History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 66

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

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In 1856, a Methodist class was organized at the house of J. W. Youngblood, Lakeville, by Chas.

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EUREKA-CHURCHES-CEMETERIES.

Jones as class leader, under authority delegated by the Methodist conference of St. Paul. The class consisted of eight members, viz .: Charles Jones and wife, Isaac Van Doren, Elizabeth Houts, Willis B. Reed and wife, and Tolcut Alderman. Rev. L. D. Brown preached the first sermon, and soon afterwards Rev. J. O. Rich be- came the pastor. At first, services were held in private residences, and after 1857, at school dis- trict house No. 44, Lakeville, until the completion of the Vermillion Presbyterian church, which the latter have since kindly shared with the Methodist congregation. They have also a Union Sunday school. The Methodist society has prospered, and now numbers twenty-one mem- bers.

Professor Larson, of Decorah, Iowa, made a missionary trip to the Norwegian settlement in Eureka, in 1857, and effected a partial organiza- tion of a church and society, which is known as the Christiana Synod church. Regular minis- terial work was begun in 1859, by Rev. B. J. Muns, of Holden, Goodhue county, as visiting pastor in charge. He continued in care of the congregation until the present pastor, Rev. N. A. Quammen was called to the pastorate in 1866. This has been a most prosperous organiza- tion, the membership having increased from two hundred and forty, in 1866, to four hundred and thirty at the present time. Before the erection of the present commodious church edifice in 1867, the congregation worshipped in the public school- house, No. 48. Their house of worship now stands near the east line of section 29, on the south side of the main highway. It is 34x48 feet, with an addition 22x24 feet, and was erected at a cost of about $3,000.

Connected with the church is a church farm of eighty acres, purchased as railway lands in 1868, at a cost of $5 per acre. The farm is now highly improved. The present rectory is about four hundred yards west of the church, and was erected in 1879. It is a very handsome, commo- dious frame building, containing fifteen rooms, furnished with great taste. Altogether, it is probably the finest and most complete residence in the town.

There is now, in connection with the church society, a parochial school, which is taught in the public school building, No. 48, while that school

is not in session. The religious portion of the instruction is taught in the Norse language. The pupils are instructed in the catechism, the history of the Bible, forms of church worship, etc.

The formal organization of the Christiana congregation occurred July 15th, 1861, at the house of Seger Larson, with a membership of about one hundred. They now have increased to three hundred and fifty. For a time, services were held at the school-house, No. 48. In 1865, the first church building was erected, which was in use until 1878, when the present fine house was constructed. The contract was let to Messrs. Larson and Swenson, builders and con- tractors, of St. Paul, at about $3,000. It is 36x60 feet, with spire. The seats were manufactured in Minneapolis, and are of half walnut. The pulpit is of walnut. The bell weighs 1,400 pounds, and was purchased at a cost of $200. This is one of the finest church edifices in the county. It is situated on the highest ground for miles. and, with its tall spire, forms a conspicuous landmark for the surround- ing country. It is located on the south-west line of section 28, on the main road from Christiana to the Dodd road, and within two hundred yards of the Synod church, described above.

The church farm, comprising eighty acres with the rectory thereon, is situated about two miles north-west of the church, in section 19. The farm was purchased fourteen years ago, at a cost of $1,000, to which improvements have since been added exceeding $700. The premises are occupied by the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Wikie. The parochial school is taught by Lewis Paulson, at his home in section 21. The course of instruc- tion is similar to that of the Synod church, de- scribed above, and is carried on in the Norse tongue.

CEMETERIES.

The Greenwood Cemetery Association was organized in May, 1867, at the Vermillion church, by Col. R. S. Donaldson, Jacob Van Doren, Isaac Van Doren, G. B. Mallery, A. R. Kingsley, Charles Jones, Isaac Curry and William Coburn. Two acres of ground were purchased of Jacob Van Doren adjoining the Vermillion church on the west, and laid out and platted by J. F. Sparks, June 3d, 1867. The lots were made twenty feet square, and the price of each $10. In 1876, an

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additional two acres were purchased,and surveyed and platted, although none of the new lots have yet been sold or used. The object of the associa- tion is to furnish a burial place for the surround- ing community without regard to sect, or religi- ous denomination, and all money received is ex- pended in beautifying the grounds. Numerous fic and shade trees have already been setout, and the attention which is expended upon the differ- ent lots will in a few years make of this burial place a very attractive and lovely spot. The lo- cation is happily chosen, elevated and central. A place is set aside for the burial of strangers and the poor. The first interment was that of Z. A. Bonham, aged 79, a native of Virginia and a respected citizen of Lakeville. Quite a num- ber of bodies have been removed from other lo- calities and interred there. The grounds were formerly fenced, but this was removed on account of the drifting of the snow. By the constitution and by- laws of the association, each person own- ing a lot is entitled to cast one vote at the annual or special meetings for election of trustees or the transaction of other business. The officers con- sist of three trustees, an ex-officio president, a secretary, and a treasurer. The first officers were Col. R. S. Donaldson, G. B. Mallery and Isaac Van Doren, trustees, elected respectively for three, two and one years. R. S. Donaldson was chosen president; G. B. Mallery, secretary; and Isaac Van Doren, treasurer. Annual meetings are held in May, and one trustee chosen for a term of three years.

Attached to the Christiana Synod church there is a cemetery containing about three acres. It is managed entirely in connection with the church, and has been in existence since the erection of the church building in 1866. Prior to that time the cemetery was located near the post-office of Christiana. There is also a similar cemetery in connection with the church of the Christiana con- gregation, which was located with the church at the time of its erection in 1865. It covers with the church one acre of land. Besides these differ- ent cemeteries there are two deserted places of burial used in earlier times, and situated in sec- tion 21, upon the hill above the Christiana post- office.

POST-OFFICE.

Christiana is the only post-office in Eureka town-

! ship. It was established in 1859, at the house of Dominick Moes, section 19, with Magnus Samp- son as postmaster, and Dominick Moes as deputy. In 1861, Mr. Sampson enlisted in the army, when Silas C. Schofield was appointed postmaster in his stead, and the office was removed to his resi- dence where it remained fourteen years, when he resigned and Albert G. Oleson was appointed his successor. He removed the office to its present site on section 21, and opened a small store of general provisions, which he kept until 1879. He has never resigned his commission, although he is absent and C. H. Gulbrandson attends to the business of the office. There has never been more than one mail per week, although consider- able mail matter has passed through the office. Formerly this station was on the old mail and stage route between St. Paul and Faribault. There is a black-smith and wagon shop at Christiana, owned and operated by C. H. Gulbrandson, hav- ing a thriving business from the farmers of the surrounding country.

Railroad and market facilities. Although no railroad crosses the town, yet the citizens enjoy excellent conveniences for railway transit. The three stations of Farmington, Lakeville and Cas- tle Rock are within easy distance of the differ- ent portions of the town. Either of these villages affords also the best of markets for grain and other provisions. The products of the farm and dairy also find ready market in St. Paul and Min- neapolis, which are distant from these stations not more than an hour or two by rail.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Alexander A. Barclay was born in Hartford, Connecticut, 1843. Came to Minnesota with his brother at the age of twelve years and settled in Scott county. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and at the expiration of the ninety day's term, re-en- listed in Company C, Fourth Minnesota, serving in the army of the Tennessee through the war, participated in the leading battles of that army, among which were the siege at Vicksburg, At- lanta, and on the "March to the sea." His com- mand took part in the grand review at Washing- ton in June, 1865, and was finally mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, in July of that year. Mr. Barclay returned to Scott county, and in

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1872, removed to his present home in Eureka township.

Emily Bennett is a native of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, born 1812. When a child, her par- ents removed to Newport, same state, where she was reared and educated. At the age of sixteen years, she married Luke Atwood, of Newport, and after a residence there many years, came west and settled at Elgin, Illinois, where they lived six years. Here Mr. Atwood died and his widow remarried, to J. Bennett. They removed to Mich- igan, thence in 1861 removed to Eureka town- ship. Mrs. Bennett has now been a widow several years. Her children by her first husband num- bered twelve, only five of whom are living. Amos Atwood, aged fifty-one years, lives with his mother and is farming. He married Miss Helen L. Peabody and has one adopted daughter, Bessie. Mary L. is the wife of W. Bunnell of Troy, Wi- nona county; Fannie S. is the wife of H. B. John- son of Farmington, Emma is the wife of George Perry of Fulton, Illinois; Louisa J. is the wife of George Bunnell of Minneapolis.

David Burton was born in Hampton county, Massachusetts, July 31st, 1830, of old New Eng- land ancestry. Here he was raised and educated at the public schools. On attaining majority re- moved to Maine and lived two years. During the spring of 1855 he and wife, as two of a colony of eight, started for the far distant falls of St. Anthony. Joining the corps of government sur- veyors, he was away about three months survey- ing about Fort Ridgely and north of Anoka. During October of the same year he came to the present town of Eureka and pre-empted one hund- red and sixty acres. Returning to Minneapolis in 1856 he worked in a shingle mill, remaining until July, 1857, then returned to his claim. Re- maining on his farm until 1866 he then sold and returned to Massachusetts for two years, thence to New Auburn, Minnesota, seven years, then back to Eureka where he has since lived. En- listed in 1863 in the Second Minnesota, Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered out of service in Decem- ber, 1865, at Fort Snelling. Mr. Burton has served in town offices at different times. Married in 1853, Miss Elmira E. Davis. Laura E., Forest W., Martha A., Addie B., Minnie E., Lydia A. and David L., are their children.

Christopher H. Gulbrandson was born in Nor-

way, in 1853, and at the age of twenty-four came to America, and settled in Rice county, Minne- sota. Here he learned the trades of wagon-maker and blacksmith. In 1876 he purchased the shop at Christiana, where he located and still remains. He is deputy postmaster at Christiana and at- tends to the business of the office.

Cyrus M. Kingsley, a native of the old "Bay State," was born in Hampshire county, March 8th, 1831. His ancestors date their lineage back to the pilgrim fathers. He was reared and received a liberal education in his native land, in the meantime learning the trade of carpenter and builder. Coming to Port Jervis he worked at his trade until June, 1852, then came west, arriving at St. Paul in September of that year, thence to Traverse des Sioux, where he passed the winter. During the spring of 1853 he was engaged in the construction of the old "Dodd" road, for which service, it happens he never received his pay. Returning to St. Paul, he worked in the sash and door factory until winter, then entered a foundry. Mr. Kingsley constructed the first foundry build- ings in that city. In 1868 he made a claim in section 8, where he has since lived, now having one of the prettiest homes and finest improved estates in the county. He has taken a prominent part in the interests of the township, having held many of the town offices. Married in Goshen, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, to Miss Susan Pynchon, a lady of accomplishment and educa- tion. Lillie A. and John are their children.

Quartus Kingsley was born on Staten Island, December 6th, 1829, and while yet a child his parents removed to Hampshire county, Massa- chusetts. Here his youth was passed, also t !. e knowledge of brass and iron moulding was ac- quired. Worked at his trade in his native state, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. In 1860, he came west and located in Eureka, near his brother, where he still lives, having a desirable farm with first-class improve- ments. An enterprising and accommodating cit- izen, he is highly esteemed throughout the whole community. Married in 1853, to Miss Elmira Shippy, who has borne him him three children: Effie, Walter C. and Nellie.

T. N. Lillemo was born in Norway, 1847, where he was reared and received his education, also learned the blacksmith's trade. Came to the

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United States in 1870 and settled in Wisconsin, where he worked at his trade and farming one year, then located at Castle Rock, Minnesota, and ran a blacksmith's shop. During June, of 1879, moved to his present farm, has some finely bred horses, and is a farmer of enterprise and intelli- gence. July 6th, 1872, he married Miss Annie Olson, of Iowa. They have six children: Oscar, Olena, Carl, Ida and Hannah, twins, and Tilda.

Phineas Morton, deceased, was born in Hard- wick, Massachusetts, October 12th, 1805, and was reared at the place of his nativity. In conse- quence of declining health he came west in 1858, and pre-empted land in what is now section 5, Eureka township. Here he passed the remainder of his life, having a fine estate of two hundred and forty acres. He passed away in August, 1874, esteemed and respected by all who knew him. His widow, Sarah E. Morton, nee Brim- hall, was born in Pownal, Vermont. November 5th, 1819. When a child of two years her parents removed to Hardwick, Massachusetts, where she grew to maturity. March 10th, 1846, she was united in marriage with Phineas Morton. Her four children, born to her during this marriage, are all living. George L., Frank A., Harriet A. and Stephen P., the youngest, is attending col- lege at St. Paul.

Alexander Pryor, deceased, was born in Can- ada East, in 1809,and when a young man removed to New Brunswick, remaining there in business until 1855. He then migrated westward, com- ing to the territory of Minnesota, and pre-empted a claim in Green Vale township. Here he made his home until 1861; then settled in Eureka in section 36, living there till his death, which occurred December 6th, 1880. He was possessed of a fine landed estate of two hundred and forty acres, and was an honored and respected citizen. His widow, Ann Pryor, nee Smith, is a native of New Brunswick, born September 4th, 1817. She grew to maturity at her native place, and married Mr. Pryor in 1835. She remained his life-long companion, and bore him eleven children, all of whom are living. John, William and Alexander are residents of Clay county; Guilford has charge of the old farm; Henry resides in Castle Rock township; Susan is the wife of Charles Plumber of Clay county; Annie, wife of Walter Tanner of same county; Eliza J., wife of John Costian of

same county; Lizzie, wife of Mr. Ewers of Am- herst county, Virginia; Charlotte, wife of Mr. Merwin of Oakland, California. Mrs. Pryor has thirty grand-children and two great-grand-chil- dren.

Rev. Nels A. Quammen was born in Bergen district, Norway, March 13th, 1839. When a child of eight years, came to America with his parents and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Here he was reared and first attended the public school, afterward pursued his studies at the Mad- ison high school, then in the Lutheran college at Decorah, Iowa, finally completed his course at Concordia college at St. Louis, Missouri, from which he graduated with honors in the class of 1866, and was ordained in 1866, at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He at once accepted his present charge at Eureka, where he has since made his home, has now the charge of his original church, the Christian Lutheran church, the Valley Grove congregation at Wheeling, Rice county, the Zion church at Faribault, the Fox Lake congregation of Rice county, and visits others when time and opportunity permit. Rev. Quammen preaches in Scandinavian, German and English, and is also thoroughly conversant with the dead langua- ges. Married in 1866, to Miss Margaret L. Bol- stad. Their children are: Maria J., Ingelborg L., Albert G. and Clara M., all of whom are at home.

Peter Thompson is a native of Northern Nor- way, born in 1836. Came to the United States at the age of sixteen years and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, resided there three years. His education was acquired in Norway and Wis- consin. Coming to Minnesota in 1857, he took a claim on the site of his present farm, and has since made it his home. Has held the office of town supervisor, and has been re-elected town treasurer since 1878. Married at Eureka in 1858, to Miss Barbara Oleson, of Hastings. Seven children, four boys and three girls have been born to them. Mr. Thompson enlisted in 1864, in the Second Minnesota Light Artillery, and served until the close of hostilities; was dis- charged at Fort Snelling in August, 1865.

Rev. Nels E. Wikie was born in Norway, De- cember 8th, 1842. His home was in his native land until 1865. Acquired in the meantime, a good education, then immigrated to America.

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GREEN VALE-GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

After his arrival, he pursued his studies at the Augustana college of Paxton Illinois, was or- dained minister at Moline, Illinois, in 1869. The same year took charge of the Norwegian Evangelical church of Christiana, at Eureka, of which he is still pastor; also presides over the congregations of Rice and Goodhue counties. Married, 1865, in Norway, and has one adopted child. Rev. Wikie is an accomplished scholar, and much esteemed by his parishioners and friends.

GREEN VALE.

CHAPTER LII.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION-SETTLEMENT-BIRTHS -DEATHS -- MARRIAGES -- ORGANIZATION -- OFFICIALS -- SCHOOLS -- CHURCHES -- CEME- TERIES-SHOPS-SOCIETIES-BIOGRAPHICAL.

The town of Green Vale is situated in the south- west corner of the county. It contains thirty square miles, the south tier of sections belonging to the congressional township, of which it is a part, being in Rice county. It is bounded on the north by Eureka, on the east by Waterford, on the south and west by Rice county.

The surface of the town is generally slightly undulating. In the north-west it is quite rolling, bordering on rough. In the central and eastern part it is quite level, and in former times was very wet. Except in winter it was impassable and gave rise to the name of North and South Green Vale, as the communication between the two sections was so difficult as to form two dis- tinct settlements. There was a number of these marshy spots, of more or less extent. As time progressed they became dryer. To some extent this effect has been caused by drainage, but it is principally the effect of the general settlement of the country, and natural causes. They have now become valuable for pastures and meadows. The

major part of the town was covered by a growth of timber, when first settled, but now the most of it is in the south and west. The rest of the town being cleared up for farms, with here and there a beautiful grove left to vary the landscape and beautify the homes of the settlers. The principal woods are oak, elm, ash and aspen.

Chub creek crosses the north line near the center, flows south-easterly and crosses the east line about one and one-half miles south of the north-east corner. Two smaller streams cross the west line and unite about two miles further east, then empty into Chub creek, near the cen- ter of section 10. Mud creek has its origin in the south-western part. It flows north-easterly, crosses the east line near the center, and empties into Chub creek about a mile beyond.

The soil is principally a black loam, with a clay sub-soil. In the north-east and south-east, a sandy loam appears to some extent. In the north-west, numerous gravelly knolls appear, and occasionally boulders of large size.

Wheat is the main crop raised. Corn and other grains are also extensively raised, and some sugar cane.

Green Vale has always been a temperance town. The only saloon ever opened was about ten years since, by a man named John Carney, in the south-east part of the town. He had been in operation about three months, when the regu- lar annual town meeting was held. The question of allowing liquor to be sold was brought up and promptly voted down. This action obliged Mr. Carney to close his saloon, and the experiment has never been repeated.

SETTLEMENT.

In the fall of 1854, a party of six persons might have been seen encamped in the eastern part of what is now Green Vale. They had come west, seeking homes for themselves and families, and had concluded to select this spot. Later results have shown the wisdom of their se- lection. The party consisted of John and Wil- liam Clague, Thomas Hodgson and son, T. C., William Kegg and Thomas Gill. They had come from Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where they had left their families until they had secured loca- tions of their choice. Mr. Hodgson returned that fall, but the rest of them remained until

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spring before returning. They had brought a cow with them, to slaughter for their winter's supply of meat. They erected a cabin in the grove, on the south-west quarter of section 2, and prepared for winter. They put in most of the winter cutting trees and sawing them into lum- ber for use in building their houses in the spring. They had purchased a whip saw in St. Paul, which they used in sawing their logs into lumber. It was hard work, but they were men used to that, and never flinched on that account. They succeeded in sawing several thousand feet, which proved to be invaluable, as there were no mills to be found for many miles.

In the spring all the party save Mr. Kegg and young Hodgson returned for their families and stock. Mr. Kegg was taken sick, and left alone with a lad of about fifteen years, a deplorable condition for him to be placed in. No neighbors nearer than Waterford, and but few there, and those strangers. The desire to be where he could be taken care of, led him to undertake to get there. Too weak to walk, he crawled on his hands and knees, assisted as much as possible by the boy, to the stage road, about two miles east. From there he was carried to Waterford, and taken in by some of the settlers.

His brother-in-law, Robert Moore, came out after him, accompanied by Mrs. John Clague, and Mr. and Mrs. Gill, who were consequently the first white women in the town. Mr. Moore took Mr. Kegg back to Illinois with him, and returned again in June. In the meantime the other mem- bers of the party arrived with the stock, con- sisting of about eighty head of cattle and a num- ber of horses. All joined in, and soon quite a settlement was to be seen.

This was the commencement of the town of Green Vale. A vast change is seen between the country then and now. Then it was a wilderness of uncultivated growth. Now, well cultivated fields, beautiful homes and the luxuries of civil- ization appear upon every hand. To no one, more than the pioneer, belongs the privilege to end his days in peace and plenty. He it is, who makes it possible for others to possess them, yet, alas! he does not always have it. It is a sad sight to a reflective mind to see an old gray-haired man, who had devoted the energies of his youth to the development of a country, barely living from

hand to mouth, or perhaps dependent upon charity. Yet such is often the case. Such can hardly be said of the subjects of this sketch, if comfortable homes, numerous out- buildings and a general air of thrift and content- ment be our criterion.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 66

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

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