History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 64

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

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ington; in 1876, removed to Iowa, and two years subsequently returned to Hastings. The present firm of McHoffle and Johnson was formed No- vember 12th, 1880. Miss Josephine Levene be- came his wife in 1876. Edith and A. Arenus are their children.

A. McKenna was born in June, 1840, at Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and was there reared to manhood. Came westward in 1859, and gave his attention to farming. In 1872, came to Minne- apolis, Minnesota, and located at Farmington the year following, having since resided here. En- listed in 1863, in Company H., Seventeenth Wis- consin Infantry, under Col. Doran; was honor- ably discharged at Washington, in 1865. Mar- ried in June, 1880, to Miss Bridget Harrington.

M. Meeker, grain dealer and proprietor of Farmington and Rosemount elevators, was born at Fort Ann, Washington county, New York, Oc- tober 14th, 1844. He was raised as a farmer and came to Minnesota, locating at Farmington, in 1867. Here he opened a butcher-shop, and in 1871, established a general store at Castle Rock, carrying on that business until December 14th, 1880. He purchased the Castle Rock elevator in 1879, and those at Farmington and Rosemount in August, 1880. Also in 1879, began breeding Jer- sey cattle and Essex hogs. He handled about 400,000 bushels of grain from the crop of 1880. While at Castle Rock was postmaster and justice of the peace eight consecutive years. Mr. Meeker married Miss Florence Coming. Blanche, Mer- rill and Newell are their children.

A. L. Needham was born in Massachusetts, May 12th, 1837, and was raised as a farmer. In 1851, removed, with his parents, to Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged in a foundry. During the fall of 1855, went to Rockford, Illinois, and was there in the employ of the reaper manufacturing com- pany. Four years later, came to Dakota county, having worked in a foundry a part of each year. At the time of the Indian outbreak. he went to Fort Ridgely, and, in 1864, enlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Volunteers, under Colonel Gilfillan, being mustered out in 1865. On re- turning, his time was divided working in a foun- dry winters and on his farm at Northfield in summer. In 1867, sold his farm, and three years later came to Farmington. Married in 1860 to

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Miss Josephine M. Whittaker. They have only one daughter living, named Hattie M.

E. Z. Needham was born March 25th, 1843, in Wales, Massachusetts. Came to Ohio in 1852, and attended school, thence to Rockford, Illinois, and in 1859, to Green Vale, Dakota county, where he worked with his brother on a farm. April 29th, 1861, was mustered in the First Minnesota Regular Volunteers; re-enlisted in 1864, in the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, being mustered out in July, 1865. Returning to civil life, he was employed in a machine shop at Northfield until 1870. December 25th, 1864, Miss Georgiana Holt became his wife, and has borne him three daughters: Bertha I., Kate May and Eva.

Martin Niskern was born October 8th, 1816, in Schoharie, Schoharie county, New York. His youth was spent on a farm and in school. Came to Minnesota in 1854, and settled on a claim near Shakopee. In the spring of 1857, he sold his claim and returned east. Returning in the fall, he settled again on a farm between Chaska and Shakopee. While on his first claim, was an eye witness to a bloody battle between the Sioux and Chippewa Indians, which was carried on in their most terrible style of warfare. In 1858, moved to what was known as the South Branch Inn, and kept it one year, thence to Hastings and kept the old Reed house, or " tavern," near the city; then to the Hermitage, which he managed in connec- tion with his farm, three years. Removing to Eureka, be purchased a farm, and, in 1867, came to Empire town; to his present hotel in 1868. Has been twice married; first to Miss LuciaPalmatier. She died in 1865, having borne him seven chil- dren. His present wife, was Miss Ballard. from Wisconsin.

W. I. Oleson, born December 30th, 1849, is a native of Norway. His youth was spent on a farm. Came to America July 4th, 1869, locating at Farmington. Engaged in agriculture two years, then in a boot and shoe store one year pre- vious to starting in that business for himself, which he did in the spring of 1876. The firm of Oleson and Company was formed March 1st, 1881, carrying a general stock of dry goods, groceries, crockery, glassware, boots and shoes, hats and caps. Miss Oleson became his wife in 1875.

They have one daughter, Esther, born April 3d, 1879.

J. O. Rich, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born at Lake Pleasant, now called Hamilton, Montgomery county, New York, in 1813. When eight years old, removed with his parents to Chautauqua county, and there acquired his literary education. Entered the Erie annual conference, of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1835, and was a member twenty years. At the end of a two years' pastorate at Painesville, Ohio, he came to Minnesota in 1856. Pre-empted eighty acres in Empire township, which he still owns. He has been a member of the Minnesota annual conference since the spring of 1858. Has filled the following appointments: Vermillion, Faribault, Market street, St. Paul; St. Peter dis- trict, Owatonna, Red Wing circuit and district, Winona, Duluth mission and Hastings, and is now acting as pastor at Farmington the second year. Married September 19th, 1839, to Miss Maria J. Wellman, a native of Schoharie county, New York. They have two children: Captain Watson W. of Minneapolis, chief engineer of the Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad; Lulu, now wife of Rev. B. P. Raymond, traveling with her husband in Europe.

Ben. Richardson was born in Virginia in 1850, as a slave. His parents died when he was very young, he being then taken by an uncle who reared him and finally liberated him. In 1866 he came to Minnesota, having since been a resi- dent of the state, living seven years of the time in Northfield. He has been a barber and hair- dresser ten years, and established his trade in Farmington, August 10th, 1878. Here he was married.

James Rodgers, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was born in Hammond, St. Lawrence county, New York, October 9th, 1840. Prepared for college at Ogdensburg Institute, and in the fall of 1861, entered Hamilton college. Was a thorough student, and graduated with high hon- ors. Subsequently he went to Turkey, and was for two years tutor in Robert college, at Constan- tinople. In 1868, was chosen tutor in Hamilton college, which position he filled one year. En- tering upon the study of theology at Union Sem- inary, New York city, he graduated in 1870, and has since been preaching. Was located at Ham-

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mond, New York, from 1871 to 1878, at Wilmar, Minnesota, from 1873 to 1875, since then having been pastor at Farmington. June 17th, 1874, he married Miss Lizzie Spottswood of Lewiston, Pennsylvania. Walter S., Robert F. and Nannie B. are their children.

F.G. Stevens was born February 18th, 1841, at Fort Ann, New York. In 1849, he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin, and there attended school until 1854, when he came with his parents to Castle Rock township, afterwards removing to Farmington. He still owns one hundred and twenty acres on sections 8 and 18, of Castle Rock. He is a farmer and a veterinary surgeon. Mar- ried January 1st, 1867, Mary J. Van Valkenburg, who has borne him five children: Frank M., James H., Claudia B., Freeland H. and Laura B.

John H. Thurston was born in Portland, Maine, January 25, 1832. He spent his early life with his parents attending school. His advan- tages for an education were good and well im- proved. In 1848, he went to learn the machin- ists trade, at which he worked for one year, when he engaged in a provision store until the spring of 1855, when he with his parents came to Minnesota and spent his first summer at St. Paul at work at the machinist's trade. He, with his father, made a claim in Lakeville town. That fall, he with his brother Sumner, made a trip with the surveyors, who were engaged on the sur- vey of the Minnesota and North-western railroad, but which was not built. In the spring he moved on his claim. He was married in November, 1858, to Miss Ellen M. Brimhall. daughter of N. and A. Brimhall. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Minnesota Regiment, and was ordered to Fort Ridgely, when he received the appointment of quartermaster sergeant. They were ordered south in April, 1862. He was transferred to the Forty-ninth United States In- fantry in July, 1863; promoted to adjutant of the same regiment. In February, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He resigned in March, 1864. He re-enlisted the same year as clerk in the quar- termaster's department. September 30th, he was placed in charge of the general hospital of the army of the Tennessee, at Atlanta, and made the trip to the sea with Sherman. Returning, he spent 1866-'67, on his farm. In the spring of 1868, he sold his farm to S. Johnson, and pur-

chased A. Jones' interest in the drug business, and with Mr. Fluke carried on the trade until July, 1869, when he purchased Mr. Fluke's inter- est, and has continued the trade since. In March, 1872, he received an appointment as route agent on the Hastings and Dakota road, leaving his business with his wife and father. He had two children by his first wife; Mary Louise and Mer- rill, both died. His wife died in 1865. He was married again in 1866, to Miss Louisa Morbaugh, of Cambridge City, Indiana. He was badly in- jured on the road, December 6th, 1876. He left the road, October 3d, 1877. They have one son, Walter M., born May 6th, 1876.

Daniel M. Thurston was born in Scarborough, Maine, October 31st, 1801. His early life was spent with his parents on a farm, and at school. In 1814 he went to live with his grand-parents, to learn the shoe-maker's trade, at which he worked until 1818, then went to sea, and was engaged in the coasting trade until 1831, then engaged in a provision store, where he remained for eight years. He returned to the sea, which he followed until 1840, when he again en- gaged in the provision trade for himself, in the city of Portland. In 1852, he was elected to the common council of that city. He came to Min nesota in 1855. Made a claim in Lakeville town, and returned to St. Paul and kept the old hotel known as the New England house, which was the old Governor Ramsey house, which stood on Third street next to Forbes and Kittson's old store. He had land broken and a shanty erected on his claim that year. He settled on his claim in the spring of 1856. In the fall of 1857 he erected his first frame house. He has lived with his son John for several years, He has passed a long and useful life, and is honored and re- spected by all.

Daniel Underwood was born September 23d, 1812, and is a native of England. His occupa- tions were those of butcher and farmer. Came to America in 1853, locating at St. Paul, Minne- sota, and opened a meat market, there being at that time only two aside from his, in the city. In 1855, removed to Lebanon township, Dakota county, and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres. Two years later went to Mendota; opened a market and furnished the railroad construction company, also the soldiers at Fort Snelling. In

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1863, sold out and purchased a farm in Rose- mount, which he carried on with stock raising. Moved to Farmington in 1872 having disposed of his farming interests. Mr. Underwood and son are the proprietors of the Pioneer mills, they having purchased it in 1874. March 2d, 1841, his marriage with Miss Susan Spreckley of Eng- land, occurred. One son and one daughter have been born to them.

H. W. Van Valkenburg was born October 3d, 1846, in McHenry county, Illinois. and was reared on the farm. He located at Richfield, Hennepin county, Minnesota, in 1853, where his father pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres. Removed to Hastings in 1860. September 1st, 1864, enlisted as Hiram W. Van, in the Fourth Minnesota, and was mustered out June 15th, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky; was with General Sherman in his march to the sea, and at the grand review at Washington. Returning, he lived on his father's farm in Castle Rock until 1869, then went to Hastings and engaged in sell- ing agricultural machinery. In 1871, removed to Farmington, and carried on furniture and undertaking business till 1880. He then opened a general merchandise store, where he still con- tinues. On Christmas, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Rice. They have one son and three daughters.

II. C. Wing, deputy sheriff of Dakota county, was born June 8th, 1835, in Kennebec county, Maine. His youth was passed on the farm and in school. In 1858, went into a general merchan- dise trade at North Vassalborough; sold out in 1862 and came to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and the fall of the same year went to Randolph, Wisconsin, as a telegraph operator. In 1865, came to Farming- ton, being the first operator here; held the office till 1867, also built the second house in town. Messrs. Wing and Rice started the first foundry in Farmington. During the winter of 1859, he married Miss Julia A. Pettingill of Maine. Two sons and two daughters were born to them.

Fletcher Winters was born in the city of New York, in 1843. When two years of age left with his parents for Waterville, Maine. Here his father engaged in the meat trade while he gained an education. At the age of eleven years he strated alone for himself, going to Caanan, Maine, where he worked at farming a number of years.

In 1863, came to Stillwater, Minnesota, where for seven or eight years he gave his atten- tion to lumbering. Thence to Minneapolis, for three years he was a barber by trade, then moved to Glencoe and farmed five years, Coming to Farmington in 1873. he followed his trade till June, 1880, then for a short time dealt in gro- ceries and dry goods. Returning again to his trade, he is now running a first-class shop. In 1866, married Miss Henrietta Close of Bangor, Maine. Etta N., Mansen A., Allen, Vivian and Orie, are their children.

BIOGRAPHICAL-EMPIRE TOWNSHIP.

Dietrich Becker, a native of Germany, was born April 21st, 1829. Attending school until four- teen years of age, he began an apprenticeship of five years in a wagon-maker's shop. July 1st, 1851, coming to America, he arrived at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until July, 1856, next coming to Hastings, where he opened the first and at that time only wagon shop in the city. The first building, eighteen by twenty-four feet, was soon left for a fine three story block, in which he kept five fires, and gave employment to four- teen men most of the time. Mr. Becker was al- ways liberal in giving encouragement to public enterprises in the city, and was one of the com- mittee which had charge of the building of the Lu- theran Evangelical church, to which he was the largest contributor. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1855, died August 14th, 1871, leaving three sons and four daughters: Dora, Anna, John, Susie, Henry, Katie, Christian. Henry died in 1873. June 11th, 1872, married his present wife, who has borne him two sons and two daughters: Henry, Louisa, George and Hen- rietta.

D. Benson was born in Madison, Lenawee county, Michigan, April 7th, 1840. When fifteen years old he went to Missouri and engaged in farming. January, 1860, removed to Illinois, and in June, 1861, came to Ravenna, and for one year rented a farm, then was two years on a rented place in Vermillion. In the fall of 1863, pur- chased his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and the following spring made his improvements. Mr. Benson is extensively en- gaged in stock-raising and dealing. December 25th, 1870, he married Mary E. Scott.

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A. A. Day, a native of Washington county, Maine, was born May 28th, 1838. He lived there until 1854, attending school and engaged in lum- ber business, then came with his father, Leonard Day, to Minneapolis, and until 1878, was a mem- ber of the lumber firm of L. Day and Sons. In April, 1879, he moved to his farm of 960 acres in this township, where he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. Married in October, 1868, Louisa Smith, of St. Paul, who has borne him one son and two daughters, Wilbur S. Abbie and Grace L.

John Feely, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ireland, born June 24th, 1831. After receiv- ing a common school education in that country, he came to America in 1849, and for some time worked as a laborer in Massachusetts and Con- necticut. Arrived in St. Paul, May 1st, 1861, and immediately came to Empire, where he worked for other parties four months, then rented a farm, and in 1865, purchased his present place, on which he has made all the improvements. Married August 15th, 1853, Bridget Gartland, of Ireland. They have four children, John J., Pat- rick, James and Mary.

John J. Feely, farmer and stock-raiser, was born November 26th, 1855, in Massachusetts. His father brought him to Empire in the fall of 1861. In March, 1876, he purchased his farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he made improvements, building his residence, one of the finest in the township, in the spring of 1878. Married .January 7th, 1878, to Mary Gibbons, who has borne him two children, Joseph and James.

Thomas Fitzgerald was born in County Limer- ick, Ireland, in 1824. Came to America in the summer of 1845, landing at Montreal, Canada. Soon after settled in Vermont, and for three years was engaged in farming. Thence he re- moved to Madison county, Illinois, and after re- maining there two years, came to Dakota county, and took a claim in Rosemount. In 1867, he re- moved to his present residence on section 11, in this township. He now owns 750 acres of land in this county. Married in 1853 to Bridget Lae- man. They have had nine children, eight are living.

Asa Fletcher, born in Washington county, Maine, November 17th, 1808. Was brought up as a farmer and lumberman, and moved to St.

Anthony, October 15th, 1850. January 9th, 1853, be removed to the west side of the river, where he owned forty acres of land near the city. In the fall of 1867, he came to Empire and opened up the farm he had pre-empted while living in Minneapolis. Carried on this farm until 1872, then went into business in Farmington, which he continued until March, 1880, when he sold his stock to his sons, and returned to the farm. Mar- ried, May 10th, 1836, to Julia A. S. Nash, who died October 5th, 1839, leaving one son and a daughter. Married his second wife, Nancy Howe, June 5th, 1845. She died December 4th, 1865, having borne him eight children. His liv- ing children are: F. M., Albert C., W. D., Eliza E. and W. J.

William Gibbons was born in Ireland in 1808. Came to America in 1849, and located in Massa- chusetts. May 4th, 1855, he came to Eagan and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, afterwards purchased forty acres more. October 25th, 1868, he purchased the present property on which he has made all the improvements. Mar- ried Mary Burns, September, 1839. They have nine children: David, John, Walter, Austin, Thomas, Kate, Mary, Nora, William. Bridget died.

D. Gibbons, a native of Ireland, was born Sep- tember 3d, 1840. Came to America with his parents when nine years old. In May, 1855, they came to Minnesota, where young Gibbons ac- quired his education. In 1866, he, with his brother. purchased a farm, which they run until 1870, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres where he now lives, to this adding one hun- dred and twenty acres in 1880. He married Catherine Welch September 1st, 1867. They have seven children: William, James, Mary, Thomas, Grace, Anna, Emma. Mr. Gibbons is a member of the board of county commissioners.

John Gibbons was born May 5th, 1842, in Ire- land. Coming to America with his parents in 1849, he was in Massachusetts until 1855, when the family came to Eagan township, where his father purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which John bought in May, 1865, and made all the improvements, building resi- dence, barns and fences the same year. Married, November 13th, 1866, Anna Newell, who was

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born in Ireland, and came to this country in 1847. They have one son, Walter.

William Harrington was born in Highgate, Vermont, April 16th, 1829. In June, 1860, came to Rosemount. In 1868, purchased his present farm in Empire, and made all the improvements. In the fall of 1873, he was elected county trea- surer, and during his term of office lived in Hastings. Married March 27th, 1853, Miranda HIunter, who has borne him one son and three daughters.

S. C. Headley, born April 12th, 1883, is a na- tive of Essex county, New Jersey. At the age of seventeen, he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and worked alternately at his trade, and at farming. In 1855 he went to Illinois, and after farming for a time, worked at drilling artesian wells. Came to Hastings in 1857, and until 1866 was in the well business. Then purchased the property in Empire he now owns, of one hundred and sixty acres and began to improve it, and has since attended to raising and dealing in stock. Married Jennie V. Wiggins.

A. J. Irving was born December 1st, 1830, in Washington county, New York. After working in a store for some time he came to Illinois in the fall of 1853, and started in trade. He came to St. Anthony in 1855, and soon after his arrival came to Empire township and took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Irving has al- ways taken an active part in the affairs of the town; was the first justice of the peace in the township, and performed the second marriage service celebrated in the place. Married June 6th, 1854, to Esther H. Evans, of Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. They have had four children, two of whom are living, Elmer L. and Edgar L. Edward E. and Percy L. deceased.

Michael Johnston was born in Mayo county, Ire- land, September 21st 1823. Attended school un- til twelve years of age and then went to work upon a farm. In 1846 he came to America and located in Rhode Island, where he remained seven years. In 1851 he made a visit to McGregor, Iowa, and in 1853, went to Chicago, and for a year worked in car-shops. In April, 1854, came to St. Paul on the boat, War Eagle, and during the summer made a claim near Lake Crystal in Lakeville. In the summer of 1863, he purchased his present farm and erected a log shanty on it,

occupying it in the spring of 1865. Besides his farms in this county. Mr. Johnston has three hundred and twenty acres under cultivation in Stevens county. The first mass celebrated in Lakeville township was in Mr. Johnston's house, by Rev. John McMahon, in April, 1855. Married January 8d, 1853, Mary Newell, who has borne him eleven children, eight of whom are living: James C., Ellen, Frank, John, Mary J., Steven E., Anna and Martha.

J. Lockwood, a native of Sullivan county, New York, was born October 15th, 1880. At the age of sixteen, he began to learn the tailor's trade in Unionville, Orange county. Coming to St. Paul the 23d of April, 1855, the same day took a claim in Eureka township. This he sold in 1865, and purchased eighty acres in Empire, sold this two years later, and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, broke most of it, made the improvements and has since been en- gaged in farming and stock raising. In the win- ter of 1865, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Artillery, under Colonel Baxter, and served until the close of the war. Married October, 1863, Mrs. Brisbin, a native of Massachusetts. They have two sons: Arthur R. and T. J.

Porter Martin was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, July 12th, 1827. When seven years old, his parents took him to Williamstown, Or- ange county, Vermont, and in 1844, brought him to Chicago, Illinois. His father made a claim in Cook county, and resided there until 1849, and then Peter went to Waukegan, Wisconsin, and until 1851, was engaged in teaming. Next went to Will county, and for a time speculated in lands and live stock. In the summer of 1856, he came to Hampton and settled on a claim which his father had previously selected. Married in the fall of 1858, Sarah Archer, daughter of Richard Archer, one of the early settlers of Chicago. Their children are: Rossie L., Louie P., Richard A. and Guy C.

R. Peters, born October 26th, 1823, is a native of Vermont. In 1832 he accompanied his parents to Macomb county, Michigan, and there was em- ployed on a farm. In 1848 he went to Chicago, and after remaining there a short time took a drove of horses to Mississippi. In 1844. went to New Or- leans and until the winter of 1856-7 was engaged in flat-boating. Then came to Minneapolis, and

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for a time dealt in lumber and lands. The next winter he went back to Vermont, and in 1859 re- turned to Minneapolis and worked on a farm near that city. In 1860 he moved upon his present place, on section nine, where he has five hundred acres of land. Married February, 1859, to Sarah E. Soule of Vermont. Richard H., Salmon J., Eugene W., Franklin, and Helen S. are their children.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 64

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

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