in the same locality. He is now doing business at 256 Second street, and has a general stock of jewelry, plate, watches and clocks. Mr. Smith and Miss Barbara Abel were united in mar- riage in 1855. They have nine children living: Kate, Ferdinand, Charles, Jacob, Adolph, Matil- da, Peter, Mary and John.
Robert J. Smith, born in Saratoga county, New York, in 1819. When five years of age his father
died and Robert was soon after adopted by a farmer, with whom he made his home five years. His chosen trade was blacksmithing, which he learned in Washington county and at which he worked two years, then in 1833,went to Herkimer county. His home was in different parts of New York until 1852, when he went to California. Here he followed various pursuits and the next year returned to Herkimer county. Came to Ver- million, Minnesota, took a claim and built a little cabin, where he remained until 1872. There was on his arrival only one house in the township. Having since added to his original claim by pur- chase, he now has two hundred and forty acres. Located at Hastings in 1872, in a place he had previously bought. Married Nancy Helmer, in October, 1854. Robert S. is their only child.
William P. Stanley was born at Buffalo, New York, in August, 1829. He was left an orphan before attaining the age of three years, since hav- ing encountered the many disadvantages of those who climb the ladder alone. When eight years old went to Canada and remained until sixteen, in the meantime learning the harness trade. Thence he went to Watertown, New York, con- tinued his trade until attaining majority. Com- ing west he located first at Neenah, Wisconsin; in 1852, to Dubuque, lowa, and in 1853, to Galena, Illinois. Three years later he came to Hastings, Minnesota, and at one started his present line of business, dealer in books, stationery, wall paper, etc., being now the oldest dealer of his kind in Dakota county. Mr. Stanley was married in 1858 to Alvina Day, a native of Damariscotta, Maine. One son and one daughter have been born to them: Mary E. and John A.
Joseph Stegner was born at Baltimore, Mary- land, July 18th, 1853. When a child of four years he accompanied his parents to Dubuque, lowa. Here he passed his childhood days and acquired a practical education. In 1877, came to Hastings, having since made this thriving city his home. He is with Graus and Company, gro- cers.
Z. W. Taplin was born in Canada, April 13th. 1822. His parents removed to St. Lawrence county, New York, when he was but a mere boy. There he grew to manhood and received the educational advantages of a common school. In October, 1854, he came west, crossing the Mis-
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sissippi at Dubuque, thence to Hastings via Faribault and Northfield. There was at that time only one board shanty where Northfield now stands; that and the old "sod tavern" in Hamp- ton, where he spent one night, were the only buildings between Faribault and Hastings. He made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in what is now Ravenna; on this he built a log cabin, using elm bark for a roof, as it was quite impossible to get shingles. In consequence of high water in 1856, he purchased a farm in Doug- lass township, residing there till 1874 then moved to Hastings. He now owns and operates a depot, on Vermillion street, for feed and produce. In 1854, in Jefferson county, New York he married Miss M. Crandall. Ida May, Libbie J. and Bay- ard F. are their living children. Four have died.
A. J. W. Thompson, assistant postmaster and county auditor, was born at Howell, Livingston county, Michigan, February 24th, 1841. This town was organized by his ancestors. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education at the common schools, and at the Agricultural school of Lansing, Michigan. Also learned the carpenter's trade, but worked at it very little. In 1860 he removed to New York and to Iowa the next year. Enlisted in 1862 in the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, serving until mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, in 1865. Dur- ing the same year came to Hastings and clerked in the register of deeds office until 1868, then worked at his trade one year, being appointed deputy auditor in 1869. In 1873, assumed the position of assistant postmaster, and in the fall of 1880, was elected county auditor. Mr. Thomp- son has been married three times. His present wife, Amelia V. Thompson, he married in 1876. William and Emma are the children.
William Thorne, M. D., was born in Devon- shire, England, January 22d, 1820. Came with his parents to America in 1834, locating in Chau- tauqua county, New York. After receiving a common school education he first studied medi- cine at Sinclairville with Hedges and Kimball one year, then with Dr. Hill sixteen months. Afterward took the preliminary course of lectures at Buffalo college in 1847. Practiced in Chautauqua county one and one half years, then returned to Buffalo and graduated as M. D., in
1850. He practiced at Sugar Grove, Pennsylva- nia, six years coming thence to Hastings, and has been in continuous practice here since; is one of the pioneer physicians of Hastings. He is a member of the American Medical Associa- tion, and Minnesota State Medical Society. Has been twice married. His first wife was Zilla Ennis, of Wayne county, New York, who died in 1868. In 1867, married Miss Caroline, daugh- ter of Hon. Benjamin Pringle. One child born to them: William Benjamin.
John L. Thorne, an early settler of Hastings, was born in Winkleigh, Devonshire, England, May 18th, 1814. When a lad of twelve years he entered a dry goods store and continued in that line until coming to America in 1834. For twenty- three years he resided at Batavia, New York, and was a leading merchant there. Came to Hastings in 1856 and has since been a prominent citizen, merchant and banker. He was mayor of the city in 1860-'63-'64. Miss Josephine Chap- man, of Mattawan. New Jersey, became his wife in 1863. They have three children, John M., Edward C. and Annie.
C. E. Thurston is a native of Rockingham county, New Hampshire, born January .20th, 1848. His childhood was passed in his native county, afterward removing to Boston, Massa- chusetts. Thence he came to Lake City, Minne- sota, in May, 1878. He conducted a general boot and shoe store there until September, 1878, then embarked in the same business at Hastings. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Varney, of Massachusetts.
Irving Todd is a native of Lewisborough, Westchester county, New York, the eldest son of Joseph and Sarah Todd, born July 22d, 1841. The progenitor of his branch of the family was the Rev. Abraham Todd, a Presbyterian clergyman, who came from Scotland. Joseph Todd came to Wisconsin in 1857 and located at Prescott, nearly opposite Hastings, having pur- chased an interest in a saw-mill at that place. Ir- ving, now in his sixteenth year, had completed his education at the common schools, and had a great desire to become a printer. During his second summer at Prescott considerable of his time was passed in the office of the Transcript. The next year he became an apprentice to the trade at that office, and after mastering the art of
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type-setting, worked at different places, Hudson, Osceola and Hastings being about the extent. The latter part of the summer of 1861 he spent in Hastings, working on a paper of very modest dimensions, the Minnesota Conserver. During the winter of 1861-62 he had editorial charge of the Prescott Journal, and September 1st, 1862. the editors and proprietors of the Hud- son Star being in the army, he assumed the man- agement of that paper. In November of that year he purchased the Conserver, and in 1866 consolidated it with the Independent, published by C. Stebbins under the name of Hastings Ga- zette. The partnership existed nearly twelve years, when Mr. Stebbins sold to Mr. Todd, he being its sold proprietor. During a portion of 1867-'68, he acted as assistant door-keeper of the house of representatives; was collector of inter- nal revenue for the Second district of Minnesota from January 1st, 1872. to 1875. He has always been a Republican; was a delegate to the Balti. more convention in 1864, when Lincoln was re-nominated,and has participated in most of the county, district and state conventions for fifteen years past. He is also a freemason, having been initiated in 1863, and has now attained the thirty- second degree, has taken active interest in ma- sonry and masonic literature, and is the author of a digest, which is being published by the grand lodge of the state. July 13th, 1865, Miss Helen Lucas and Mr. Todd were united in mar- riage. They have two children, Irving and Louise.
I. B. Tozer was born in Waterville, Kennebec county, Maine, June 24th, 1819. At the age of ten years, went with his parents to Fairfield, Somerset county, where he learned the carpen- ter's trade, at which he worked until 1847. He then returned to his native town and engaged in mercantile pursuits, was postmaster and railroad station agent. In 1855, resigned his positions on account of ill-health, and came to Cannon Falls, Goodhue county, Minnesota, becoming one of the owners of the townsite. He engaged in lum- bering until 1857, then sold his interests in the town, and in spring of 1858, removed to Hast- ings. During the spring of 1859, in company with A. E. Rich, bought a shingle and saw-mill, which he run until it burned in 1865. He then dealt in lumber, and subsequently with Mr. Rich.
speculated largely in pine lands in Minnesota and Wisconsin until 1871. He was next in the gro- cery business in Hastings till 1876, retiring at that time from active business. Mr. Tozer, with E. H. Chapman, built the first bridge across the Cannon river, and was instrumental in organiz- ing the first school there. In 1841, he married Mary B. Bates, who has borne him three chil- dren: Sarah L. and Lizzie M. are still living.
Joseph Freas is a native of Germany, born in 1830. Worked on a farm for ten years. Came to America in 1849. Went to Louisville, Ken- tucky, making his home there six years, mean- while learned shoe-making. In 1855, came to Hastings, and is one of the oldest German resi- dents. Worked at his trade two years; farmed and trucked seven years. then went to Wiscon- sin and kept a hotel and saloon three years. Re- turning to Hastings, he kept what is known as the American house; then built a saloon next to the Foster house and run it three years. Traded the saloon for a farm, and in turn traded the farm for his present property. In 1879, built the hotel where he now is. Married in 1854, Miss Ellen Smith: Setta, Fred, August, Mollie, Tilley, Julius, Helen, Nellie and Joseph, are their chil- dren.
Daniel W. Truax, one of the early pioneers of this country, was born in Montreal, Canada, De- cember 23d, 1830. Removed to St. Lawrence county, New York, with his parents, and there received his early education. In 1849, came to Point Douglas and at once engaged in farming. Was elected to the territorial legislature in 1851. Followed agricultural pursuits until 1853, then built a saw-mill in company with John Blakely in Nininger township, and in the fall of 1855, sold his interests and purchased a steam saw-mill, in which he was interested until 1861. Removing at that time to Hastings, he purchased in com- pany with Mr. Knowlton, what is now known as the Libby mill. In 1863, disposed of his share, and until 1871, engaged in the grocery trade, and has since farmed and dealt in farm machinery. Married in 1853, Mary A. Truax, of St. Law- rence county, New York: Amelia, Viola, Byron, and Oscar, are their living children.
D. B. Truax, a noteworthy pioneer of Dakota county, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, May 25th, 1818. His occupations were
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farming and mechanical work until May, 1853, then removed to Dakota county and first located at Point Douglas and took a claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres. Bringing his family with him, he, in September of that year, built a cabin on his claim and after a residence there of four years sold out and purchased another. In 1867, again sold and came to reside at Hastings. He was connected with the post-office department four years and was for five or six on the school board. Was one of the organizers of the town of Nininger and held the offices connected with the town. He was also a member of the legislature from Hastings in 1866-67. Married in 1842, to Lany A. Countryman, of Jefferson county, New York. One child was born to them, who still lives in Hastings, dealing in farm machinery, Alfred H.
M. O. W. Truax, an early pioneer of Dakota county, was born September 11th, 1829, and is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York. He was reared and received his early instruction in his native place. During early youth his atten- tion was divided between farming and traveling with his father, who was a captain on one of the boats plying between Quebec and the lakes. During the fall of 1853. he came to Hastings, and the next spring, rented a farm near what is known as Indian Spring. He was the first deputy sher- iff in Dakota county and since 1868, has held the office of county constable. In 1857, married Laura Murray, of Lorain county, Ohio. Darwin H., Marion W., Frank M., Josephine, Lucy, Julia, Charles S., Jennie, Ernest and Mabel are their children.
Sidney J. Truax, son of D. V. Truax, an early settler of this region, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York. In 1854 the family came to Hastings, and two years later Sidney went to Nininger township, remaining two years, then began lumbering. He was afflicted with a stroke of palsy for two years, which caused him to relin- quish work on the river. He next entered the employment of the government, freighting, his route being from St. Cloud, Stearns county, to Fort Abercrombie, from 1866 to 1870. Coming thence to Hastings, he was foreman for Mr. Sher- wood, the railroad contractor, until 1871; then for the American Bridge Company, of Chicago, one year. In 1874, began speculating in wheat,
which he still carries on to some extent. In 1878, was engaged by the government as contractor for various river and harbor improvements, still con- tinuing in its employ. Married July 11th, 1869, to Fannie Hale, of Kentucky. William, Sarah, Lillian and Fannie are their children.
J. H. Twichell was born in Oswego county, New York, December 28th, 1846. He resided with his parents until 1853, when they all moved to Dakota county. Early in life he began clerk- ing in a grocery store, and in 1865, entered the post-office as clerk, remaining in that capacity until 1869. ' He then entered a grocery store in the same capacity. In 1879 he embarked in the same line of business, and is having a good trade. Married in 1871, to Miss Lola L. Henderson, of Illinois. They have two sons and one daughter: Nelia, George and Berton.
Isaac N. Van Doren was born near Eaton, Preble county, Ohio, September 18th, 1837. Re- moved with his parents to Indiana in 1846, where he was reared on a farm, and in 1856, came to Dakota county. Soon after he returned to Indi- ana and attended school until enlisting in the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry. After serving a term in Libby prison, he was paroled and sent to Washington, and was discharged in May, 1862. Returning to Hastings, he remained until Decem- ber 31st, 1863, when he was commissioned second lieutenant of Company F, Second Minnesota Cavalry, by Governor Swift, and again commis- sioned first lieutenant of the same company, May 11th, 1865. by Governor Miller, which rank he held when mustered out. Returned to Dakota county and engaged in farming, until 1875; then came to Hastings and began dealing in agricul- tural implements in company with A. H. Truax. In 1866 he married Ellen J. Crist of Ohio. May C. is their only child.
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