History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 74

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 74

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).

Edward Fitzgerald, a native of Ireland, born in 1824. Came to America, landing in New York in 1849. Remaining in that state one year, thence to Clark county, Ohio, and rented land on which he lived fourteen years. In 1856, came to Lakeville and purchased 126 acres, on which he has since re- sided. Mr. Fitzgerald is treasurer of school dis-

Digitized by Google

424

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

trict number 46. Married in 1853 to Hannah Ryan. Mary, John and Catherine are their child- ren.

John Hyland was born .in Ireland, in 1826. He was reared to manhood in his native land, and when twenty-five years of age came to Amer- ica, New York being the first city he visited. He remained in New York two years, then came west to Minnesota and made a claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Lakeville, which is still his home. His farm now comprises two hundred and eighty acres. Married in 1856, to Miss Mary Varley. They have four children living.

Thomas Hyland, born in 1827, is a native of Ireland. In 1848, he came to America. For eight years his home was on a farm at Saratoga. Having disposed of his estate, he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1855. The same year, he located in Lakeville on a claim. He afterward bought eighty acres in Rosemount, one hundred and twenty acres in Vermillion, forty acres ad- joining the homestead, one hundred and sixty acres in Lakeville, one hundred and thirty acres in Lebanon, three hundred and twenty acres in Traverse county, and one hundred and sixty acres in Empire. Having since sold two hundred acres, he now owns nine hundred and seventy acres. Miss Mary Mahony became his wife in 1854. They have five children living.

D. C. Johnson was born in Ohio, in 1816. He was early thrown upon his own responsibility in consequence of his father's death. When twelve years old, he began working for a farmer for the small sum of $6 per month. In 1852, he went to Pennsylvania, remaining two years in the match-making business. Started a hotel in St. Paul, in 1854; two years later came to Lake- ville and purchased a block in the old townsite, then erected a store and hotel. From 1870, till 1880, he engaged in farming, then opened a hard- ware store in Lakeville. Mr. Johnson is justice of the peace. Has been twice married; his pres- ent wife was Harriet Cleveland, married in 1862.

Henry T. Johnson was born in Connecticut, in 1839. After reaching man's estate, he came to Lakeville and invested in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He and his brother afterward traded the old homestead for their present place, which comprises two hundred and forty acres. In 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh

Minnesota, and served one year. His wife was Harriet Hart, married in 1862: Edwin, Jennie, Frederick, William and Louis are their children.

William Kean was born in Ireland in 1814. When eleven years of age, he went to England, making his home in that country until 1850. For eleven years, he served on the police force. In 1850, he came to America. Was employed as a weaver in a cotton factory at Fall River, Mas- sachusetts, for two years. He then went to New York, rented a cotton factory, and employed 500 hands. In 1855, he removed to Lakeville, and entered the claim where he still lives. Married in 1832, to Mary A. Inglesby, who died January 4th, 1880. There is one child living.

Daniel Keegan, a native of Ireland, was born in 1818. Attended school during his younger days in his native country. Came to America, accompanied by his father and six brothers, ar- riving at New Brunswick, August 18th, 1846. Soon after, he went to Pennsylvania, thence to New York city, where he was married to Miss Catherine Dalay in 1848. He afterward traveled through the western states, and in 1854, came to Minnesota. Made a claim in Rose- mount; he lived on it until 1859, then purchased his present farm in Lakeville township .. His farm now comprises 200 acres. Michael, Bernard, Daniel, John, Ann and Katie are their children.

Timothy Kelly, born in 1808, is a native of Ireland. Here his life was passed until .com- ing to America in 1848. In 1840, he married Miss Sarah McNally, who accompanied him to this continent. Remaining a brief time in St. Louis, he then proceeded to Illinois, where he lived seven years. Came thence to St. Paul, Minnesota; finally located at Lakeville on his farm. Mary, Sarah, Catherine, James, Jane, Ellen and Nettie are the surviving children.

M. J. Lenihan was born in Lakeville, Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1857. He attended the Lakeville schools, and completed his studies at St. Paul college. He then worked for a notion house of St. Paul one year, then worked in a gen- eral merchandise store at Benson, Swift county, nine months. His home is now in his native place, he having purchased one-half interest with Mr. Donovan in the mercantile business. Mr. Lenihan's father was born in Ireland in 1812. his mother in 1826. The latter died in May, 1880.

Digitized by

Google

425

LAKEVILLE-BIOGRAPHICAL.

John Loftus was born in Ireland in 1832. Came to America in 1854, landing in New York, and remained in the state two years, thence to St. Paul and soon after to Lakeville. He made a claim of 160 acres. Returning to St. Paul, he re- mained four years, but since then has resided on his farm. Married in 1862 to Mary McCue. They have seven children living.

Jerome Maher was born in County Carlow, Ire- land, in 1848, and is of pure Irish descent. Re- ceived his early education in the national schools and later. in the college in his native county. Came to America in 1874, and in order to become better acquainted with the customs of the Ameri- can people he attended Bryant and Stratton's college for one year. He was afterward connected with the American express office three years. Came to Minnesota in 1878, and began teaching school in Dakota county, also began the study of medicine with Doctor Brundage of Lakeville. Attended the Rush Medical college during the winter of 1879-80, and expects to graduate in 1882. He is one of a family of thirteen children, having two brothers who are Catholic priests.

Margaret Moran was born in Ireland, April 28th, 1810. She came to Canada in 1827, and four years later went to Oswego, New York, thence to Tompkins county, where she met and married Mr. Moran, August 6th, 1832. They then removed to Pennsylvania, remaining three years, afterward bought a farm in Illinois, on which they lived until 1855. Coming to Lake- ville, they made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, where his widow and family still live. Mr. Moran died January 16th, 1879, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Of their twelve child- ren, eight are living.

Ralph E. Morris is a native of the Empire state, born in 1844. After attaining majority he spent three years in travel, then came to Hastings, and on to Lakeville. He has been somewhat inter- ested in real estate, having bought and sold con- siderable land at different times. He now resides on a farm at Lakeville.

Dennis Moylan is a native of Ireland, born in 1826. Came to America when eighteen years of age, and made his home in Massachusetts two years, then spent one year in Troy, New York, and three years in Washington. Coming west he lived three years in St. Anthony, Minnesota,

then purchased a farm in Scott county, on which he resided fourteen years. Subsequently he sold and located in Lakeville on a farm. Married Miss Alice Grady in 1858, who has borne him nine children; the living number eight.

John Murphy. born in 1820, is a native of Ire- land. Came to this continent in 1849. Until 1855 his time was chiefly passed in Illinois, then for three years, in Iowa. In 1858, came to Lake- ville and made a claim, on which he still resides. His wife was Miss Mary Burns, whom he married in 1855. Margaret and John are their children.

James Myers was born in Ireland, in 1831. When a lad of fourten years he came to America; lived one year in Massachusetts, six years in Utica, New York, six years in Chicago, thence to Lakeville in 1857. During the time, he learned wagon-making, and is now located on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Myers is chair- man of the town board and clerk of school district number 102. Married in 1856 to Mary A. Byrnes. They are the parents of seven children.

Timothy O'Leary, a native of the Emerald Isle, was born in 1839. His father died when he was only ten years old, compelling him at an early age to earn his own livelihood. In 1861 be landed in America and for some time made his home in New Hampshire, from which state he enlisted, in 1862, in Company H, Twelfth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers; was actively engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville, Gettys- burg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and capture of Richmond; was discharged from service June 21st, 1865. After returning to civil life he came to Hastings, Minnesota, thence to Faribault, remain- ing four years, and in 1869, located at Lakeville. Two years subsequently he purchased lots and constructed a hotel, in which he still remains. Has been section boss on the Hastings and Da- kota railway eleven years; is at present alderman in Lakeville and school director of district num- ber 100. Married Mary F. Murphy in 1865. They have seven children.

Bridget O'Connell, born in 1816, is a native of Ireland. In 1847, came to this continent and for two years her home was at Lowell, Massachusetts. From that city she removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met and was united in marriage with John O'Connell. After spending one year in Maryland and a few months in Kentucky, they

Digitized by Google

426

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

purchased a farm of one hundred acres in West Virginia, on which they lived sixteen years. In 1870 they disposed of their property and came to Minnesota and lived in Lakeville until Mr. O'Con- nell's death, which happened February 11th, 1878. He leaves his widow with seven children.

Irenus Perkins was born in New Hampshire in 1817. On attaining majority, he purchased a farm, which he carried on until 1847, then em- barked in the mercantile trade, continuing six years. Disposing of his interests, he came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in company with three associates, erected a saw-mill, run it two years, then came to Lakeville. He engaged in farming until 1877, and in 1874, built an elevator at Lakeville. Is county commissioner of the Fifth district. Mr. Perkins has been twice mar- ried, to his present wife in 1847. He has six children-two by first wife and four by pres- ent one.

S. A. Perkins was born in Massachusetts in 1831. At the age of eighteen years, he appren- ticed to the carpenters' trade, and served three years. Engaged chiefly in the pursuit of his trade until 1868, then came to Dakota county, Minne- sota, and pursued agriculture three years. Mov- ing at that time to Lakeville, he has since made the township his home. Married in 1852, to Miss Lucina Dole, who has borne him four children.

Thomas Quinn, a native of Ireland, was born in 1834. His father died in 1844. When at the age of eighteen, he and his mother came to America, and for five years made his home in Maryland. He then came to Eagan, Dakota county, Minnesota, and made a claim, on which he lived fifteen years. In 1880, settled in Lake- ville, where he still lives. Married in 1860, to Miss Rosa Rone. They have ten children living.

Michael Rowan was born in Ireland in 1839. Accompanied the family to America in 1847 and remained in New York two years. Going thence to Illinois, he made it his home two and one-half years, then came to Minnesota, and after staying one winter in St. Paul, removed to Lakeville. He still lives on his claim of 160 acres. Married in 1862, to Miss Sarah Nelas. Thomas, Mary, Ellen, John, Dominick, Edward, Kate, Maggie and Michael are their children.

Mary Shaughnessy, a native of Ireland, was born in 1838. When fifteen years of age, she

came across the waters to America and lived in New York two years, then came to St. Paul, where she met, and was united in married with Mr. Shaughnessy. Remaining in the capital city one and one-half years, they then came to Lake- ville, and in 1856, made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Her husband died December 18th, 1879. She has nine children living.

Nicholas Simons, whose native state is Ohio, was born in 1854. His childhood was passed under the care and guidance of his parents. When fourteen years old, he accompanied them to Rice county, Minnesota. His father purchased a farm on which he lived with his family eight years. At that time he removed to Lakeville and in- vested in a farm, where he still lives. His wife was Margaret Berres, married in 1876: Elizabeth, Catherine and Anna, are their children.

E. C. Smith was born in Litchfield, Connecti- cut, in 1807. His home was with his parents un- til man's estate was attained, during which time he received a good education, being fitted for a teacher. After teaching district schools a few terms, he studied medicine, also attended Yale college four years. He practiced medicine a short time, then went to Kentucky, remained two and one-half years, engaged principally in teach- ing. Going thence to Indiana, he was a prac- titioner, teacher and farmer for twelve years. In 1857, he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the year following, to Lakeville where he has since given his attention to agriculture. Mr. Smith has been twice married. His present wife was Elizabeth Osborn. They have two children.

Joel E. Turney was born in Henry county, Iowa, in 1847. On reaching the age of twenty- one years, he rented a farm which he cultivated until 1872. He enlisted in 1864, in Company E, Forty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry, and served five months. In 1878, he entered three hundred and twenty acres in Dakota, which he now owns. Mary J. Donaldson became his wife in 1879. They have one child.

W. H. Watson was born in York county, Maine, in 1824. Here he lived until eighteen years of age. Served two years as an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade. and in 1846, went to Lowell, Massachusetts, remaining two years in the Mer- rimac repair shops. He then went to Maine and remained until 1856, coming thence to Lakeville.

Digitized by

Google

4:27

LEBANON-EARLY SETTLERS.

He now has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Was drafted during the war but furnished a substitute, which cost him $600. Married in 1850, Miss M. S. Thompson. They are the par- ents of two living children.

Wells L. Wescott was born in Maine in 1826. He learned the shoemaker's trade at the age of sixteen years and continued in it until 1855. Came to St. Paul at that time, thence to Eagan, Dakota county, and erected a hotel, which he run five years. He then purchased eighty acres in Lakeville, where he has since lived. He is school director of district No. 42. Married in 1849 to Miss Amanda Hale, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living.

J. W. Wheeler was born in Indiana, in 1858. He accompanied the family to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, when only two years old. Eight years subsequently they removed to Hastings, re- maining two years, thence to Red Wing for three and a half years. During this time Mr. Wheeler learned the harness-making trade. After roaming about for four years, he finally located in Lakeville as a harness-maker. Married in 1877 to Lena Aby, who has borne him two chil- dren: Susie and William.

Patrick White was born in Ireland in 1816. Passed his days at the old home until 1848, then came to America and worked in New York until 1857. He came at that time to New Market, Scott county, Minnesota, and bought a farm, on which he lived as a tiller of the soil about twenty years. He then sold his farm and purchased three houses and two and a half acres of land, where he now lives. Married in 1847 to Anna E. Lyons.

S. M. Wright was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, 1839. Here he received his educa- tion, and in 1862 was elected register of deeds of that county. Was messenger to the sergeant-at- arms of the United States senate in 1866-7; weigher in the New York custom house in 1868- 70, and inspector of customs of New York from 1870 to 1877. During that year he removed to Lakeville and engaged in the elevator business. Although Mr. Wright is a comparatively recent arrival among the citizens of Lakeville, he has, by his attention to business, and strict integrity, won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

LEBANON.

CHAPTER LVI.

BOUNDARIES-EARLY SETTLERS -- ORGANIZA- TION-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-BIOGRAPHICAL.

The township is bounded on the north by Eagan and Burnsville, on the east by Rosemount, south by Lakeville, and Burnsville on the west, and is in the north-western part of the county.

Lake Farquhar, in the north-eastern part of the town, on section 24, is the largest sheet of water lying entirely within its boundaries. The shore is partly a clean sandy beach, and the water pure and clear, containing good fish. Surround- ing Farquhar are numerous smaller ponds of more or less value, as they are surrounded by land more or less marshy or arable. Lake Ali- magnet, a "V" shaped body, lies with the apex toward the north, just west of the boundary line between Lebanon and Burnsville. The arms ex- tend south-east and south-west, the former enter- ing Lebanon on sections twenty and twenty-nine. The nature of this lake is similar to that of Far- quhar.

In the southern part of the town the soil is rich and productive, a prairie, black loam with a good clay sub-soil, from one and one-half to two feet beneath the surface. Large crops of all kinds of grain are produced in this neighborhood. North of this the surface is very broken and quite hilly, covered with a dense growth of small timber, mostly scrub oak. In early times this was covered with large, valuable oak timber, which has been entirely used up. This neighbor- hood is better adapted for grazing than for til- lage. The extreme north-western part of the town is very sparsely settled, on account of the brokenness and sterility of the soil, the land being very hilly and rocky in nature. The hills are covered with a valueless growth of scrub oak and brush.

EARLY SETTLERS.

In the spring of 1855 a party of New England families consisting of L. Morse and wife, H. J.

Digitized by Google

428

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

and Charles Verrill and wives, G. Wilson. and wife, J. Babb. K. Wilson and one other gentle- man started for Minnesota. Babb settled in Northfield and K. Wilson in Rosemount, while the rest of the party came to Lebanon and lo- cated.

Henry J. and Charles Verrill, each took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. One of these was prairie land, the south-east quarter of section 26, and the other, timber, was situated in the north-west quarter of section 23. Henry J. Ver- rill built a log shanty 12x14 feet, one story high, on section 26, where he lived until 1857, when he erected the first frame house built in the town. This was a story and a half structure, 12x24 feet. Mr. Verrill has resided here since, and at present is engaged in meat business.

Charles Verrill built on the claim in the timber, a similar cabin, and in 1857 built a larger log house, 18x24 feet. After a few years residence in this abode he erected a concrete house, 24x36 feet, two stories high, and lived in it until his death. The place is now owned by John Gilman, who married Mrs. Verrill, some time after her husband's death.

L. Morse, taking the south-east quarter of sec- tion twenty-five, built a small log cabin, in which he lived a number of years. Selling his farm, for some time he lived in different parts of the township, and finally removed to Castle Rock.

G. Wilson, another of the party, located on the south-east quarter of section 35, taking one hund- red and sixty acres, on which he built the com- mon log cabin. The place is now owned by John Gilman.

In the fall of the same year L. Nason, also arrived, took one hundred and sixty acres in the south-west quarter of section 26. and built his log cabin. The place is now owned by S. Delaney and M. Farrell, each having eighty acres. Mr. Nason lives in Lakeville.

About the same time, James Ryan, who had had previously, in '53 or '54, settled in Eagan, removed to Lebanon, pre-empting one hundred and sixty acres in section fourteen, and after building a log claim shanty of the usual size, lived here a number of years. An anecdote re- lated of Ryan, shows the method adapted by many pioneer settlers to procure homes in a new country. R. Farquhar had taken a claim of one

hundred and sixty acres in the south-west quarter of section fourteen, in the fall of 1855. At the beginning of winter he went to St. Paul to work until the next spring. Soon after his departure, a party of ten or twelve Germans arrived, and forthwith determined to " jump " Farquhar's claim. They erected a shanty in the center of the land, and began preparations to make im- provements. Ryan, and a number of friends of Farquhar, emphatically objected to this proceed- ing, and visited the new settlers to remonstrate with them. This was effectually done by tear- ing the shanty down and driving the Germans away. Among the spoils was found a large jug of whisky. With this the victors celebrated their achievement by frequent and generous draughts on the contents. When found the next morning Ryan's hands and feet were terribly frozen, ne- cessitating the amputation of the former. He, however, recovered and was able to do more work on the farm than ordinary men, fastening the implements to the stumps by means of straps.

John Gilman came next, and took a claim in the south-west quarter of section 35. After building a shanty, he returned to St. Paul and lived there until 1859. That year he brought his family, and for several years lived on the farm. Selling this place, he removed to Rose- mount, where he now remains, having a fine large farm in that township. At the same time his father, Moses B. Gilman, pre-empted 160 acres, eighty in section 34 and eighty in the town of Lakeville. After residing here about eight years, he returned to the state of New York.

J. B. Gilman, brother of Moses B., took a claim in Lakeville, where he resided ten years. Then, in 1865, came to Lebanon, where he has since resided.

In 1856, J. W. Reed and John Farquhar, brothers-in-law, arrived, each pre-empting 160 acres, one of prairie in Rosemount, on section 30, and the other timber land, in the south-west quarter of section 13. in Lebanon. On the latter piece, they erected together a one and one-half story frame house, 16x18 feet. A few years later, they divided their property, and soon after the division, Farquhar sold to Reed, who soon after erected a house in Rosemount, where he has since lived, Farquhar stopping with him for some time.

Digitized by Google

429

LEBANON-ORGANIZATION.

During the same year, a person by the name of Armstrong pre-empted 160 acres on the south- east quarter of section 13, though he never lived on it, and soon after sold to Graham.

M. Casey pre-empted a quarter section in 24, and built the regulation claim shanty, where he remained until 1860, then removed to another part of the town.

This year. B. Verrill made his appearance in ; Lebanon, and took a quarter on section 14,erected his cabin, and there lived about twelve years. George Verrill, who came in company with B. Verrill, pre-empted the north-west quarter of section 26, but lived with the latter for a time, then returned to Massachusetts, since making his home in that state.

William Pool took one hundred and sixty acres in section 22, built his shanty and resided on the place until 1862, then purchased the north-west quarter of section 34.

Thomas Scott came to the town the same year, 1856, took one hundred and sixty acres in section 27, and built a log house somewhat larger than the usual size, 18x25 feet. Here he resided until his death; since that event, the widow and her sons have conducted the farm.

B. R. James arrived in the fall of 1856, pre- empted a quarter in section 35, and built the usual sized log cabin.

G. C. Elliott pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in the same section, and after a time sold out. The farm is now owned by S. Delaney. A man by the name of Akers, settled on sec- tion 25, but dying soon after the land was proved. and the patent secured by his widow. A cabin 12x18 feet was built, and after living in it a few years, Mrs. Akers sold to E. W. Felton. Mr. Praver settled on the north-west quarter of sec- tion 33, taking one hundred and sixty acres. After living for a time in his claim shanty; he removed to the place now owned by L. II. Shave.

Theodore Fish improved the south-east one hundred and sixty acres of section 15, and com- pleted his log shanty, moved into it soon after. Here he resided a number of years, then disposed of the farm, which has passed into the hands of C. Byder.

In 1855, F. C. Carpenter located one hundred and sixty acres in the east half of section 29, on which he built a dwelling and resided until 1860,

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 74

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

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