USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 69
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In 1860, only six years after the first settle- ment in the township the population of Hamp- ton was four hundred and eighty; the total as- sessed valuation of property was $54,254. The census of 1870, showed the population to be 1,095, and the total valuation of property $226,- 404. In 1880, the valuation of property was $322,748, while the population, owing to the im- mense westward emigration, was less than in 1870, being but eight hundred and five.
At a special town meeting, held December 31st, 1863, at the school house in district No. 60, it was unanimously voted to levy a tax of $1,700, to pay a bounty of $140 to each person who would enlist and was accepted to fill the quota
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of the town. At a subsequent meeting, held at the house of the chairman of the board of super- visors, M. Poor, it was voted to issue bonds, payable April 1st, 1865, and bearing ten per cent. interest, to raise an amount sufficient to pay to each of eighteen volunteers, required to fill the quota of the town, the sum of $150 bounty. The total amount of bonds issued by the town for bounties to keep the quota filled was $17,000. This was entirely paid off before the expiration of three years, and the town has since that time been free from debt.
VILLAGE OF NEW TRIER.
This village is situated in the north-east part of the township, and has a population of about one hundred and twenty. Father Keller gave it the name in honor of a small city in Germany. The first building put up in the town was the log church in 1856. The next building was a board shanty built in 1863 by Mathias Hubli. In 1865, Peter Mies built the first hotel, called the New Trier house. This was sold in 1867, to John Sim- mer, who still owns it. In this was kept the first grocery in the place.
The village now contains two hotels, New Trier house and Farmers' Home; two general merchants, Francis Gores and T. J. Wallerin; hardware, Joseph Breher; meat-market, Herman Goering; harness-shop, John Nather; two black- smiths, T. Mamer and Peter Thien; two shoe- makers, Peter Kuhn and Caspar Michaels; mer- chant tailor, Theodore Deutsch; wagon-maker, John Delfelt; physician, Dr. Mahowsky; saloons, John Simmer, William Schweitzer, Peter Red- linger, Peter Kuhn. T. J. Wallerin.
The village was incorporated March 3d, 1874, and the first officers were Francis Gores, presi- dent; Joseph Deiring clerk; Andrew Weisen, Peter Redlinger, Charles Hostert, trustees. The present officers are Francis Gores, president; John Delfelt, clerk; John Simmer, Andrew Weisen, Peter Redlinger, trustees.
The village occupying about seventy-five acres of land, originally owned by John, Anna, Bernard Jacob Goergan, Margaret and Charles Lorenz, Catherine and Marcus Lies, Nicholas and Susan Lies and Jacob Deuer, was surveyed and platted by C. B. Lowell in February, 1874, and the plat recorded March 16th.
An addition, called Gores' addition, consisting of four blocks, ranging east and west, was sur- veyed and platted the same year. The two west- ern blocks were vacated before the plat was filed, but the two eastern ones were recorded June 10th.
In June, 1856, C. B. Lowell surveyed and platted a village to be called Hampton, on land owned by James Archer and Abram Camfield. This plat was recorded June 22d. Two hotels and a saloon were opened, but owing to a want of patronage were abandoned and the plat vacated soon afterwards.
SCHOOLS.
The north-western portion of the township, being more thickly settled than the rest, the citi- zens raised $100 by subscription, and erected the first school-house in Hampton, in 1856, in the fall. The following winter, Miss Mary Landers taught school, her salary being paid by subscrip- tion. District No. 75 was soon afterward organ- ized, and the house purchased by paying the amount subscribed. In 1864, the district sold this building to William Smith, and built a new one, which, in January, 1867, was destroyed by fire. The district was then divided, a portion being set off, and formed a part of district No. 81. The same year, district No. 57 built a new house on the present site, the north-west quarter of section 4. The boundaries of the district ex- tend into the town of Vermillion.
The second school taught in the town was con- ducted in the winter of 1856-7 by N. F. W. Kranz, in an open log shanty. without floor, chair or bench, the teacher and pupils either standing up or sitting on the bare ground at their con- venience. The district now comprises the school of the village. Early in 1881, the board of county commissioners added the south-west quarter of section 18, township 113, range 17, to this dis- trict, making it joint with the town of Douglass.
In the summer of 1857, the inhabitants of dis- trict No. 60, built a house, 16x20 feet, on the south-west quarter of section 15, and the winter following, N. F. W. Kranz taught a three months' term of school. Until 1870, the terms were of but three months' duration each year. During the summer of '70, a German school of twenty-five scholars was taught by Michael Lin- den. This summer school has been since con-
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tinued, the parents of scholars paying the ex- penses. The attendance frequently reaches as high as sixty scholars. During the summer of 1871, while the school was in session, a bolt of lightning struck the building, tearing away an entire side, and passing between two girls set fire to the clothing of each. The fire was quenched, without injury to the children, by the prompt use of a pail of water. A little girl who sat directly in the course of the bolt, was called upon the floor by the teacher just before the stroke. In the summer of 1872, the district built a larger house, costing, with furniture, $690. It is located on the north-east quarter of section 21. They now have from four to five months' session each winter, besides the private German school each summer.
The first school taught in district number 59, was conducted in a house known as the Worden place, by Miss Sarah Hawkins. In the spring of 1862, at a cost of $100, several citizens built a small house on section 19, and during the sum- mer, Miss Jennie Culbertson taught for a term of five months, her salary being paid by subscription. In 1865,the district was created, the building pur- chased and removed to the north-west quarter of section 29. Here it did duty until replaced in 1876, by the present structure. The boundaries of this district extend into Castle Rock town- ship.
CHURCHES.
The first religious services held in the town were at the house of Eugene Thein on section 12, in the fall of 1855. Father George Keller, a Catholic priest, who had conducted this initial worship, the following summer, organized a parish and built the first church in Hampton township. This was a small log affair, which was afterward used as a parsonage, until de- stroyed by fire. In 1856, a Jesuit missionary visited the people and labored among them for a time. He erected the missionary cross, which still stands near the church, on the 8th of No- vember, 1856. The church, known as St. Mary's was under charge of Father Keller until August, 1861, when Father Kaeder took charge. August, 1862, Father Pius Bayer came as assistant in this capacity, serving until 1863, when he took the entire charge of the parish. In the spring of 1872, he was attacked by small-pox and died
May 13th. During the administration of Father Bayer, the fine stone church was erected, the corner stone being laid by him, May 5th, 1864. It was dedicated February 28th, 1866. After the decease of the pastor, the church was visited once a month by Father Thomas Scherer, of St. Paul, until October, 1872, when he was succeeded by Father Magnus Mayer, who, during his past- orship, founded the school and convent of St. Mary's church, March 11th, 1878, the present pas- tor Father Gregory Koering took charge.
The German Evangelical church is situated about one mile south of the village, on section 23. The first sermon of this order was delivered in the fall of 1857, in a small log residence, on sec- tion 23. The society was organized in 1859, with Rev. August Huelster, as pastor, and in 1860, built a small church. In 1875 their present struc- ture was erected, and dedicated July 4th, Rev. E. H. Bobanman delivering the sermon. The members numbered sixty-eight, with Rev. Fred- erick Emde, pastor.
The German Baptist church, situated in the south-western part of the town, on section 81, although not organized until 1876, occasional preaching has occurred since 1860. The Rev. Grusuch preaching there that year, in the house of August Otte, Sr., and continuing at irregular times for five years. In 1876, the society organ- ized and built a church, which was dedicated June 21st. The first regular pastor was Rev. Henry J. Muller. They now number twenty- nine members, presided over by Rev. J. Albert of Hastings.
The first English sermon preached in the town, was delivered by Rev. Charles S. LeDuc, then pastor of the Presbyterian church of Hastings, in the summer of 1856, in the first little school- house built in the town. From time to time re- ligious services were held as a minister could be secured. In 1859, Anthony Armstrong, a Metho- dist clergyman, visited the town, and on the 3d of July, a Methodist class was formed, and as- signed to what was then called the Lakeville cir- cuit, afterwards changed to Castle Rock circuit. Meetings were held in the school-house of dis- trict number 57, until it was destroyed by fire in 1867. James Archer then offered the use of his hall, which was accepted and occupied until the next year, when they began holding meetings
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in the school-house of district number 81. They now have Sunday-school and church in this build- ing every two weeks, Rev. Bishop being their present pastor.
CEMETERIES.
St. Mary's Catholic cemetery is situated near the church to which it belongs. The first person buried here was Nicholas Riplinger Jr., who died February 17th, 1857. The cemetery contains about four hundred graves.
The Evangelical Association cemetery is situ- ated by the church whose name it bears. The first person buried here was Mrs. Mary Ista, some time in 1860.
Hampton cemetery was first situated on sec- tion 9, the first grave being that of Stephen D. and Amelia Bell. In 1876 the yard was removed to section 4, and contains about seventy-five graves.
The German Baptist cemetery is located on section 20, on land owned by the Otte brothers. August Otte, who died in 1857, was the first per- son buried here.
MAIL.
Early in 1855 a stage route was established from Hastings to Faribault, passing through Hampton in a south-western direction. Mails were carried over this route daily. Early in 1856 a post-office named Hampton was established at the house of James Archer, who was appointed postmaster, and he held the position about eight years, receiving a daily mail from Hastings until the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway was operated, since when mail has been received only twice a week. The office is now held by Frank Breher, who received his appointment in 1879.
In July 1867, a post-office was established at New Trier, with Nicholas Schwartz as post- master. Weekly mails were received from Has- tings and semi-weekly from Northfield. John Moes has been postmaster since 1873.
DEATHS.
November 30th, 1878, Joseph Geipher, a farmer living on the south-west quarter of section 20, was crushed to death while sinking a large stone. As he was excavating under the rock, the ground caved, and the stone falling upon him, killed him instantly. A laborer named M. Duffing was injured
the same way in 1880, and died a few days after- ward from the effects of his wounds.
Early in August, 1855, Philetus Dawson, while taking a gun from a wagon, accidently discharged it, the charge entering his leg just above the knee. A few days afterward mortification set in and after intense suffering he died, August 23d, his being the first death in the town. On the same day an un-named infant of Stephen D. and Amelia Bell, died.
MARRIAGE AND BIRTH.
The first marriage in the township was that of John Kranz and Miss Abbie Stumpf, celebrated in the Catholic church at New Trier, in Novem- ber, 1857, by Father George Keller. The first birth was that of L. Holden, born August 11th, 1855.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Eli Ballard was born in Erie county, New York, May 24th, 1837. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Otto, Cata- raugus county, and received a liberal education. In 1855 came to Minnesota and settled on his present place. Three years later, he went for a short time to Waseca county, Minnesota. While there, February 20th, he was captured, through mistake, by the Winnebago Indians. They sup- posing him to be the man "Alcott," whom they were dispatched by the agent to capture, for the offense of selling liquor to the Indians. They started with him for the agency about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and after going sixteen miles. stopped for "refreshments" and for the night at a little Indian village, called "Little Thunder Town." Having stolen about twenty gallons of whisky, they soon became quarrelsome, and be- fore morning all were more or less drunken. One, however, in the morning, separated himself from the company and conducted Mr. Bal- lard to the agency, where he was thrust into an open log calaboose, being obliged to remain eight hours, at which time he was rescued by one of the neighborhood. His hands and feet were frozen, and he was sleeping, which slumber would have been his last, had it not been for his timely rescue. In August, 1862, enlisted in Company F, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, until the fall of 1864; was in the Indian campaign, then went south, serving until honorably discharged
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in August, 1865, at Fort Snelling. Returning home, he in 1872, went to Redwood county and took a homestead on which he lived two years, then returned to his former home in Hampton. Married Miss Nettie McCune in 1861, who died three years later. Married his present wife, Miss Julia Cain, in 1866. One daughter Fannie S. blessed this union.
Henry M. Bean, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Livingston county, New York, January 30th, 1830. Here he grew to manhood and received a good education, remaining on his father's farm until 1856, then came to Hampton and pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres. Here is still his home, and by industry and economy, he has been enabled to add three hundred and twenty acres to the original farm, also made many improvements. Married in 1856 to Miss Jane E. Sherd, who has borne him four children: Libbie H., Frank E., Mary E., and Alta S. It is thought that Libbie H. is the first child born in this county who is living at the present time.
Stephen D. Bell was born in Halifax, Vermont, July 30th, 1822. He grew to manhood in his na- tive place, having the advantages of the district schools. In 1852, he started for the west, and after a residence of two years at Union City, Michigan, he made a prospecting trip to Minnesota, visiting during the time, Hastings, Dakota county, there being but two houses. Having left his family at Ottawa, Illinois, he returned for them, and the next spring, 1855, moved to Hampton, pre-empt- ing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His only neighbors at that time were Sioux Indians, who were quite numerous. By good man- agement and perseverance, he has a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres, well cultivated and stocked; blooded Jersey's being his specialty. Mr. Bell, being an old settler, has become well- known, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. At Worcester, Massachusetts, May 18th, 1846, he married Miss Princess A. Gilbert. Of the seven children born to them, four are living: Stephen G., John M., Ethel A. and Lillie A.
Philip Doffing, a native of Prussia, was born in 1844. When a child of two years, his parents brought him with them to America and located in Wisconsin. Here they lived until 1856, then removed to Dakota county, Minnesota. The
farm on which Mr. Doffing now lives was taken as a claim by his father, in 1857. Miss Mary Biddinger became his wife in 1867. Seven chil- dren have been born to them, all now living: Mary, Nicholas, Mathew, John, Frides, Kate and Philip. Mr. Doffing was a pupil at the first school taught in Hampton, with N. F. W. Kranz as instructor.
James Duff was born at Buffalo, New York, March 26th, 1836. When a small child, his parents removed to near Columbus, Indiana, where he received his early education and lived until reaching the age of twenty-five years. He then came to Minnesota and passed his first year in hunting and trapping. In 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry, and was for two years on duty on the frontier; was sent to New Ulm during the In- dian hostilities there. The company was sent on so short notice that they were not properly equipped, being obliged to carry ammunition in their pockets. Subsequently they were ordered south, and were finally discharged at Fort Snell- ing. He then proceeded to Hampton township, and the following year, purchased his present farm. . Married September 6th, 1867, to Miss Nellie Johnson. who has borne him four children: Edith M., Mable L., Helen T. and Fred M.
Nathan Emerson was born at Concord, New Hampshire, November 19th, 1834. Here he grew to manhood, completing his education at the high school at Concord. He learned the trade of cab- inet maker from his father, but declining health compelled him to seek more open employment. Coming west in 1860, he visited Hastings, Min- nesota, thence to Hampton. Locating on a farm in this township, he has since made it his home. Enlisted in the spring of 1865, in the topographi- cal corps and was discharged at Nashville, Ten- nessee; September 28th, 1865. He has given con- siderable attention to the improvement of his farm, having the finest display of forest and fruit trees in the township, consisting of European larch, maple, and thirty-six varieties of apple; has about two hundred apple trees, one hundred and sixty of them in bearing. Miss Clara Haselton became his wife in 1853, at Concord, New Hamp- shire. Henry N. and Hattie C., twins, George A., Minnie M. and Carrie E. are their children. John H. Ferris was born at Otto, Cattaraugus
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county, New York, August 25th, 1849. When a lad of twelve years, he accompanied his parents to Minnesota, locating at Hampton. Enlisted in Company D, Second Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry, at the age of sixteen, February 28th, 1865, and joined his regiment at Goldsborough, North Carolina, on " Sherman's March to the Sea." Was discharged at Fort Snelling, July 21st, 1865. He had the advantages of the com- mon school at Hampton, but finished his studies at the Minnesota State University in 1870, then returned to agricultural pursuits, teaching during the winter months. Married Miss Jennie E. Jones in 1872. Two children have been born to them, Emmons A. and Roy R.
Francis Gores was born in Prussia, province of Rhine, in 1826. He was a tiller of the soil in his native place, and in 1855, came to America. Coming to Minnesota, he located at Hampton in 1858, making a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and still retains the eighty acres on which he lives. Mr. Gores held the office of town clerk about seven years, and when New Trier was incorporated, he was appointed postmaster, and held the position eight years. He was instru- mental in the erection of the first church in New Trier, Father Keller being its pastor. He is also engaged in the general merchandise business in the town of Hampton. Married Miss Margaret Wolf, a native of Luxemburg. They have five children, Nicholas, Frank, Barbara, Rosa and Susie.
John Gores, a native of Germany, was born in 1827. Here he passed his time until coming to America in 1854. His location in Hampton township was the next year. where he pre-empted a claim of timber land which he has since sold. In 1857 he purchased his present farm of 120 acres, and has made all the improvements to be seen. Being an old settler, he has by his honesty and integrity made himself respected by all who know him. He has been twice married; his pres- ent wife was Miss Veronika. Maggie, Nicholas, Lena, Christopher and Clara are their children; Frank and Joseph by his first wife.
George Hoffman is a native of Hesse, Germany, and was born January 1st, 1835. When sixteen years old he came to America, accompanied by his parents and located in Cleveland, Ohio. Here he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1853 re-
moved to Galena, Illinois, where he worked at his trade one year. Coming to Hastings, he found but one log house; remaining two years he continued at his trade and built the first frame house in the city. Purchasing forty acres of land in Hampton, he moved to it, assisted in the erection of the first Catholic church in the county, at New Trier, and in 1860, assisted in building the first Evangelical church near New Trier; he has since been a supporter of the church. Has been prospered, and now owns a farm of three hundred and five acres, with pleasant surround- ings. Married at St. Paul, October 3d, 1856, to Miss Susan Becker. Dora, Kate, John, George W., Christopher, Mary E., Annie S., Louisa, Martin and Amelia are their children.
Henry Hoffman was born in Prussia, March 19th, 1827. He received his early education in his native place, and learned the weaver's trade. In 1852 he came to America, locating near De- troit, Michigan, and assisted in digging the Welland canal. He passed a short time in North Carolina, one year near Duluth, Minnesota, three years in northern Wisconsin, and in 1859 came to Hampton and settled on his present farm. Married, in 1861, Miss Augusta Otte, a native of Germany. Charles, Herman, Emma, Henry, Julia, Lydia, Dora and Rosa are their children.
John F. Knowles was born in Niagara county. New York, November 20th, 1839. His father died in 1846, and the next year he moved with his mother to Chicago, where he acquired his education. Coming to Minnesota in 1861, he located in Douglass township. Enlisted August 22d, 1862, in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Thomas, was on duty on the frontier one and one-half years, then went south, was mustered out July 11th, 1865. at Charleston, South Carolina, and dis- charged at Fort Snelling, July 31st. Subse- quently he lived three years at Hastings, and in 1872 went to Redwood county, Minnesota, locat- ing a homestead which he exchanged for his present farm in Hampton township in 1875. Married in 1870, to Miss Charlotte Shepherdson, who has borne him [two children: Vey L. and Louisa.
Gregory Koering, parish priest of New Trier, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, 1833. He came
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to America in 1861, and attended the St. Vin- cent's college, at Milwaukee ; was ordained at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1865, and went to Wright county, as priest of St. Michael's church. There being at that time no church building, he held mass in his private rooms. He was instrumen- tal in building what is now known as St. Mi- chael's church, finished in 1866. Under his charge were eight missions, which he attended twice each month. He also built the church at Maple Plain, Hennepin county, in 1866, and the same year completed the structure at Maple Lake. About the year 1869, he removed to Shakopee, finding the church property deeply indebted, and in 1876, left it in a flourishing condition. In March, 1878, he removed to New Trier; the church there having flourished under his charge, the congregation numbering 1,000 souls.
Charles Kranz, a native of Prussia, was born April 4th, 1828. He received the advantages of a common school, also learned the blacksmith's trade in his native country. Going to France in 1847 he worked at his trade three years, then joined the Prussian army. In 1851, came to America with his father, they locating at Hast- ings-upon-Hudson, New York, where, early in 1854, Charles opened a shop for himself. Two years later, in company with mother, sister and two brothers, came to Dakota county, Minnesota, his father having preceded them. In 1857, he located in Empire, also started the first shop in Hampton, which he run for four years. His present farm was secured, in part, in 1856. Mar- ried Miss Kate Able, at New Trier, in 1858. Susan E., Nicholas C., Peter M., John B. and Theresa, are their living children.
John Kranz was born in Prussia, February 27th, 1832. He resided with his parents on a farm until seventeen years of age, then removed to America with them, landing in New York city in 1850, remaining five years. Coming at that time to Minnesota he located on his present farm in Hampton township, having since added to it by purchase, until he now has two hundred acres. Has been justice of the peace two or three terms, town treasurer two years, and for nine years past has been assessor. Married at New Trier, Miss Abbie Stumpf, an early settler of the county. Their children living are: Lizzie, Charles II., Nicholas J., Catherine, Joseph S., 9%
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