History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 63

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 63

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digitized by

Google

362

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

thing except the records. They then rented Odd Fellows hall until July 1881, when they moved to their new hall in Griebie's block. The lodge room is 20x40 feet, and has two ante-rooms with folding doors, all elegantly furnished. The present officers are: D. F. Akin, W. M .; H. B. Whittier, S. W .; D. O. Conner, J. W .; H. C. Wing, secretary; E. L. Brackett, treasurer; L. P. Dodge, S. D .; D. Bramsted, J. D .; J. Houston, tyler.

Sunbeam lodge number 31, I. O. O. F., was organized on the 14th of February, 1871, by Grand Master, J. Fletcher Williams, and Grand secretary, S. Hough. The lodge started under very unfavorable auspices,as they were obliged to call upon John White, of Hastings, to make the required number. The following are charter members: J. W. Emery, C. Seward, G. F. Ack- ley. D. C. Johnson, E, Cowle, C. Smith, P. Per- kins, John White. The following officers were elected: G. F. Ackley, N. G .; D. C. Johnson, V. G .; J.W. Emery, secretary; C. Seward, treasurer; C. Smith. W .; K. N. Guiteau, C .; C. Seward, and R. S. Perkins, S. N. G .; H. P. Perkins and J. F. Smiley, S. V. G .; S. Webster and F. P. Per- kins, S. S .; G. F. Ackley, 1. G .; S. W. R. Hen- dryx, O. G. They first rented Marshall's hall, fit- ted it up for a lodge room, and remained until 1873, when they purchased the building known as Thayer's hall, remodeled it, and used it for one year and a half. They then made the build- ing into dwelling houses, which they rent, and re- turned to Marshall's hall. In 1879, they erected a frame building two-stories high, in which they have a fine hall, handsomely furnished. Soon after the lodge was started, the citizens began to take an interest in it, and the membership in- creased to sixty, the present number. The pres- ent officers are: D. Bramstedt, N. G .; M. N. Barnum, V. G .; William More, R. S .; H. W. Van Valkenburg, P. S .; L. P. Fluke, treasurer. G. F. Ackley, D. C. Johnson, L. P. Fluke, C. Smith, R. S. Perkins, F. Best, C. Seward, J. J. Hartig, R. C. Judson, A. Harris, W. A. Daine, H. W. Van Valkenburg, W. More, M. F. Bar- num, H. H. Finch, have served as Past Grands from 1871 to 1881.

Rebecca Lodge was organized in 1875, and is composed of the wives of the Odd Fellows, who use their hall and hold meetings once in two

weeks. They are in a flourishing condition with a membership of thirty.

The Ancient Order of United Workman, Cus- ter Lodge, No. 46, was organized March 9th, 1878, and the following officers were elected: L. Y. Bailey, P. M. G .; L. P. Fluke, M. G .; W. A. Daine, G. F .: J. G. Whittier, O .; H. W. Van Valkenburg, recorder; W. L. Knowles, financier; W. A. Ham, receiver; M. N. Barnum, G .; P. Bal- lard, J. G .; J. J. Bretter, O. G. The lodge com- menced with fifteen members, and increased to forty-two, but of late the number has decreased to seventeen. They rented room of the Odd Fel- lows, when in Marshall's hall, and are now rent- ing of them in their new building. The follow- ing is a list of their present officers: James Allen. P. M. W .; William More, M. W .; A. Wescott, O .; W. H. Brownell, recorder; L. P. Fluke, financier; M. N. Barnum, G .; F. Porter, P. W .; A. F. Reed, O. W.

Knights of Pythias, No. 19, was organized June 23d, 1880, by the election of the following officers: E. C. Hyland, first chancellor; T. N. Berlin, Jr., vice-chancellor; C. S. Gibbins, M. E .; J. G. Whittier, M. F .; M. W. Neiderkorn, M. A .; H. A. Finch, K. R. S .; A. Chapel, I. G .; Wil- liam Graves, O. G .: T. N. Berlin, Sr., P. This lodge commenced with twenty-six charter mem- bers, has now twenty-eight members, and is in a flourishing condition. They hold their meet- ings in Odd Fellows' hall. Their present officers are as follows: C. F. Hyland, C. C .; A. Chapel, V. C .; E. Atz, R. R. S .; J. G. Whittier, M. F .; L. W. Johnson, M. E .; T. N. Berlin, M. A .; Wil- liam Graves, I. G .; J. Donaldson, O. G.

LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

June 8th, 1881, a meeting of the citizens of Farmington was held for the purpose of forming a library association. Rules and regulations were drawn up, and the following officers elected: L. P. Dodge, president; D. F. Akin, vice-president; S. Webster, recording secretary; T. H. Osborn, corresponding secretary; William Ham, treasurer. Mr. Ham soon after resigned and S. V. R. Hen- dryx was elected in his place. D. S. Cum- mings was appointed librarian, and membership fees were fixed at $3.00. Meetings were held in the offices of L. P. Dodge and D. M. Thurston. The association began with ten members, and for

Digitized by Google

363

EMPIRE - BIOGRAPHICAL.

a while prospered, but as such an organization can only flourish through the interest and liberal- ity of the community, this began to decay for want of those essentials, until it was deemed in- advisable to continue longer, and in February, 1881, the association was broken up, and the books divided among the members.

BANK OF FARMINGTON.

The bank of Farmington was organized in August, 1876, with a cash capital of $25,000. T. C. Davis, president; D. Underwood, vice-presi- dent; C. M. Dittman, cashier, were the first off- cers. They do an excellent banking business. pay semi-annual dividends averaging 6 per cent., and also 6 per cent. on deposits. They have a fine building on the corner of Third and Oak streets, with a fire and burglar- proof vault, secured with a Yale time lock. The present officers are, D. Underwood, president; H. Bettinger, vice-president; C. M. Dittman, cashier; T. K. Alexander, assistant cashier; G. H. Hosmer, teller.

FARMINGTON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

In 1872, the freemasons of this place talked strongly of purchasing land for a cemetery for the use of the members of their order, but some dissatisfaction arose among them, and the meas- ures were never carried out. The citizens, how- ever, in the same year organized an association for the fitting up of a cemetery for general use, and bought five acres of land, which was sur- veyed and platted by C. B. Lowell. D. F. Akin was elected president; K. Record, secretary; and E. L. Brackett, treasurer. No further improve- ments have been made, and the same officers remain in power. About eighty interments have been made.

BIOGRAPHICAL-FARMINGTON.

J. Ballard, a native of Port Byron, Cayuga county, New York, was born in December, 1820. When twenty-five years of age, he went to Michigan, near Grand Rapids, and purchased a farm, which he sold in 1862. Then returned to New York, bought a farm and worked it one year, then sold, and bought again in Michigan; resided there until 1866, then came to this vil- lage and purchased his present place. He was married in the fall of 1842, to Miss Mary Straight,

of New York. They have two sons and one daughter, besides an adopted daughter.

T. P. Berlin, physician and surgeon, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 3d, 1823. Was educated at the university at East Liberty, pay- ing special attention to the study of languages. After leaving school, he was in the South. In 1848, he entered Dr. Kelley's office, of Pitts- burgh. He spent some time lecturing on geome- try, to secure money to pursue his studies. In 1855, he came to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and for nine years he preached in the Methodist church, at Clear Water, Brooklyn and Watab, spending three years in each place, meanwhile studying medicine. In 1864, he commenced to practice in Otsego, and, in 1867, came to Farmington, where he has since enjoyed a lucrative practice. After passing an examination before the Minnesota State Homoeopathic Institute, he received a diploma in 1868. He was married in 1848, to Jane M. Dennison, who died in 1874, having borne him eight childern, five sons and three daughters. Married Mrs. L. Hendricks.

E. L. Brackett was born December 22d, 1836, at Calais, Maine. In 1847, accompanied his father, who was American consul, to Nova Scotia. In 1854, he returned to Maine. En- listed in Ninth Maine Volunteers, in 1861, and was mustered out of service in 1864, being com- missary sergeant for the regiment two years. After he was mustered out he was in the com- missary department at Charleston, South Caro- lina, until the summer of 1865. In the fall of that year, he came to Minneapolis, in the employ of what is now the Iowa and Minnesota divis- ion of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul rail- way. At first he was changed from Rosemount to Faribault and Mendota, where he had charge of the depots and grain warehouses of the com- pany. December 29th, 1866, he took charge of the depot at Farmington, which he has run ever since. For the past seven years he has had charge of the elevator, and nearly all the time has dealt in lumber.

D. Bramstedt was born May 1st, 1841, in Hanover, Germany. At the age of seventeen he commenced to learn cabinet making, which he has followed ever since. September 28th, 1866, he came to America and worked on wood-work I in a sewing machine factory until 1868. He then

Digitized by Google

364

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

went to Peoria, Illinois, and worked at cabinet making. In 1871, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and the next year came to Wabasha, where he stayed one year, then going to Arkansas, Wis- consin, held the position of foreman for Holbrook and Company for two years. In October, 1875, he came to Farmington and established his busi- ness as furniture dealer and undertaker. Mar- ried September 6th, 1873, Miss Augusta Affeld.

G. S. Cable, a native of Connecticut, was born at Litchfield, May 9th, 1837. At the age of four- teen he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, and in 1855 went to Horseheads, Chemung county, New York, where he worked at his trade. In the fall of 1859, he went to Waukegan, Illinois, and the next spring to Muskegon, Michigan, working as engineer until the fall of 1861. He next went back to Chemung county, New York, and with another party opened a blacksmith shop in Big Flats. In the winter of 1862 he sold out to his partner and bought a farm. Enlisted in the one hundred and sixty-first New York Volun- teers, August 31st, 1864. serving until October, 1865. During the winter he sold his farm and in May, 1866, came to Farmington, since running a blacksmith shop, the firm name being Lincoln and Cable. Married August, 1861, to Telina M. White. They have six sons and one daughter.

S. C. Clemens, of the firm of Fluke and Clem- ens, was born July 18th, 1850, at La Fayette, In- diana. Attended school and graduated from col- lege in 1869. He went to Atchison, Kansas, to run on a railroad as baggage-master, and then run a train until 1872. After engaging in busi- ness in various places in the west he entered the firm of Fluke and Clemens, druggists, in March 1878. He was married in 1875, to Ida Mahan, a native of Indiana. They have one son and two daughters.

M. Cropper was born November 3d, 1825, in Fayette county, Kentucky. When he was quite young his parents took him to Indiana, and when he was eighteen years old he began to learn black- smith's trade.at Greensburgh. After residing on a farm for one year in Boone county, Kentucky, in 1847 he went to Marion county, Indiana, and opened a blacksmith shop, which he run until 1861. Then went to Zionsville and engaged in general trade, which he sold in 1864, and came to Dakota county, buying a farm in Hampton. In

1874 he came to Farmington and opened a black- smith shop. September, 1877, he sold out and opened a store. Married Elizabeth Greacen in 1847.

T. C. Davis was born September 4th, 1830, in Strafford county, New Hampshire. He was reared as a farmer, and when sixteen years of age went to Boston; was fireman on the Boston and Maine railroad, and in 1848 went to Ohio. He assisted in building the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago railroad from Fort Wayne to Toledo, Ohio. He continued working on dif- ferent roads until 1857; in the meantime was in a store two years at Freeport, Illinois. In 1857 he started for Pike's Peak, and on September 15th, crossed into California. Returning to his native state in 1862, he proceeded the following year to Dakota county, Minnesota. He is now a real estate dealer and general collection agent at Farmington. Was instrumental in starting the Farmington bank, and was its first president. Married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth Blaisdell, a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Davis now owns four hundred and eighty acres in Dakota county.

G. W. Dilley, proprietor of the Empire livery and boarding stable, was born in Ohio, May 12th, 1839. Came, with his parents, to Minnesota in 1856, and for a short time lived in Kaposia. After remaining a short time in Rice county with his father who had pre-empted a farm near Union lake. he took charge of a rented farm two years. He also rented a farm in Waterford in 1864, and two years later purchased land in Sciota town- ship. Moved to Farmington in 1870, starting in the livery business. In 1877, built a fine barn, 30x100 feet, which burned two years later. His present barn, of the same size, built of Chaska brick, with iron root, was erected in 1880. He also owns four hundred acres of land in Dakota and Renville counties. Married in 1862 to Miss Elizabeth Nicholson. Three sons and two daughters have been born to them.

C. M. Dittman was born March 22d, 1847, in Germany. During the summer of 1867, he came to America and located in Minnesota, on the St. Croix river, and for three years was doing busi- ness in a general store. In 1870 he removed to St. Paul, and was book-keeper in the First Na- tional bank two years; afterwards was teller in the First National bank in Stillwater. Visited

Digitized by Google

365

EMPIRE-BIOGRAPHICAL.

his native country in 1876, being absent only three months. The same year he became a resi- dent of Farmington, and was instrumental in organizing the bank, having since been its cash- ier. He deals quite extensively in real estate, owning considerable land in Dakota county, and is also agent for several insurance companies. Miss Pettingen, of St. Paul. became his wife in 1878.

L. P. Dodge, M. D., was born May 25th, 1839, at Sunapee, Sullivan county, New Hampshire. He was left without a mother's tender care and influence when only six weeks old, and since the age of eight years has cared for himself. In 1860, he began the study of medicine with S. M. Whipple, of New London, New Hampshire, and in October. 1861. enlisted in the Sixth New Hampshire. He received an appointment in the medical department, which he held until mus- tered out in February, 1863. The same year, he entered the medical department of Dartmouth college, graduating and receiving a diploma in the school of allopathy in November of that year. He then began practicing in Sutton, New Hamp- shire; came to Farmington in 1865, and was the first practitioner in that part of the county. Married in October, 1865, to Miss Henrietta Shackelford, of Virginia. They have two sons: Warren M. and Albert A.

W. C. Eustis, physician and surgeon, was born June 3d, 1847, at Boston, Massachusetts. Dur- ing the spring of 1855, came with his parents to Minnesota, locating on a farm between Minne- apolis and St. l'aul. He was one of the first stu- dents in the state university, taking a course of six years; graduated June 19th, 1873, with H. M. Williamson, they being the first graduates. Read medicine with Dr. Goodrich one year, then took a medical course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Passed one year traveling on the Pacific coast, and during the fall of 1876, entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, receiving a diploma in 1877. Returning to Minnesota, he located at Farmington the same year, having here an ex- cellent practice. In August, 1879, he married Miss Alice Knowles, of Farmington.

Nicholas Everod, a native of Germany, was born in June, 1852. Came to America in 1869, locating at New Ulm, Minnesota, engaging in the meat trade. For a short time, his home was at

Northfield, then to Fort Garry, in the employ of the government. He finally located at Farming- ton, and is now proprietor of the city meat mar- ket, which he established in October, 1876. Miss Lizzie Weisel became his wife in 1877. They have two daughters.

H. H. Finch was born in Michigan, in 1842. Received a common school education, and was reared as a farmer, following that occupation until 1863. He then enlisted in the Tenth Michi- gan Cavalry, Company; G, as assistant veterin- ary surgeon, and participated in many conflicts. Was honorably discharged in 1865, at Jackson, Michigan. Returned home and remained until 1869,then came to Minnesota. Made a farm of two hundred and forty acres, in Castle Rock, and gave his attention to agriculture four years. He then sold and came to Farmington, engaging in livery business. Subsequently engaged in saloon business, but when burned out traveled on the road one year. He finally established in liquor trade in Farmington. In 1862, he married Phœbe L. Goodwin, and has five children living: Reuben, Addie, Frank, Kate and Carl.

L. P. Fluke was born in Brownsville, Ohio, June 18th 1838. His father and grandfather were wagon-makers, and at the age of sixteen he also began the trade of his ancestors. Enlisted July 6th, 1861, in Company C, Twenty-seventh Ohio; in 1862 was detached from the regiment, and acted as hospital druggist until mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July, 1864. Two years later he came to Farmington. His first partner was Mr. Dodge, then in succession Messrs. Jones, Thurston, Currey, Perkins, Holmes, and Clem- ens. In 186), Mr. Fluke was appointed post- master, having held that office since. Married in 1864, to Miss Delia M. Williamson, a native of Ohio. Four daughters have been born to them.

C. R. Griebie, proprietor of a general merchan- dise store, was born April 15th, 1848, in Switzer- land. Came to America in 1853 and was reared to manhood in Indiana. Enlisted in 1864, in the One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana regi- ment, serving until the close of the war. In 1865, came to St. Paul, and the year after, the firm of Griebie Brothers was formed. After their fail- ure in 1867, he worked for others until opening a store in Farmington in 1875. His present store,

Digitized by Google

366

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

60x75 feet, was erected in 1880, it having three stories, solid brick walls of Chaska brick, ve- neered with Faribault stone, and a galvanized iron cornice. He is an unmarried man.

S. V. R. Hendryx Sr., deceased, was born in 1816, in New York. For years, while young, he was engaged with his father, who was a carpenter, in putting in locks in several canals. After- ward he learned the tailor's trade which he fol- lowed until 1850; then engaged in the grocery business in Ohio nine years. Coming thence to Minnesota, he purchased a farm in Castle Rock township, and gave his attention to agriculture, until Farmington was laid out in 1864. Seeing the advantage to be gained in this new town be removed here, building the first dwelling east of the railroad, Miss Lucy Day became his wife, and has borne him five children: Alfred D., Miriam L., Samuel V. R., Etoile S. and Arydon M. Mr. Hendryx died some years since. His widow still lives, having married Dr. Berlin.

S. V. R. Hendryx Jr., was born in 1854, in Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio. Until fifteen years of age he attended school, then with bis father engaged in the grocery trade until his death. He then acted as clerk for K. Record, who purchased the business, being with him three months. Subsequently went to Minneapolis as wholesale fruit dealer, continuing four months. Returning to Farmington he and his mother were established in the millinery business some time. After trying the chromo and jewelry trade he finaly engaged with Mr. Griebie in the general merchandise business, being one of his trusted clerks.

George Herber is a native of Luxemburg, born in September, 1837. He received only the advan- tages of the common school and in the fall of 1856, came to America. locating first in Albany, New York, as a driver on the Erie canal. After passing some time in Wisconsin removed to Wau- kegan, Illinois remaining four years, in the fish trade. Came to St. Paul in 1859, and farmed in Scott county. During the fall of 1866, came to Farmington, having since resided here. Enlisted in 1862 with the Mounted Rangers, under Gen. Sibley; was honorably discharged during the fall of 1863. The next spring was drafted and served until the close of the war. In 1866, established the Luxemburg Home, which he has since con-

ducted. Married in June, 1865, to Mrs. Moes, who had three sons and one daughter. They have two children: George Jr. and Anna.

S. Jenkins was born March 6th, 1818, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and was reared as a farmer. In 1859 he went to Washington county, Maine, engaged there principally in lumbering until com- ing to St. Anthony, Minnesota, in 1851. The next summer was pilot on the boat Gov. Ramsey, running from St. Anthony to Sauk Rapids. Moved to his claim in Brooklyn township and car- ried on his farm till 1863, then came to Lakeville township and purchased 1,036 acres, and for ten successive years raised 18,000 bushels of small g.ain. He sold in the spring of 1874, and opened his present farm, which he has continued to im- prove. Grandfather Lemuel Jenkins participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, also seven brothers and their father. One was killed but the others went through the entire revolution. Mr. Jenkin's father was enrolled in the war of 1812. Miss Eunice K. Whitney became the wife of Mr. Jen- kins in 1841. Six children have been born to them, all but one being married.

D. J. Johnson, merchant tailor and dealer in gents' ready made clothing. was born July 14th, 1840, in Norway. Came to America in August, 1866, and located at Farmington, where he has since resided, with the exception of six months in St. Paul. Merchant tailoring has been his chosen occupation through life, and in Farmington he has established a fine trade. He owns his present building, which is forty by twenty feet, two stories high and was erected in 1877.

L. W. Johnson was born in January, 1846, and is a native of Norway. He was reared as a farmer, and in 1852, came to America with his parents, locating in Racine county, Wisconsin. During the spring of 1856. moved to Eureka township, Dakota county. When eighteen years old, he commenced the carpenter's trade, continu- ing at it until 1872, then went to Owatonna and there acquired a knowledge of the jeweler's trade. After two years experience, located at Farming- ton, having since pursued his trade as watch- maker and jeweler, dealing also in plated ware, toys and instruments. Married in 1868, Miss Julia Oleson. One son and three daughters have been born to them.

Roswell Judson, whose native state is New

Digitized by Google

367

EMPIRE -- BIOGRAPHICAL.

York, was born in Delaware county, November 19th, 1806. He attended school at Butternuts, Otsego county, then for nearly five years taught school. Began the study of law about 1829, with Timothy Jenkins, of Oneida county, New York; after reading five years, was admitted to the court of common pleas, in 1834, was admit- ted to practice in the supreme court of chancery. Removed to Sherburne, Chenango county, in 1835, where the firm of Maynard and Judson was formed. Was appointed first judge of court of common pleas, of Chenango county in 1843, also surrogate, continuing in these offices seven and one-half years. Located at Hastings in 1863, and in 1867, at Farmington. In connection with his duties as a lawyer, he has held the office of justice of the peace. Married in 1835, Miss Amanda Harris, who died the same year. His present wife was Lucy M. Babcock, who has borne him three sons; J. Walls residing at Louisville, Kentucky, has been in the employ of the government since 1872; R. C. is secretary of the state agricultural society, and H. Harris is clerk of the town. They are all married.

W. L. Knowles was born May 9th, 1850, in El- lison, Warren county, Illinois. Here was his home until 1865, then his father removed to Min- neapolis, Minnesota, in the mercantile trade, his son W. L. acting as clerk. They remained in business till June, 1867, then removed to Farm- ington, and engaged in general merchandise During the winter of 1876, death removed the father and his son succeeded him in business. Was married in February, 1880, to Miss Curtis.

W. C. Levitt was born July 17th, 1854, at Pat- ten, Maine. Graduated from Bates college, June 22d, 1876. The fall of the same year he entered the law-office of Hutchinson, Savage and San- born; was admitted to the bar during the fall of 1877. Entered the Boston University Law School in the fall of 1877, which he left in July, 1878, and started for Bismarck, Dakota territory. In April, 1880, located at Farmington. Miss Pettingill became his wife in 1878.

T. McHoffe was born May 29th, 1853, in St. Lawrence county, New York. At the age of fifteen years commenced the blacksmith's trade and has since followed it. Came to Avon, Min- nesota, in 1873, and opened a shop; the next year went to Minneapolis and one year later to Farm-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 63

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

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