History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 61

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 61

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The first meeting for the purpose of organizing the town was held at the house of Michael Comer in the north-west quarter of section twenty-five, April 3d, 1860. Robert O'Neill was chosen mod- erator and Michael Comer clerk. At the election which ensued, the following officers were chosen for the coming year, viz .: Patrick Eagan, James Collar, Robert O'Neill, supervisors; Michael Comer, clerk; Thomas Fannan, assessor; William Diffley, treasurer; Michael Kirby, William Harper, justices of the peace; Patrick Mooney, Louis Sansoucey, constables; Patrick Eagan, Anthony Devitt, Michael Cain, road overseers.

The following persons have served as chairmen of the town board, and as town clerks, during the years following the organization to the pres- ' ent time.

The first justices of the peace elected within the present limits of the town were James Callan and Benjamin Young, which was prior to the organi- zation.

The valuation for 1860, was $87,342. For 1870, $106,521. For 1880, $177,890.

SCHOOLS.

The first school in the town was taught by Mi- . chael Downing during the winter of 1859-'60, in a small log house 14x16 feet, owned and built by Thomas Farman in the north-west quarter of section 14. For a new district the attendance was unusually large, being about forty. This , building was used about two years, when a new

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EAGAN-CHURCHES-RAILROADS.

one of logs was built, and located in the south- east corner of the south-west quarter of section 23, on land now owned by Patrick Quigley. This building was used until about six years ago, when the present school-house was erected. It is a frame structure 18x26 feet, and located on the site of the old log building, containing patent seats, with a seating capacity of about forty. The district is designated as district number 14.

The next school was commenced soon after the first in a house belonging to Bartholomew Dailey, in the western part of section 29. It was a small log house built as a claim shanty, and was used by the district for two years, then others until 1865, when a school-house was erected near the center of section 29, on land owned by Daniel Niemeyer. It is a frame structure about 16x22 feet, contains plain seats, and will hold from thirty to thirty-five scholars. This district is known as district number 13.

In October, 1860, a school was taught in the house of Robert O'Neill, by Mrs. O'Neill for one month, and then the services of Miss Elizabeth McDermott were secured, and she continued to teach in the district a number of terms. The next spring an old building was fitted up and used for a school-house, until a log house was built on land now belonging to P. Coghlin, in the north-east quarter of section 11. This build- ing was burned during the spring of 1865, and was replaced by a frame erected soon after at the same place. The locality was not convenient, and the house was subsequently moved about a mile further west, and during the month of March, 1881, suffered the same fate as its prede- cessor. A new building is already erected by the district known as number 11, in the south-east corner of section 3. It is 18x26 feet, was built at a cost of $600, with patent seats, seating forty scholars comfortably, and is the finest school building in the town.

In 1869, district number 12 was organized, and a school-house built. The building is about 16x24 feet. The district is the smallest in the town in respect to the number of scholars. The town has four entire districts and one joint dis- trict, with four school-houses.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services in the town took

place at the house of Edward Dowling, in the north-west quarter of section 26, and were con- ducted by the Rev. Father Ravoux. Only a few such services were held, however, as, during the following spring, the church at Inver Grove was finished, and services were transformed thither.

The Lutheran church at Inver Grove has a goodly number of members in this town, also in Mendota for whom the distance is so great that they have been holding meetings at the school- house in district number 91, in Mendota, or at private houses every alternate Sabbath under the auspices of their pastor, Rev. E. N. Volgert. The society has purchased about two acres of land belonging to J. B. Pfeffer and his son-in- law, August Nachtigal for the purpose of erect- ing a church edifice, where they intend holding services in alternation with the church at Inver Grove. The plat of land lies on the east side of the St. Paul road, in the south-east quarter of section 2, and a cemetery will be in connection with the church lot.

RAILROADS.

The Iowa and Minnesota division of the Chi- cago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway crosses the eastern part of the town, extending from north- west to south-east and leaving the southern line near the quarter post on the south side of section 36. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha railway crosses the north-west part of the town from north-east to south-west, and was opened for traffic in 1865.

STATIONS.

In 1866, a flag station without a depot was c3- tablished on the line of the Iowa and Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway, near the south-east corner of section 13, on land belonging to James Wescott, from whom the station is named Westcott station.

Nicols is also a flag station without a depot, es- tablished in 1867. It is located on the line of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha rail- way, in the north-west quarter of section 17, on land then owned by John Nicols.

POST-OFFICE ..

Westcott post-office was established in April, 1881, and A. Lau appointed postmaster.

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HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

SHOPS AND STORE.

In 1860, a blacksmith shop was opened by Rob- ert Myers, on the south-east quarter of section 17. He remained there about two years, then re- moved to St. Paul and afterwards returned and rented a farm belonging to James Slater, in the north-east quarter of section 31, where he put up another shop. This he operated several years, and finally removed to Hamilton. He has the honor of being the pioneer blacksmith of the place.

Another shop was opened by George Auge in May, 1867, on the west side of the Mendota road, in the south-west quarter of section 4, which he continues to operate.

In 1869, Edward Rachenberg opened a black- smith shop in the south-west quarter of section 1, which he operated until about four years ago, when it was closed to the public, and he uses it only for his own work.

Still another shop was opened by Herman Rad- datz, in the fall of 1876, in the north west quar- ter of section 2, where he still continues. He has, however, purchased a few acres of Mr. Burns, a short distance south-west of his present location, and purposes removing there.

A store was established by the brothers, A. and J. Lau, at Westcott station, March 4th, 1881, where they keep on hand a small general stock of merchandise suited to the wants of the imme- diate neighborhood.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

E. Barry, a native of county Kilkenny, Ire- land, was born in 1820. Came to America in April, 1846, landing in Quebec. He lived in that city seven years, then removed to St. Paul, Min- nesota. After making his home there more than a year, he removed to Eagan township, and took a government claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Here he has since lived. His wife was Miss Ann Grant, a native of Ireland, whom he married in 1845. Patrick, Michael, Edmond, Stephen, James, John, Thomas and Joseph are their surviving children.

Hugh Burns was born in County Mayo, Ire- land, in 1837. When twelve years old he came to America, and for seven years resided in Clinton, Massachusetts; thence to West Virginia, where he remained three years. Coming westward, he

made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Eagan township, Minnesota, and three years later disposed of it, then purchased a farm of the same size in section 3. Mr. Burns has a fine farm and is a well-to-do farmer; has held the office of chairman of town board. Married in 1864, Miss Maria Cunningham. Their living children are: Mary, Charles, Hugh, Elizabeth, Clara and Ellen.

James Callan was born in Ireland in 1830. He came to this country. in 1847, and settled in New York for five years. Thence to Ohio, and on to Minnesota, locating on his present farm in 1854. He was one of the earliest settlers. His neighbors were far between. He has taken a great interest in his town and county; has held the office of county commis- sioner several years; has been one of the town board two years; was elected clerk of the first school board of the town. He has a farm of four hundred acres, and is owner of the Callan Norman Canadian stallion, one of the finest horses in the state. Married Miss Elizabeth Hodt, a native of Ireland, in 1851. Benjamin, James, Lizzie, Margaret, Frank, Ernest, Andrew, Charles and Robert are their children.

Patrick Coghlin was born in County Galway, Ireland, March 6th, 1818. He came to this con- tinent in 1852, proceeding from Boston to Clin- ton, Massachusetts. For years later he removed to Minnesota, locating on a farm in Eagan town- ship, which place has since been his home. He now holds the office of clerk of school district. Married in 1852, to Fanny Silk, a native of Ire- land. Three children have been born to them: Mary Ann, Thomas and Frank.

Franklin Hannessy. a native of Ireland, was born March 25th, 1817. Coming to America in 1830, he located at St. John, New Brunswick, and three years later removed to Eastport, Maine, soon after to Machias. Making this his home four years he proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, and after a residence of five years went to Port- land, Maine. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, lo- cating in Eagan township, and in 1876 purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. His wife was Miss Mary Bickley, married in 1841. Six children have been born to them, only one of whom is living, John K.

Joseph Hoysler is a native of Minnesota, born

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EAGAN-BIOGRAPHICAL.

in Eagan in 1856. At an early age he was thrown upon his own resources, having earned his own livelihood since twelve years of age. He married Miss Melvina Le Clair, a native of Mendota, Min- nesota. Two children have been born to them: Eugenia and William.

Alexander Huard was born in St. Nicholas, Canada, in 1818. Here he was reared to man- hood and in 1848 came to Minnesota, and until 1855, lived at Mendota, then moved to Inver Grove, locating on a farm. Since 1868 he has made his home in Eagan. Married Miss Jane McDermott, a native of Ireland, in 1854. Ellen and Mary Ann are their children.

August Lau was born in Germany, in 1856. He lived with his parents until 1881, coming with them to America in 1872. In company with his brother Julius he opened a store at Westcott sta- tion, they being also postmasters.

Julius Lau, a native of Germany, was born in 1859. Came to America with his parents in 1872; he lived in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, one year, and has since lived in different towns in Da- kota county, Minnesota. In 1881, he and his brother opened a store at Westcott station.

Francis Le Clair was born in Montreal, Can- ada, January 1st, 1819. Came to Mendota, Min- nesota, in 1849, and made a claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres, which he sold a few months later. He, however, invested in another farm of ninety-two acres in Eagan township, in 1859, where he has since lived as a tiller of the soil. Miss Eliza Labrie, a native of Montreal, became his wife August 25th, 1857. Eight children have been born to them. The living are Mary Ann, Edward. Sellena, Frank. Norman and Nelson.

Eugene Lemay was born in Canada East, in 1840. When thirteen years of age, he came to Mendota with his father's family, remaining with them until attaining majority. In 1867, he pur- chased a farm in Eagan township, and has since added to it by purchase until his farm now com- prises one hundred and ninety-three acres. His marriage with Miss Julia Auge, who was born in Canada, occurred in 1862. They are the parents of six children.

Thomas Manning is a native of Ireland, born in County Tipperary, in 1810. Came to this con- tinent in 1845, landing at Quebec, where he re- mained ten years. Coming thence to Minnesota,

he remained a short time in St. Paul, then moved to what is now the town of Eagan, and made a claim of eighty acres, where he has since lived. Married in 1844, to Bridget Barry, who has borne him eight children. Mary Ann and Thomas are the surviving ones.

James McDonough was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and, in 1859, came to America. Land- ing in New York, he lived there one year, then went to Vermont. In 1865, he came to Minne- sota and purchased a school section in Eagan township, on which he now resides. His wife, whom he married in 1853, has borne him four children: Terrence, Annie, John and Patrick.

John O'Leary was born in County Cork, Ire- land, in 1826. Came to America in 1849, and for two years worked in an iron foundry, then came to St. Paul, Minnesota. Two years later, he took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Eagan township, having now a farm of two hundred and thirty acres. Since his becoming a resident of this township, he has been a thrifty farmer. Married Mary O'Driscoll, in 1851. Mary, Bridget, Daniel, Ann and John are their living children.

Robert O'Neill was born in Ireland, July 29th, 1811. When seven years old moved with his parents to America. Through the advice of friends his father removed to Perth, Ontario, remaining until 1828; thence to Buckingham, Lower Canada, and settled on a farm. In 1850, Robert came to Minnesota, and engaged in lum- bering three years. In the meantime he made a claim of two hundred and thirty acres in Eagan township, and in 1853, moved to it. During the fall of that year he was elected first chairman of county board of commissioners; was a member of the territorial legislature in 1857, and has since held several town offices. In politics he is a staunch democrat. His wife was Miss Catherine Forbes, who was born on the beautiful Isle of Montreal. She has borne him twelve children, eight of whom are living.

John Shields, a native of the Emerald Isle. was born in June, 1812. Came to America in 1850. After visiting Ohio and Illinois he arrived at Mendota, Minnesota. He lived on his farm five years then resided on General Sibley's farm thirteen years. Purchasing two hundred acres he moved to it in 1879, and built the residence in which he now lives. In 1850 he married

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HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

Bridget Broderick, a native of Ireland. Michael, B., John, Margaret, Mary A., Thomas, Henry, and Francis are their children.

Michael B. Shields was born in McHenry county, Illinois, October 1st, 1851. When about three years old he moved with his parents to Mendota, Dakota county, Minnesota, After a few years residence at this place they removed to Eagan township, and located on a farm. Mr. Shields, continued living at his father's house, and has acquired a knowledge of the carpenter's trade. Married in May, 1876, to Bridget Furey, who has borne him two children, John and Mar- garet.

John Silk was born in County Galway, Ireland, in June, 1823. After attaining majority he came to America, and for seven years worked in a cotton mill at Manchester, New Hampshire. In 1857, he settled in Eagan township, having pur- chased a small farm on which he lived four years, then bought his present farm. Married on Easter Sunday, 1854, to Miss Mary Hamburg, a native of Ireland. Ten children have been born born to them: James, John, Michael, Thomas, Frances Jane, William, Henry, Edward, Mary and Charles.

James Slater was born in Limerick county, Ireland, in 1820. Came to this continent in 1837, and made New York his home until 1854. Com- ing westward to St. Paul, Minnesota, he took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, in what is now Eagan township. His farm now consists of six hundred and forty-seven acres. In 1849, he married Miss Bridget O'Brien, a native of Ire- land. They have had seven children, four of whom are living: James, Mary, Annie and George.

Maurice Walsh was born in Ireland in 1830. When eighteen years of age he came across the water to America, and for nine years made his home in New York. Coming to St. Paul, Min- nesota, at that time, soon after came to Eagan township. He lived on his farm in that place twelve years, then purchased eighty acres of Gen. Sibley, which he now owns. Bridget Reeny be- came his wife in 1862; she has borne him seven children, all living. Thomas, Maurice, Jerome, John, Timothy, Daniel and Mary.

California in 1849, and followed mining until 1858. Returning to his former home, the next spring, he came to Eagan and began farming, having a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Here he has since resided and is one of the pio- neers of the county. In 1863, he entered the army, joining Company I, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, as junior lieutenant. He was honor- ably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, at the close of the war. Was elected treasurer of Da- kota county in 1860, and held the office two years. His residence in Eagan is near Westcott station, which was named in his honor. August 23d, 1857, he married Mary E. Atkinson, who has borne him seven children, five are living.

EMPIRE.

CHAPTER L.

FIRST SETTLERS - ORGANIZATION - SCHOOLS - FARMINGTON INCORPORATED - BUSINESS HOUSES - THE GREAT FIRE - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES-BIOGRAPHICAL.

As early in the history of the county as 1854, Alidon Amidon, N. Amidon and C. R. Rollins made claims on the Vermillion river, on sections 29 and 30, on the line of the St. Paul and North- field road. The same year on section 24, on the St. Paul and Cannon Falls road, near the Ver- million river, L. Fish, Thomas Laird and E. P. Whittier made claims. Two hotels were opened at this point in 1855, one on each side of the river. This point was called Empire City, though no plat was made of the land. A post-office was established here. The Amidon settlement bade fair to become quite a village. A store was opened by N. Amidon in 1857, near what is now the entrance of the fair grounds, who afterwards transferred his interest to N. E. Slack. Mr. James Tuttle opened the next store in what was

James Wescott was born in Cumberland county, Maine. October 22, 1823. He went to | known as the Barkaloe house, which had been

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EMPIRE-EARLY SETTLERS.

used as a hotel. Mr. Alidon Amidon erected his house on the north side of the river, which he opened as an hotel in 1860, and did a rushing business prior the building of the railroads. The early settlers began to gather in and make claims near this point, and the prospect bid fair of its becoming quite a settlement, which induced Messrs. K. N. Guiteau and Co., to lay out and plat the south-west quarter of section 29, and name it Dakota city. It is said this was finely platted on paper and several lots were disposed of to eastern parties, which make it uncertain as to who holds the best titles.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Among the early settlers we find the names of Ephraim Fish who located in section twenty-two in 1855. S. B. Spearin, who made his claim in sections twenty-two and twenty-three about the same year. In 1856 Rev. J. O. Rich made a claim of eighty acres in the south-west quarter of section thirty-one, and has labored for the spiritual interests of the people in the town and different parts of the county as a member of the M. E. Minnesota Conference. G. H. Whittier settled on the north-east quarter of section twenty- six in 1856. A. J. Irving came to Empire town from Illinois in 1855, and made a claim of the south-west quarter of section twenty-four, on which he now lives. On the list of early settlers that settled in this town and in Farmington prior to 1860, which according to the constitution of the Dakota County Old Settlers' Association constitutes an old settler, are H. N. Hosmer. C. H. Bradley, H. C. Wing, C. H. Watson, G. H. Whittier, S. V. R. Hendryx, Jr., T. N. Berlin, Harriet M. Jud- son, Caleb Smith, Asa Fletcher, J. A. Elston, Albert Record, George W. Porter, Albert Whit- tier, A. S. Bradley, Ara Wellman, L. Wellman, Jessie Ives and others.

In the early day when the first settlers came, Indians were very plenty. and were passing back- wards and forward from one point to another. A band of five hundred camped on Mr. Amidon's claim. The first white child born in the town was a child of Mr. and Mrs. A. Amidon, 1856. It was also the first death, as it did not live but a short time. The first marriage in the town was that of a German to Miss Laird, same year.

The first school taught in the town, was in Da- kota city, 1855, by Mrs. Leverett Wellman.

The town organized as a full congressional township of thirty-six sections, situated in the central part of the county. Bounded on the north by Rosemount, on the east by Vermillion, south by Castle Rock, west by Lakeville.

The surface is quite level, being a prairie town with scarcely a grove of native timber in the town.

THE SOIL

is of a rich sandy loam, very productive, and is considered a fair average with the balance of the county.

The drainage is somewhat limited and con- fined to the Vermillion river, which passes through the town from west to east. The two small branches enter from the west on sections 30 and 31, passing through sections 29, 21, 22, 23 and 24. The south branch passes across the south-east corner of section 36. This, together with several small lakes comprises the drainage of the town.

The Minnesota Central railroad, since changed the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway was built to this place in 1864, when the location for the town was made, and settlers began to gather. The first hotel was built by George Re- cord, on the present site of the Niskern house same year. The Hastings and Dakota railroad was completed to this point, in 1869. This station was called Farmington, as it was wholly a farm- ing country, which seemed appropriate. The Empire post-office was transferred to this point, and a full pledged city is the result.

ORGANIZATION.

The meeting for the election of officers and the organization of the town of Empire was held on May 11th, 1858, and the following officers elected: G. N. Mudy, C. Porter, and J. Ives, supervisors; C. R. Rollins, clerk; E. P. Whittier, assessor; G. W. Porter, treasurer; A. J. Irving and C. Smith, justices; D. Felton and A. Amidon, constables.

1859-J. O. Rich, A. Amidon and J. Felton, supervisors; C. R. Rollins, clerk. 1860-N. Amidon. W. W. Cummings, C. Porter, supervi . sors; J. Tuttle, clerk. 1861-W. W. Cummings, A. Amidon and D. Felton, supervisors; J. Tuttle, clerk. 1862-C. Adams, C. Porter and A.

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HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

Amidon, supervisors: J. Tuttle, clerk. 1863-C. Porter, C. Adams and J. E. Rinehart, super- visors; J. Tuttle, clerk. 1864-A. S. Bradford, H. Lillie and J. E. Rinehart, supervisors; N. E. Slack. clerk. 1865-A. S. Bradford, H. Lillie and A. Whittier, supervisors; N. E. Slack, clerk. 1866-A. Whittier, G. H. Donaldson and M. Johnson, supervisors; H. N. Hosmer, clerk. 1867 -C. L. Hosmer, A. Whittier and A. Amidon, supervisors; H. C. Wing, clerk. 1868-II. Lam, J. J. Brooks and J. Sullivan, supervisors; H. C. Wing, clerk. 1869-K. N. Guiteau, H. W. Bar- kulo, H. N. Day, supervisors; H. C. Wing, clerk. 1870-E. Woodard, A. Whittier and B. S. Kel- ley, supervisors; L. P. Fluke, clerk. 1871-P. Woodard, William Harrington and A. M. Whit- tier, supervisors; L. P. Fluke, clerk. 1872-A. M. Whittier, W. Harrington and E. L. Needham, supervisors; L. P. Fluke, clerk. 1873-W. Har- rington, J. Eagle and M. M. Verrill, supervisors; C. Adams, clerk. 1874-A. Bradford. S. Head- ley and J. Eagle, supervisors; C. Adams, clerk. 1875-M. Costello, J. Eagle and C. L. Holmes, supervisors; H. Lam, clerk. 1876-M. Costello, C. L. Holmes and D. Pitcher, supervisors; T. McCarthy, clerk. 1877-M. Costello, D. S. Pitch- er and C. L. Holmes, supervisors; H. C. Wing, clerk. 1878-D. Pitcher, P. Haynes and W. Gib- bons, supervisors; F. Vaughan, clerk. 1879-I. W. Gibbons, P. Haynes and M. M. Verrill, su- pervisors. E. A. Rice, clerk. 1880-A. S. Brad- ford, T. McCarthy and A. C. Headley, supervi- sors; W. L. Knowles, clerk. 1881-A. S. Brad- ford, T. McCarthy and T. Mangan, supervisors; P. Ballard, clerk; E. A. Rice, treasurer; H. N. Hosmer, assessor; I. W. Gibbons and C. L. Homer, justices of the peace; H. C. Wing and W. H. Brownell, constables.

The name of the town was taken from the post-office which was established at Empire City. The name of the village was given by the rail- road company at the time when it was decided to build a station at this point. The first house built in the village was by Mrs. O'Blennis. The next was a saloon, just opposite where the hotel .now stands.

SCHOOLS.

A meeting was held on the 29th of December, 1856, at the Empire house, Empire City, for the purpose of organizing a school district. This was

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 61

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

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