History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 76

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

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SCHOOLS.

A school was taught in a small log house by William A. Gray, in the winter of 1857-8. This house was on the north-east quarter of the south- east quarter of section 21. The winter following Mr. Gray taught in the same house. In 1859-60, Michael Mallany taught in a house on the west-

ern part of section 27. Early in the spring of 1864, a small house costing $150 was built on the north-east corner of the north-east quarter of section 28. The succeeding summer M. D. Phalen taught a three months' school, and con- tinued to teach six to eight months each year for the next eleven years. During the year 1877, the district, which is numbered 31, built a new and larger house, which cost $387.

District No. 32 is a joint district, and embraces eight and one-half sections in Marshan and two in Nininger, which were attached in 1867. The same year one section in Hastings was added, and one in 1878. The district was organized at a school meeting held at the house of W. H. Montgomery, December 8th, 1858. A. J. Poor, E. G. Freeman and Leonard Boise were elected trustees at this meeting, and W. H. Montgomery, clerk and treasurer. It was voted to erect a school-house on the north-west corner of the north-east quarter of section 6, on land owned by C. Johnson, though this was not accomplished at that time. School was conducted in private houses until early in 1865, when the district pur- chased for one hundred dollars, a house at Ver- million Falls, and moved it on the south-east quarter of section 6, where it remained until Jan- uary, 1868, then was removed to the north-east quarter of the same section, and there remains. When first organized this district was No. 46, but in 1862 that was changed to its present num- ber. Susan Lyon taught the first school in the district, in the house of C. B. Poor.

District No. 33 was created in 1860, and called No. 2. A school-house was built the same year on the north-west corner of the south-west quar- ter of section 29, on land belonging to John Red- ding, and now owned by M. Cole. The first term of school taught in the district was of three months duration, and was conducted by W. S. Green, now a resident of Hampton. School has been taught in this district each winter since its organization.

District No. 30. School was first taught in this district in 1862, by Michael Mallany, in the house of M. Marsh. Before it was organized John Judge, P. Dempsey, John and Thomas Burke, furnished a lumber for a school-house. A "bee" was made, and a house erected on the north-east quarter of the south-east quarter

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of section 27. Catherine Ryan taught the first school in the house. After using this structure until 1879, a new house costing $400 was erected on the south-east corner of section 26, on land owned by P. Dempsey.

District number 95, was organized March 31st, 1874, at a school meeting held at the house of W. B. Mather. At this meeting, it was voted to raise $400 to build a school-house to be located on the south-east quarter of section 7, but it was fi- nally located on the north-east quarter of section 8, on land owned by Peter Huneicker. The first trustees of the district were elected at this meet- ing, and were as follows: James H. Satterfield, director; L. D. Massey, clerk; William R. Mather, treasurer. Ella Gilkey taught the first term of school lasting four months, in the winter of 1875-6. The attendance of scholars being about twenty- seven.

- District number 101, was formed by a special act of the legislature in 1879, separating parts of districts numbers 27 and 28, of Revenna township and creating this new district. The first meet- ing for completing the organization was held September 6th, 1879, at the Cook house, owned by John Estergreen, which the district had leased and used for a three month's term of school in the summer of that year. At this meeting it was voted to raised #500 for building a house, and $500 for teacher's salary and incidental ex- penses. This building situated on the north-west quarter of the south-west quarter of section 12, was completed in the fall of 1879.

The boundaries of district number 65, extend into this township on section 36, the school-house being in the town of Douglass.

About four o'clock in the afternoon of Janu- ary 14th, 1858, Barney Judge, in company with a hired man started from Hastings to go to his home, a distance of seven miles. Snow had been falling for three days, and in consequence, trav- eling on foot was extremely difficult. The two men pushed forward until about one and one-half miles from home, when they became bewildered and stopped to rest. B. Judge soon became in- sensible from fatigue and cold. The young man became alarmed at the situation, and instead of proceeding, turned and went back to Hastings. The next morning in company with some friends, I

the man proceeded back to the spot and found Mr. Judge, dead.

During the famous storm of January, 1873, a German by the name of August Leindecker, be- came lost while attempting to go home from Hastings. His body was not found until the dis- appearance of the snow the next spring.

During the summer of 1863, as Hugh Mckay and his wife were on their way home from Hast- ings, they were struck by lightning, Mrs. McKay and the team instantly killed, and Mr. Mckay severely injured ; from this he has never re- covered.

Chimney Rock is situated on the eastern part of the north-east quarter of section 31, on land owned by Nicholas McGree. Its shape, resem- bling a chimney, has given it its name. Stand- ing on a base of sandstone rock, it measures about eighty feet in circumference at the base. At a height of twenty feet from the ground, the cir- cumference is thirty-five feet. From this point, it again enlarges, resembling the cap of a chimney, and reaches a circumference of about fifty feet. It has two large seams, one extending from nearly the top to the base, and the other about half way down. The height of the rock is about forty feet.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Michael Caneff was born in Welland county, Canada, June 22d. 1847. Here he lived until thirteen years old, receiving in the meantime the advantages of the common schools. In 1860, he removed with his parents to Dakota county and purchased their present place of one hundred acres in section 22, in Marshan. Was elected town treasurer in 1874, and still holds the posi- tion. Miss Mary Ryan became his wife, June 13th, 1880, at Northfield, that city being her na- tive place.

E. L. Ferry was born near Boston, Massachu- setts, December 15th, 1852. He removed with his parents to Illinois, when but three years old, thence in 1856, to their farm in Dakota county. Four years later they removed to his present farm in Marshan. He acquired his education at Hastings, and since 1874, has resided on his farm. November 29th, 1875, at Hastings, his marriage with Miss Emma Twichell occurred. She is a native of this state, born at Point Douglas. Two

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children have been born to them: Edith C. and Arthur L.

Peter Harvey, a native of Ireland, was born April 25th, 1812. Removed to England when fourteen years old and engaged in mining until coming to America in 1850. He resided at Zanesville, Ohio, three years, then moved to Schuykill county, Pennsylvania. Here he worked in the mines until coming to Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1856. He purchased the same year ten acres of his present farm, but has added to it until he now possesses one hundred and sixty acres. Married in London, England, in August, 1830, Elizabeth Phillips, a native of that place. One son, Charles, has been born to them. They have also one adopted daughter, Elizabeth.

James Keetley was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, December, 7th, 1827. He lived on a farm until coming to America, then worked one and one-half years in Michigan. Coming to Minne- sota, he located a claim in Douglass township, and in 1880, sold and invested in one hundred and sixty acres in Marshan. Married at Hast- ings in 1860, to Mrs. Rosanna Larimer, who died in August, 1870, leaving one son, Franklin J. His present wife was Francis T. Tiner, of Doug- lass. Six children have been born to them; the living are: Mary D., Cora H., Walter R. and an unnamed infant.

Paul Kingston was born March 19th, 1832, in Ireland. Came to America in 1847, and located in New York. Six years later he visited his na- tive country, but returned in two years to Can- ada, where he remained a contractor and builder until 1859, then came to Minnesota. He pur- chased his present farm that year, and the next year built his dwelling. In the fall of 1874, he visited the British Isles, for the purpose of bene- fitting his health. but returned after a two month's visit. Married in 1853, to Miss Ann Young. They have fourteen children, thirteen now at home.

William Lyon was born June 15th, 1815, in Readville, Kennebec county, Maine. Here he received the advantages of a common school, and finished his studies at the Wesleyan Semi- nary. In 1840 he moved to Plymouth, in that state, and remained ten years engaged in teach- ing school and farming. He worked three years at ship-building in Savannah, Georgia, and came

to Minnesota in the spring of 1856, locating a claim in Goodhue county. His home was in Hampton township, Dakota county, until 1860; he then made a claim in Marshan on which he has since resided. Mr. Lyon has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Jane L. Ball, married at Hastings in 1860. Blanche and Horace B. are their children.

William R. Mather, a native of England, was born in 1885. Came to America in 1852, and located first in Virginia, then to Indiana until 1855, coming at that time to Hastings, Minnesota. Enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, and was in service in the south two years. Return- ing to Hastings, his former home, he worked for others some time, then rented a farm in Ver- million where he remained until 1868. He now has a farm of 128 acres in Marshan, with a com- fortable house and other improvements. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary A. Mclaughlin, a native of Ireland. William R., Henrietta A., Frank O., Mary A. and Lillie A. are their chil- dren. Mr. Mather has been supervisor two years, town clerk seven years and treasurer eight years.

Nicholas McGree was born March 25th, 1827, in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He received the advantages of the common schools, and engaged in farming until 1853. Coming directly to Min- nesota from New York city, he located in St. Paul, and for one year was employed as a farmer by Edmund Rice. In 1855 he located 160 acres in Marshan township. of which ninety acres are under improvement. Was a member of the first town board, and has served three years as its chairman. Mr. McGree has been twice married. His present wife was Miss Mary Collins, a native of Ireland. He was married in 1860. Mary, Bridget, Cornelius, Katie, Hannora, Ann, Malachi, Nicholas and Stephen are their children.

John McNamara was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, September 2d, 1844. When nineteen years old, he came with his parents to Dakota county, Minnesota, and purchased a farm of 320 acres in Douglass township, residing there eleven years, six years of the time occupying the office of town treasurer. In 1874, moved to Marshan and for three years lived on a rented farm, then bought 280 acres, to which he has added by purchase, making a farm of 320 acres. Has been town treasurer three years, supervisor

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two years, and is at present chairman of town board. Married in 1872, Miss Maggie Shaw, of Red Wing. Charlotte A., Ida M., Margaret E., John H. and James are their children.

Tracy H. Poor was born in Chautauqua county. New York, in 1826. Moved to Pennsylvania in 1851, and made that state his home until com- ing to Marshan in 1863. The first year, purchased eighty acres, and has since added 160, having now a desirable farm of 240 acres. He has served several years in different town offices. In 1849, he married Miss Sarah A. Frank. Monroe, Lewis, Daniel and George are their children. Monroe owns a farm of eighty acres in section 19.

Daniel Ryan was born August 28th, 1843, in Michigan. Was reared as a farmer and came to Minnesota in 1861, locating in Point Douglas. Here he engaged in agricultural pursuits until about 1867, when he sold and came to Marshan. He rented land and continued farming until 1870, then purchased his present farm. This he has improved, and on it is situated the town hall, which is his property. He has held the office of assessor since 1869, and represented his dis- trict in the legislature in 1875. Miss Susan Brad- ley, a native of Ireland, became his wife. Mr. Ryan was the first of a company who went out from Marshan, Douglass and Ravenna to the late civil war.

NININGER.

CHAPTER LVIII.

DESCRIPTION-EARLY SETTLERS-NININGER CITY -- TOWN ORGANIZATION --- SCHOOLS- CHURCHES-MILL-STATISTICS-BIOGRAPHI- CAL.

This township as designated by the county com- missioners, April 6th, 1858,comprised all of town- ship 115, range 18, and sections 18, 19, 30 and 31, of township 115, range 17. September 18th,

1858, the west half of township 115, range 18. was detached from Nininger, and made a part of Inver Grove. It remained as such until 1871, when by act of legislature it was attached to Rosemount, and still remains a part of that town.

At a meeting of the county commissioners, held September 4th, 1861, a petition was presented praying that the west half of sections 17 and 20, township 115, range 17, might be taken from the town of Hastings, and attached to Nininger. By a vote this petition was defeated, but the board reconsidered its action, and on the 9th of Septem- ber, granted the petition.

The town of Nininger now contains thirteen full sections, and six fractional sections. Its northern boundary is formed by the Mississippi river; the town of Hastings on the east, Marshan and Vermillion on the south, and Rosemount on the west. Commencing at a point near the in- tersection of the eastern town line, with the river, is Freeborn island, which extends up the river over two miles in length. It is a heavily tim- bered tract, and has been invaluable to the early settlers of this and Washington counties for their supply of fuel. The island contains about one thousand acres, and is a part of Cottage Grove township, Washington county.

Further up the river and belonging to the town of Nininger is Belanger island, a timbered tract, containing about six hundred acres. Along the river the land is bluffy and was originally covered with a growth of scrub oak; the greatest altitude is probably reached at about one mile back from the river. The southern portion of the town is nearly all prairie, the remainder interspersed with timber, and stretches of open land. The entire surface of the town is rolling. The soil along the river inclined to clay, while in the interior it is a dark, sandy loam, easily tilled and productive. The whole surface is underlaid with limestone, and the water taken from the wells is very hard. There is only one running stream in the town, the one known as Spring Lake creek, which runs through sections 23 and 14, emptying into what is called Spring lake, the water dividing Belanger's island from the main land.

EARLY SETTLERS.

As near as can be ascertained, the first white

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NININGER-EARLY SETTLERS.

man who lived within the present town of Ninin- ger, was a French Canadian, named Belanger, who was found here by the settlers of 1851-'52. His cabin was located on the banks of Spring lake, on section 23. D. B. Truax bought his claim in 1853, paying for it $300. Belanger came to a tragic end; he committed suicide while con- fined in the jail at St. Paul, on a charge of per- jury, about 1854.

In the winter preceding, or early spring of 1852, Peter M. and Henry Caleff and Silas Poor, came and staked out claims. The Caleffs were from New Brunswick and located on what is now section 18. Poor came from Ohio, and was joined in May, 1852, by his nephew, William Poor; they both located on section 20, where the latter still resides. His settlement in Nininger ante-dates that of any person now living in the town, the others having removed from the town or died. The Caleffs in company with the Poors, engaged in the manufacture of shingles by the steaming and cutting process. Their rude fac- tory stood in the big ravine afterwards comprised in the city of Nininger, about twenty rods from the river. The cutting machine was operated by ox-power, and the lumber was hauled from the St. Paul booms. These four men were all un- married. The Caleffs are now in California.

The same spring, John Bassett came from New Hampshire, and located his claim on section 18. He sold his farm to the proprietors of the town- site of Nininger, in 1855. He had lived in New Hampshire, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Min- nesota, and previous to 1862, had never seen a rail- road. IIe had always kept ahead of the railroads. In 1862 he went to see the cars running on the road between St. Paul and Minneapolis.

In 1858, Mr. Bassett removed to Long Prairie, Todd county, where he now lives.

Following him, in June, E. D. Stone, a native of New York, arrived from Wisconsin, and also located a claim on section 18. In the spring of 1853, D. W. and D. B. Truax and John Blakeley came and settled on sections 13, 14 and 23.

The first dwelling, aside from the cabin of the Frenchman, was put up by the Caleffs in 1852, and the first breaking was done by them in the fall of that year. The following spring, D. W. Truax and John Blakeley broke some land on their claims and raised a small crop. After

1854, settlers came in rapidly, and soon all the more desirable claims for farming were taken up, and the country began to assume the appearance of an old settled community.

The first marriage in the township was that of Peter M. Caleff to Elizabeth Truax, in February, 1854, and the first birth was a daughter, Hor- tense, born to them late in 1854. The first burial was that of a soldier who was drowned at Fort Snelling, and whose body was discovered in the river by D. W. Truax, and by him buried. The first cemetery was located on the farm of A. C. Poor.

It is a matter of some doubt as to who taught the first school in the township. The honor lies between Warren Carle and James Long. The former opened a school at Nininger city, in 1856, and about the same time. Long began teaching at the present site of the Spring Lake Methodist church, in the south-east corner of section 23, using a small building now standing in the farm- yard of P. F. Countryman. These schools were both sustained by subscription, being before the organization of public schools in that vicinity. Carle taught his school in a room, the rear part of the old Handyside, or National hotel, and is remembered as a very good educator. He after- ward married Miss Matherson, who taught the first public school in 1858. They removed to Colorado some years ago.

As early as 1854, a religious society was formed and Rev. Mr. Kidder held services in the settle- ment on Christmas day, 1855. Rev. T. Wilcox- son, residing at Hastings, held funeral services over the body of Miss McCauley, who died near the present residence of Ignatius Donnelly. Rev. E. W. Cressey came in 1856.

The first mill was constructed on Spring Lake creek by D. W. Truax and John Blakeley in 1854 and '55.

NININGER CITY.

As the history of the settlement and Develop- ment of the country now embraced in the town of Nininger, occurred previous to the formation of the civil organization of the township, it is proper to here give the history of the village which sprang into existence almost at the beginning of the settlement of this portion of the town.

In the early spring of 1856, John Nininger, of Pennsylvania, a brother-in-law of Governor Ram-

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sey, purchased the claims of Peter M. and Henry Caleff, John Bassett and E. D. Stone and mother, and in May, of that year, had C. L. Emerson, now an alderman of the third ward in St. Paul, survey and plat the "City of Nininger." The original survey included lot 2, the north-east quarter of south-west quarter, and the west half of south-east quarter, and lots 3 and 1, and north- west quarter of south-west quarter of section 18; lot 4, and the east half of south-east quarter of section 13, all in township 115, range 18. Au- gust 2d, following, the village plat was regularly recorded by John Nininger, of St. Paul, for whom the village was named. In August, 1856, Smith, Hancock and Thomas' addition to the city of Nininger was laid out, and opened for settlement, Smith and Carleton of St. Paul, surveyors. Jan- uary, 1857, John Nininger laid out an addition to his original town plat, followed in July, 1857, by Donnelly, Case, Burns and Goldsmith's addi- tion; M. A. Miller, surveyor. March, 1858, Joseph C. Kerr, of Philadelphia, laid out Kerr and Stone's addition, Gates A. Johnson, sur- veyor.

From the date of its founding in 1856, the vil- lage rapidly advanced in population and impor- tance, impelled by the connection with its inter- ests of such prominent men in the political his- tory of Minnesota territory, as Alex. Ramsey, Ig- natius Donnelly and H. B. Hancock, brother of Gen. W. S. Hancock. The interests of these men in the "future great" city, attracted the at- tention of politicians and capitalists in different parts of the union, and they sought investment in the new-born city, that was to outstrip all com- petitors in the race for prominence. Such men as Gov. James L. Orr, of South Carolina, after- wards minister to Russia, under President Grant, and who died about 1873; George B. Clitheral, of Mobile, Alabama; Winston, of New York; A. J. Jones, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and many other prominent public men, all owned "corner lots" in Nininger City. A. J. Jones, referred to above, invested $34,000 in village real estate. George O. Robertson, a capitalist of New York, inet Donnelly and Nininger in that city, and being convinced of the value of the investment, "laid down" $40,000 for himself and friends; how much they "took up" is not recorded.

The city of Nininger reached the height of its

progress in 1858. During the winter of 1857-8, an act of incorporation was passed by the legis- lature, and the first city organization was effected, Ignatius Donnelly was elected president of the council, Charles E. Clarke, recorder. A. H. Cheney was appointed city marshal. One of the first acts of the embryo city was to issue scrip for its indebtedness, some of which was never redeemed, and as many of the citizens held it in large sums, they lost heavily when the bubble burst.

In the spring of 1858, the city numbered nearly, if not quite, 1,000 inhabitants, and cast a vote of over 200. There were seven or eight mercantile houses, three or four blacksmith and wagon-shops, one plow factory, one sash and door manufactory, six saloons, several lawyers and real estate agents, one practicing physician, one drug store, three hotels and other establish- ments requisite to make a full-fledged young city. The first building constructed after the village was started was put up by Anthony Reed, and the second by Charles Yeager; the latter was afterwards enlarged and used as a hotel. The first store was built and opened by Louis Laiver in August, 1856.

The first hotel was opened in the fall of 1856 by Charles Yeager, and was known as the "Western" house. The building was one and one-half stories high and furnished accommoda- tions for twenty-five guests. This hotel was run by Yeager until 1868, when he removed to Hast- ings. The same building stands on the original site, and is occupied by R. L. Peak as residence and post-office.

The "National," or as it was familiarly known, the "Handyside" house, was a structure of two and one-half stories, with room for about fifty people. It was built in 1857, and run by W. Gib- son. About the year 1865, it was moved to Hast- ings, where it is now in use by the Sisters of Charity as a school.

The Clinton house, John K. Freer, proprietor, was erected about 1858. It was a two and one- half story building, with room for twenty-five people. It was moved to Hastings.

Kemp and Wheeler constructed a large public hall in 1857. This building was afterwards sold to a masonic society in Cottage Grove and re- moved to that town where it now stands.

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MILLS.

During the winter of 1856-'7, Blakeley and Lewis put up a steam saw-mill in the west end of the village. It was furnished with one circular saw and one lath saw. In June, 1867, D. W. Truax bought an interest in the mill and subse- quently purchased Blakeley's interest and run the mill until the fall of 1862, when he demolished it and sold the machinery. Logs for the mill were obtained from the St. Paul booms. The enter- prise, unlike many others in this place, was suc- cessful.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 76

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

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