History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 60

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

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SCHOOLS.

School district number 65 is a joint district. The first school taught within its limits was that in the summer of 1860, by Miss Jennie Warner, in the County Line Methodist Episcopal church. This was also the first school taught in the town of Douglass.

The following fall a school district was formed joint with Welch, Goodhue county, and Marshan, and a school taught during the winter, 1860-61 in the church, where schools continued to be held until 1864-65, after the division of school districts which made the county line boundary. During the winter 1864-65, school was taught in a log house owned by Oliver Patch, on section 11. Dur- ing the summer of 1865, a joint school was held again, with Goodhue county, in the church. Dur- ing the summer of 1865, a school-house costing $888 was built on the south-east corner of section 2, 22x32, with 12 foot walls. By an act of the county board, in the spring of 1881, the north- west quarter of section 31, township 114, range 16, was detached from this district and added to district 30. The present limits of the district are: sections 1, 2, 11, 12, township 113, range 17; south half of sections 35 and 36, township 114, range 17; the south-west quarter of section 31, township 114, range 16, thus combining portions of Doug- lass. Marshan and Ravenna.

School district number 64. The first school was taught in this district in 1863, by Miss Julia Cross, in a granary on the north-east quarter of section 29, on the Cannon Falls and Hastings road. A small school-house was built the follow- ing summer, 16x22 feet, at a cost of $150, on the north-east quarter of section 29. The first school in this house was taught by Miss Sarah Hale. At a special school meeting, held March 15th, 1873, it was voted to levy a tax of $700 to build a new school-house; the contract to be let to the lowest bidder. The lowest bid was $765, to be paid in district bonds bearing ten per cent. inter- est. The building was 24x30 feet, with twelve foot posts.

The old school-house was sold to Charles Dræger, and the new occupied nearly the same site.

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The district embraces sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 38.

School district number 58. The school-house in this district was built in the summer of 1868, and is by far the most expensive school-house in the town. It cost $1,546, and is 24x30 feet with a storm house and entry, and a wood house at- tached in the rear. This fine school-house was built on land in the north-east corner of section 23, then owned by E. W. Grosvenor, with his agreement to donate the site, but before the con- veyance was made the farm was sold, and is now owned by R. Gregg. When formed from district 65, this district embraced sections 13, 14, 23, 24 and 25. In 1875, the east half of the south-east quarter of section 15 was detached from district 78, and attached to this district. Miss Helen Carrier taught the first school; four months in the winter of 1868-9.

School district number 84, was organized at the house of D. Boser, in 1867. The first school was taught in a granary owned by John P. Kof- feler, in the summer of 1867. During that sum- mer the present school-house was built, on the north-west corner of section 35. This district embraces four sections.

School district number 78. The first school was taught in 1862 by Miss Jennie Warner in a log house on the south-east quarter of section four, owned by James Keetley. When organized the district contained sections 3 to 10 inclusive, and sections 15, 16, 17 and 18. In 1875, the east half of the south-east quarter of section 15 was detached and added to district number 58, by an act of the county board. In the spring of 1881, the south-east quarter of section 18 was detached and added to district number 62, of New Trier. In 1869, a school-house was built, costing $515, on the north-east corner of section 8, on land donated by J. Donndelinger. School was taught in this house, in the summer of 1869, by Miss E. F. Degell, since which time the regular terms of school have been uninterrupted.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

John Anton, postmaster and dealer in dry- goods, groceries and general merchandise, was born in Luxemburg March 24th, 1841. Came to America in 1868, proceeding directly to Minne- sota. He visited Winona, and Dubuque, Iowa,

then for three years was engaged at his trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker. Returning to Hastings in 1874, he remained nearly two years. removing thence to Trout Brook. Here he worked at his trade for a few months, then opened a general country store to which he added, in 1880, a saloon. He is also postmaster at Trout Brook: Married Miss Helen Holzmer in June, 1871. Five children have been born to them, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Anton was burned out in the big fire of Chicago, in 1871.

Alonzo Dockstader was born in Montgomery county, New York, April 9th, 1829. Here he was raised and educated, his early life being mostly devoted to agricultural pursuits. In October, 1853, he was wedded to Miss Mary Coons, daughter of Alexander Coons, for many years a well-known resident of that county, now a citizen of Red Wing, Minnesota. Three years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dockstader removed to Minnesota and settled on section 12, Douglass township. The farm purchased at that time is still their home. They, in com- pany with Alexander Coons and wife, were the first to organize a religious society in the town- ship or vicinity. They built a church on section one, universally known as "The County Line M. E. Church." Mrs. Dockstader taught the first public school in the vicinity. He has held the offices of town supervisor, ex officio member of the board of county commissioners, justice of the peace and others. One son and one dauglı- ter have been born to them. Alexander C. has had rare educational advantages. After an ele- mentary course he attended Carleton College, then completed his medical studies at Hahne- mann Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1879 '80. He is now established in his profession at Granite Falls, Minnesota. Emma died at the age of four years.

Peter Doffing was born in Prussia, February 20th, 1844. When a child of one year came to America with his parents and located in Wiscon- sin. In 1855, came to Hampton, Dakato county, Minnesota, with his father who purchased one hundred and sixty acres. In 1869, Peter bought a farm in Goodhue county, which he sold in 1874, and located on his present farm in Douglass. Married January 27th, 1869, to Miss Margaret

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Smitch, a native of Prussia. Katie, John, Charles and Mary are their children. Mr. Doffing's farm comprises seven hundred acres, which is well im- proved and stocked. He gives considerable atten- tion to raising and breeding Norman horses from imported stock.

John Holmes was born in 1826, in England. Was reared as a farmer and came to America in 1851, locating in Michigan. Here he worked for the railroad until 1855, then came to Dakota county, Minnesota, and pre-empted a portion of his present farm of two hundred and forty acres. Married in 1851 to Miss Eliza Haynes, who was born in England, August 17th, 1827. Eight chil- dren have been born to them, two sons and six daughters.

Jacob Ista, Jr., a native of Prussia, was born February 11th, 1852. When a child of four years his parents crossed to the new world and settled in the township of Hampton, Dakota county, Minnesota. Here Jacob grew to manhood and gained a practical education. He has occupied his present farm since 1876, and has been quite successful in agricultural pursuits, having a nicely improved estate. At New Trier, in 1876, he married Miss Mena Tank. They have three little daughters, Matilda, Mary and Alvina.

Bridget Kane, a native of Ireland, was born in 1834. In 1856, she came to America, and to Minnesota the same year, locating on the place she now occupies. She was married to Peter Kane in 1858, who departed this life in the fall of 1869. He left his widow with six children, four sons and two daughters.

Michael Klasen was born in Prussia, June 24th, 1829. He was occupied in pump-making and farming in his native country, and in 1861, came to America. Coming direct to Dakota county, Minnesota, he settled on a rented farm in Vermillion, and in 1862, moved to Hastings. He kept a boarding-house in that city until 1864. when he traded for his farm, to which be moved in 1866, engaged during the time at the carpen- ter's trade. Married in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Schweich, who has borne him one son and one daughter, Andrew and Eva K. Mr. Klasen's father, born in 1800, lives with him. The farm of one hundred and sixty acres is finely improved and well stocked.

Catherine Mclaughlin, widow of John Mc-

Laughlin, was born in county of Mayo, Ireland, in 1826. In 1851, located at Syracuse, New York, and there made her home six years. She then came west as far as Freeport, Illinois, and two years later came to Minnesota. Her claim in Dakota county was made after her arrival. She was made a widow by the death of her husband October 16th, 1872. Seven children have been born to her, three sons and four daughters.

Patrick Quinn was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, in 1821. During early life, he engaged in farming. In 1849, he came to America and settled in Herkimer county, New York. Until 1855, he engaged in farming, was also employed in a cheese factory. Coming to Michigan at that time, be remained one year, thence to Minnesota and made his home in Hastings until 1863, then pre-empted his present farm, on which he has since lived. Married at Utica, New York, in 1855, to Miss Helen Henly, who has borne him three sons and one daughter.

N. W. Taplin was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1838. During the fall of 1855, went to DeKalb county, Illinois, and the next spring started for Hastings, Minnesota. He was a day laborer, also run a threshing machine un- til 1860, then purchased forty acres of his present farm. He now has one hundred and sixty acres in Douglass, also eight hundred acres in the Red River valley. Married Miss Mclaughlin, in 1860, who has borne him six childred. Mr. Tap- lin has held the office of town clerk seven years.

EAGAN.

CHAPTER XLIX.

DESCRIPTION - SETTLEMENT - FIRST EVENTS ORGANIZATION - SCHOOLS-CHURCHES -BIO- GRAPHICAL.

The town of Eagan is situated in the north- ern part of Dakota county. and is bounded on the north by Mendota, on the east by Inver Grove,

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on the south by Rosemount and Lebanon, and on the west and north-west by Burnsville and the Minnesota river.

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS.

The surface of the town is rolling in the north- ern portion, while in the southern portion it is extremely rough. Lakes appear in several parts of the town, principally in the central and south- eastern parts. These lakes are peculiar, from the fact that they have neither visible inlets nor out- lets. They have pure, clear water, and some of them are of considerable depth. A large marshy lake extends from Mendota into the north-west part of Eagan township, but with this one excep- tion, the lakes of the town have high, sloping banks, with gravelled shores and bottoms. The largest lake in the town is Black Hawk or Long lake. It lies in sections 16, 17 and 21, and ex- tends nearly east and west. Its area is about ninety acres. Its length is not far from a mile, and its width averages about thirty rods.

Le May lake, situated in the north-western part of section 10, is so named from the settlers living near. It is a beautiful sheet of water, and covers about fifty acres.

Fish lake lies in sections 15 and 16, and is about thirty acres in extent.

In early times, there were great numbers of fish in these lakes, but latterly only the smaller kinds remain. Great number of them were killed in the shallow lakes by the past severe winter. Interested parties have at various times, at- tempted the culture of fish in these bodies of wa- ter, but as a rule, they have been unsuccessful.

One small stream, called Black Dog's creek. crosses the west line of the town near the west quarter post of section 18. It empties into the Minnesota river nearly where the north line of section 18 intersects it.

Along the Minnesota river, in the north-west part of the town, a strip of bottom land appears, averaging nearly a mile in width. This principally meadow. East of this, extending to the Black Dog road, is slightly rolling and higher land, finely adapted to agricultural purposes. This portion of the town, with a few hundred acres in and near sections 2 and 3, constitutes all of the original prairie land. The remaining portions of the town were largely covered by a brushy growth,

with an occasional spot containing larger trees. These latter were principally oak. At present a fringe of elm timber appears along the river.

The soil for the town is principally a clay loam, unusually fertile, with proper management. Oc- cassionally a sandy loam appears. with numerous gravely knolls.

The principal crop is wheat, though considera- ble quantities of corn, barley and oats are pro- duced. Some of the farmers engage in market gardening, to a small extent.

SETTLEMENT.

The Indian village, known as Black Dog's, and situated near the mouth of Black Dog's creek, in section 18, has been previously described, After the treaty of 1837, a Frenchman named Louis Martin, was stationed among these Indians as farmer. He located on section 17, and the In- dians began to form a new village round him. Several log buildings were erected for residences and shops.

In the spring of 1849, Hazen Mooers, the well known Indian trader, was appointed to succeed Mr. Martin. His wife was a half-breed Sioux, by whom he had three children. After the ratifica- tion of the treaty of 1852, when the Indians were removed to Red Wood agency, Mr. Mooers went with them. J. W. Brown, who had married a daughter of Mr. Mooers, in 1846, came down to Black Dog village, in the fall of 1849, and as- sisted his father-in-law. When the Indians were removed he remained on the land, and pre-empted a farm, in the northern part of section 17, which he lived on until 1857, when he removed to Red Wing. He resided there for six years, returning at the end of that period to his farm in Eagan. Here he lived until 1873, when he sold his original claim and removed to his present place of resi- dence, in the north-west quarter of section 9.

Mr. Brown is accordingly the first white settler of the town. At the same time with him, John Brown and a Mr. Ports made claims also, in section 17. Neither of them remained, however, but a short time.

Two brothers, Campbell, made a claim in the north-east quarter of section 18. They had been attaches of the Indian farm, and soon sold their claim rights to Franklin Steele. A comrade named Benjamin Young then took possession

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of the claim, probably for Mr. Steele, and contin- ued to live there for several years. Mr. Young was one of the first two justices of the peace. elected within the limits of the present town of Eagan. He subsequently removed to St. Paul, and is now somewhere among the Indians in the West.

Michael Le May came soon after the treaty of 1852 was ratified, and settled in the southern part of section 10. He brought his family out, in October of that year, and still lives on his original claim. His son Flevier came at the same time, and his family also, came on in Oc- tober. He made a claim on the northern side of section 15, and lived there until 1864, when he went to Canada.

He returned subsequently, and father and son are now living together.

Joseph Langlois came at the same time with the Le Mays, and made his claim in section 15. He took full possession of it in the spring of 1853, and continued a resident of the town until about the year 1859, when he removed to Rice county.

Somewhat earlier than the last mentioned set- tlers, came Robert O'Neil, in June of 1852, and made a claim in the central part of section 2, hiring men to work it. Mr. O'Neill was, at that time, a resident of St. Paul. In August, 1853, with his family, he took up a permanent resi- dence in Eagan, and has since lived on his original claim, which has been largely added to by purchase.

Mr. O'Neil has always occupied a prominent position among his townsmen, and in the county as well. He was elected to the first state legis- lature of 1857-8, and served as one of the first representatives elected from the county. He was chairman of the board of county commis- sioners from 1853 until 1858, when under the state organization, the office of county commis- sioner ceased for a time to exist.

Jean Rousseau, who had married a half-breed, was another settler of 1852. He made a claim in the central part of section 12, but after a short time removed to Mendota. In 1860, he went to Redwood Agency, where he died. He was among the first French settlers of Eagan.

Philbert Le Clair came also during the sum- mer of 1852, and made a claim in the south-west

quarter of section 2. After a short interval he sold his claim and returned to Mendota. Fran- cis Le Clair made a claim partly in sections 2 and 11. He soon sold it, and after a season, located another where he now resides, in the north-west quarter of section 2.

About this time Mr. Credit made a claim in sections 12 and 13. He died about the year 1866. During the summer of 1852, Joseph Turpin claimed the land now owned by John Shields, in the south-west quarter of section 2. His wife was a half-breed, and like her husband old. Both husband and wife died within a few hours of each other, after living on their claim several years.

John Kennedy made a claim in the northern part of section 3, but never lived on it. His residence at that time was in Mendota. He afterwards served as county register of deeds, and at present is the genial post-master of Hast- ings.

Louis Letendre came during the summer of 1852, and settled in the central part of section 13. He sold his claim not long afterward to Dr. F. R. Smith, a non-resident. At the same time Louis Lavaille made the claim next north. He went to Hennepin county with Mr. Letendre, where the latter died.

Quite a growth in the settlement of the town was visible during the year 1853. Among the settlers of that year were P. Chapdelan, F. Le Bret, Dosite Auge and his son, Treffle, James and W. L. Wescott, T. N. Dailey, Michael Reid. and T. J. Mccollum and sons.

Mr. Chapdelan bought of Edward Bibaux and Felix Ake, who had come in earlier, the claim in sections 12 and 13, now owned by James Wes- cott. While at St. Paul, the river rose too high for Mr. Chapdelan to return to his land, and Le Bret, taking advantage of this absence, jumped his claim. Mr. Chapdelan then made a claim further south, and lying partly in the towns of Eagan and Inver Grove.

James Wescott soon purchased Le Bret's claim right, and built a house sixteen feet square, which he occupied with his brother, W. L. Wescott. In the fall of 1854, the latter returned to their for- mer home, in Maine, and brought out his family. James Wescott being at that time unmarried, the brothers continued to live together. Along

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the route, by their house, there was a large amount of travel, and from the time they began to show the first signs of house-keeping. the Wes- cotts were besought to entertain the travelers. They were soon forced to make a business of this, and Wescott's inn became famous through- out the country as a traveler's rest. Political conventions were held here at an early day. On one occasion, in 1856, a mass convention as- sembled here, of which John Van Hoesen, of Hastings, was chairman. Among other features of the affair, speeches and motions were in French, and the worthy chairman was forced to call an interpreter to his assistance. After a few years, W. L. Wescott removed to a claim of his own, while his brother James continued to keep public house until 1863. This he did with great success, being unable at times to entertain all who would be his guests. He still occupies bis original home, as much distinguished for his pri- vate hospitality as he formerly was for hospitality to the public.

Mr. Auge came in the spring, and made a claim on the south side of section 4, where he died De- cember 22d, 1871. His sons, George and Treffle, came into possession of the homestead. Dosite Auge, Jr., made a claim at the same time with his father, and adjoining him on the north. Here he continues to make his home. Treffle Auge made his claim partly in sections 8 and 9. He sold it, after an interval of three years, and at present lives in Mendota.

Mr. Dailey came in the fall of 1858, and settled in section 11. He afterward removed to the south-west quarter of section 10, where he died about four years since.

Michael Reid arrived the twelfth day of May, 1853, and located on what proved to be school land, and hence not subject to entry. He lived on this land about a year, when he settled on the south side of section 9. Here he died, October 4th, 1877.

T. J. Mccollum settled in the spring of 1853, on the north-west quarter of section 19, and his son, Jefferson McCollum, pre-empted it. Madi- son, another son, made a claim partially in the south-west quarter of section 19, while William made his in the northern part of section 30. After a few years, the McCollums removed to Scott county.

The following year, 1854, settlement continued unabated. Among the earlier arrivals were, James Callan, John O'Lary, Thomas Fallon, Michael Eagan, Edmund Barry, Edward Dow- ling, Patrick Mooney, William Harper, Edward Taylor and John Cheever.

James Callan made a claim in sections 28, 29 and 88, where he has since resided, figuring prominently among his people and in the county.

John O'Lary came in March, and settled on the west side of section 14. He still lives on bis original claim, having added to it by purchase. Edmund Barry, came not long after, and settled in section 23, where he now owns a fine farm of three hundred and five acres. Mr. Fallon settled on the west side of section 28. Mr. Dowling in section 26, Mr. Eagan in the north-west quarter of section 22, Mr. Cheever in section 12, Mr. Mooney in the south-west quarter of section 22, Mr. Harper in the south-east quarter of sec- tion 21, and Mr. Taylor in the south-west quarter of the same section.

The farm now owned by Patrick Coghlin, in sections 11 and 12, was the home of David Fari- bault, a mixed blood. A Frenchman, Michel Archambeaux pre-empted it for him. Mr. Fari- bault built bim a pleasant house, and surrounded it with a picket fence. Here he lived for some years, but finally removed.

A well-known character in the town was John Conklin, who had been a soldier, it is said, at Fort Snelling. He early acquired the name of "Black Hawk," and was commonly so called. After his discharge from the army he was in the employ of General Sibley, who placed him on the farm now owned by L. Trapp, in section 3. Mr. Sibley afterwards placed him on a farm at the east end of Long Lake, subsequently known as Black Hawk lake, doubtless in Conklin's honor.

Liquor was the natural enemy of Conklin, and he died in the poor-house at Nininger. Aside from this weakness, he is spoken of as a worthy man. While living on the farm now owned by Mr. Trapp, Conklin married Mrs. Helen Dunn, who died at the lake farm in the spring of 1871.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first birth of a white child in the town was that of Mary A. Brown, November 22d, 1849. She was a daughter of J. W. and Mary Brown,

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and was born at their home in the Indian village of Black Dog. She lived with her parents until her marriage with Jasper McCollum in 1871. They now live in a house on her father's place, and have had six children.

1861- Patrick Eagan, chairman; Michael Co- mer, clerk. Mr. Eagan resigned during the year and Robert O'Neill was chosen in his place. Mr. Comer also resigned, and Michael Downing was chosen by the board December 28th, 1861, to act in his stead during the remainder of the term.

The next birth was that of Susan F. O'Neill, January 7th, 1854. Her parents were Robert 1862 and '63-Patrick Eagan,chairman, Michael and Catharine O'Neill, and lived at home until . Downing, clerk. 1864-Michael Kirby, chair- she was sixteen years of age, when she lived with her sister in Minneapolis until her marriage with Martin Kennedy, June 8th. 1880. She now resides in St. Paul. : man; Michael Downing, clerk. Mr. Kirby re- signed and Patrick Mooney, one of the board was elected to succeed him, and Michael Gorman was elected to fill the place vacated by Mr. Mooney, The first marriage of parties living in the town was that of Alexander Huard and Jane Mc- Dermott. They were married in 1854, and in 1855 he made his home in the western part of Inver Grove, where he lived a number of years. when he moved to his present location in the north-west quarter of section 12. September 27th, 1864. 1865-W. F. Donaldson, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1866-Robert O'Neill, chairman; Patrick Callahan, clerk. Mr. O'Neill failed to qualify and W. F. Donaldson was chosen as chairman. 1867-W. F. Donald- son, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1868- W. F. Donaldson, chairman; Michael Downing, ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. clerk. 1869-Patrick Eagan, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1870-Patrick Eagan, chairman; Eagan was formerly a part of the town of Men- dota as established by the county commissioners, April 6th, 1858. At a meeting held by them on the 20th of the same month. a town was formed con- sisting of sections thirteen to thirty-six inclusive, in the present town of Eagan, and called Mont- gomery. This action proved unsatisfactory, and was reconsidered and repealed at the same meet- ing. By a special act of the state legislature during the winter of 1861, the town of Eagan was detached with its present limits from Mendota. The population at the census of 1880 was 642. Michael Downing, clerk. 1871, 1872, 1873-Hugh Barnes, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1874 -Eugene Le May, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1875 and 1876-James Callan, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1877-James Callan, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1878-Robert O'Neill. chairman; Michael Downing, clerk. 1879-Robert O'Neill, chairman; Michael Down- ing, clerk. 1880-James Callan, chair'n, Michael Downing, clerk. Mr. Callan failed to quailfy, and the board at a meeting held March 27th, 1880, chose Jabez Harper in his place. 1881- Jeffrey Fanning, chairman; Michael Downing, clerk .!

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 60

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

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