USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 79
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RAVENNA-CEMETERY-HIGHWAY.
In the summer of 1860, Miss Eliza Quintin taught a school of about fifteen scholars, in a bouse owned by Joseph Ennis, situated on what is now section 1, in the town of Marshan. This school was taught preparatory to the formation of a district. In the following fall, at a school meet- ing held at the house of James Sherry, on the south-west quarter of section 36, a district was organized and designated as No. 27, and a vote was also taken to raise $600 to build a school- bouse, but like district No: 28, it was easier to vote a tax than to raise the money, and it was 1865 before the house was built. The first school taught in the new building was in the following winter, by Timothy Mitchell.
In 1865, the people living in a portion of dis- trict No. 28, felt the need of a school-house nearer, so they erected a brick building on the south-east quarter of section 29, and here their first school was taught by Augusta Lyons. This house was used until 1873, when they sold it, and built a frame house at Etter station, eighteen by twenty-five feet, at a cost of $180, which they have used since, holding two school terms every year. The brick building was bought by C. L. Barnum, and used as a dwelling house.
The boundaries of school district No. 65, ex- tend into this town on section 31, the school-house being situated in the town of Douglass. School district No. 90, of Goodhue county, extends into this township, embracing the south-east quarter of section 31, township 114, range 16.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
The first religious service held in the town, was in July, 1853, at the house of Thomas Ellis, con- ducted by Edward Cressey, a Baptist minister from Prescott, Wis.
In the spring of 1853, a Bible class was formed at the house of Mrs. Thomas Ellis, who conducted it, and continued it through the summer.
The first Methodist class was formed in Decem- ber, 1866, by Rev. G. W. Richardson, of Douglass township, with fifteen members, and was assigned to Red Wing circuit, under the name of Ravenna class. It continued in existence four years, when it was discontinued.
CEMETERY.
The only cemetery in the town is situated on what is called Elliott's hill, in section 16. The
land being in the school section, is to belong to school district No. 28 as soon as the deed can be procured, therefore it can never be owned as cemetery property. The first interments made in this ground were the infant twins, Mary and Martha, of Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Elliott, who were buried August 18th, 1855. The next burial was that of Corbin Speakes.
HIGHWAY.
In 1856, the road known as the Ellis and Hast- ings road was surveyed through this town, com- mencing in section 33, at the St. Paul and La Crosse road, extending nearly north about two miles, then in a north-westerly direction to the city of Hastings. This road was laid out under the supervision of Thos. Ellis, whence its name. Its length in the town is about eight miles.
MILITARY ROAD.
Long before the Ellis and Hastings road was laid out there was a road called the military road, extending from La Crosse to St. Paul. Over this road, as early as 1852 and '53, there was a stage line in operation every winter after navigation closed, until the Chicago, Mil- waukee and St. Paul railway commenced opera- tions in 1871. This route crosses the southern part of this town, entering it in the south-west quarter of section 33, touches sections 19, 29, 32 and 33, and leaves the town in the south-west quarter of section 18.
The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway has about seven miles of road through this town, entering in section 28, extending in a north-west- erly direction along the bank of the Vermillion river, and leaving the town in section 37, town- ship 115, range 16.
ETTER STATION.
This station is located in this town, in section 21, range 16. It was built in 1871, and named in honor of A. W. Etter, who owned the land on which it was situated. A post-office was estab- lished there at the same time, and Mr. Etter ap- pointed postmaster, which office he held until the appointment of N. J. Olsen in January, 1881. In 1873, Mr. Etter opened a stock of general merchandise, which he kept about three years. In 1871 or '72, a blacksmith shop was opened by August Behrmann, which has been in operation
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most of the time since, and is the only one in the town.
In 1873, Mr. Etter built a warehouse, for the purpose of buying wheat. It is at present owned by him, but is not in use.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
C. L. Barnum was born at Dunkirk, New York, May 12th, 1846. When six years old he removed with his parents to Pennsylvania, and two years later to Hancock county, Illinois, making that his home seven years, and finally settled in Madison, Iowa. Enlisted in 1861, in Company E, Fifteenth Infantry, and served one year and nine months when he received his honorable discharge. Re-enlisted in Company L, First Iowa Cavalry, serving until honorably discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1865. He then came to Hastings, Minnesota, and in 1877, moved to bis present residence in Ravenna. Married, in 1875, Miss Emily Behrmann who has borne him three chil- dren, all living.
Elijah Burch was born in October, 1836, in Putnam county, New York. Here was his home for many years. Enlisted in Company I, Eighth New York Cavalry in 1862, and was honorably discharged at Clouds Mills, Virginia, in 1865. He was taken prisoner in the early part of 1865 at Stony Creek, and remained in Andersonville prison eight months. Came to Hastings in 1869. remained one year, and has since been farming in this county. In 1873 he settled on section 8, of Ravenna, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, having since resided on it. Married, in 1866, to Miss P. Varney, a native of New York. They have had three children, all living.
P. W. Elliott was born in Kentucky in 1814. He first came to Minnesota in 1853, and the next year located at Ravenna, being at that time one of the four or five white settlers of the town. An Indian encampment was near his house, and their dances and rejoicings often rendered rest at night impossible and the darkness hideous. Mr. Elliott married in 1840 Miss Elizabeth Taylor who has borne him two children. She died a few years later. In 1850 he married Mrs. Ma- tilda Poole who has borne him four sons.
H. C. Lovejoy is a successful farmer and stock- laiser. He was born in New Hampshire in 1830 and reared as a farmer. At the age of sixteen
he began work as a carpenter. Coming to Min- nesota in 1850, he stopped first at Fort Snelling, and two years later made the claim on which he now lives. Married, in 1857, to Miss Harriet Elliott by whom he has seven children, three sons and four daughters. Mr. Lovejoy has made the breeding of fine stock a specialty, and has the only Norman breeding stock in town.
Isaac Lyttle is a native of New York, born in St. Lawrence county, in 1837. Came to Minne- sota in 1857, and for three years was employed in loading wood on boats and barges. In 1861, he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and improved it; bought his present farm in 1871. He enlisted in 1863, in Hatch's Battalion and served until the close of the war; entered as corporal and was promoted to sergeant. Was stationed at Fort Snelling one year and at a place near Duluth one year. Mr. Lyttle and Elizabeth Elliott were united in marriage in 1860. They are the parents of six children.
Joseph McCoy was born at Fort Snelling in 1834. He removed to Dakota county in 1871, and located at Ravenna in 1876. His wife was Miss Mary Mosher, whom he married in 1859. Four children have been born to them: two sons and two daughters.
Hugh Sherry, a native of Ireland, was born in 1815. Came to America in 1846 and first settled in Rhode Island, where he was employed in an iron manufactory four years. He came to Min- nesota from Galena in 1850, and located at Point Douglas, and the next year pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ravenna township; at this time there were only two set- tlers in the town besides himself. He attended the first towu election, which was in 1858. IIe has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Mary McKanna, of Ireland. She bore him four sons and two daughters, and died February, 1861. Felix, born in 1854, was the first child born in Ra- venna township, and died in 1880. Mr. Sherry's second wife was Miss Mary Brown, married in 1863. She is a native of Ireland, and has borne him five sons and three daughters, all living.
Owen Sherry, oldest settler in Ravenna, is a native of Ireland, born in May, 1815. Coming to America in 1846, he proceeded to Boston, thence to Providence, Rhode Island, where he was engaged as a laborer. He arrived at Point
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Douglas in 1849, and two years later pre-empted one hundred and fifty acres of land in Ravenna. He built the first habitation which was only a shanty. His marriage with Miss Ellen McCannor was the first in the town, taking place in June, 1855. Five children have been born to them, all sons.
Corbin Speakes, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Ravenna, born in Virginia, October 10th, 1821. His early life was passed in Ohio, where he learned the cabinet trade. In 1841, he went to Davis county, Missouri, and there mar- ried Miss Eliza Jane Breeden, a native of Ken- tucky. Coming to Ravenna, he made a claim, and in 1856, died, leaving his widow with three little children. Mrs. Speakes carried on the farm some time, then removed to Hastings, thence five years later, to Austin, Minnesota, re- maining three years. Since then, she has resided on the farm. She married in 1858, to A. Ackers, who died in 1876. One child, Emma J. was the result of this union. Her children by her first busband were: Hester A., who died at the age of twenty-three; Charles W. and George W. are both married. The latter married in 1869, Mary Nes- bitt.
ROSEMOUNT.
CHAPTER LXI.
DESCRIPTION -- EARLY SETTLERS - ORGANIZA- TION-VILLAGE OF ROSEMOUNT-CHURCHES -STORES AND HOTELS-SCHOOLS-SOCIETIES BIOGRAPHICAL.
The town of Rosemount is situated in the northern central portion of Dakota county, bounded on the north by the towns of Eagan and Inver Grove, on the east by Nininger, on the south by the towns of Vermillion and Empire, and on the west by the town of Lebanon. It is a fraction of over four miles from north to south,
and nine miles east and west, embracing 22,201 acres of land. The board of county commission- ers, in accordance with an act passed by the first state legislature, designated congressional town- ship 115 north, of range 19 west, of the fifth prin- cipal meridian, by the name of Rosemount, at a meeting held April 6th, 1858. In February, 1871, by act of legislature, the west half of township 115 north, of range 18 west, was annexed to Rose- mount. This tract was at that time a part of Inver Grove, it having been detached from the town of Nininger by the county board, Septem- ber 18th, 1858, and attached to Inver Grove. The north-western portion of Rosemount was covered with a growth of small timber, when first settled. The clearing made for farming purposes has changed the appearance, so that at the present time, only occasional groves are seen.
In the north-eastern part of the town the tim- ber was of a heavier growth, consisting of elm, ash, soft maple and other varieties. The remain- der of the town is prairie, slightly rolling in the north and more level in the south.
The soil is principally a black loam, with clay sub-soil, and on the knolls is rather sandy. In the north-eastern part, along the river, the soil is a gravelly loam.
The only lake of importance, is Keegan's lake, in sections 21 and 20, township 115, range 19. It covers about eighty acres, and has sandy shores and bottom; the depth is about twenty feet in the deepest place. Spring lake, on section 16, town- ship 115, range 18, covers about one hundred acres and is a shallow, grassy lake. Several smaller lakes similar in character to Spring lake are found in different parts of the town.
The Iowa and Minnesota division of the Chi- cago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway crosses the western part of the town nearly north and south. The only station in the town is Rosemount, which furnishes the surrounding country with a market.
EARLY SETTLERS.
In the spring of 1853. William and Walter Strathern and C. H. Carr left the state of New York in search of western homes. They landed in St. Paul, April 17th, 1853. About a week later, the Strathern brothers started out, and finally decided to locate claims within the present town of Rosemount. William made his claim on
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the north-east quarter of section 18, township 115, range 19, and resided there until 1861, when he moved to the place he now occupies on sec- tion 24. He is, without doubt, the first actual settler in the town. His brother, Walter, then a single man, made his home with him, but did not locate a claim until about one year later, when he settled on the north-east quarter of section 25, where he still lives.
C. H. Carr remained in St. Paul until the fol- lowing fall, then came out, and made a claim in different sections, but settled in the north-east quarter of section 26. He opened a public house and kept a stage station. This was probablythe first attempt at hotel-keeping in the town. His "hotel" was a mere shanty, and many nights the number of travelers was so great that they had to find beds on the floor. In 1864, he disposed of the property and removed to Iowa, where he now re- sides. John Johnson came in the fall of 1853, and made a claim on section 17, township 115, range 18, where he lived until he died in July, 1880.
Early in the spring of 1854, Solomon Sears, Thomas Hamp, E. Brawn and Patrick Mckinney came. Sears made his claim on section 19, town- ship 115, range 18, and Hamp near the river, in the timber. They both lived on the claim near the river, and worked land on the claim in sec- tion 19. Claims were frequently occupied in this way in order to secure the advantages of both timber and prairie land. Sears sold out after a few years, and moved to the town of Hampton, where he remained until about two years ago, when he removed to Lac-qui-Parle county. Hamp afterward bought land in the south-west quarter of section 19, where he now resides.
Brawn and McKinney made claims on section 21, the former still living on the original claim. Mckinney moved away, after a few years, and is now living in Hastings. James Diffley made a claim early in 1854, on section 21, township 115, range 19, but did not remain. He returned to St. Paul, and in the spring of 1855, came out to settle, and lived on the original claim until his death a few years since. The family still resides there. About May 20th, 1854, Andrew Keegan arrived, and located on the north-west quarter of section 21,on the east shore of the lake, now known as Keegan's lake. Being unmarried he did not
remain on the claim regularly for some time. In 1864, be sold out, and removed to the town of Burnsville, and remained until July, 1866, then returned and settled in the present village of Rosemount, which was not platted at that time. He has always been a prominent man in the town and county, having been continually in some office of trust since his advent into the town. Daniel Keegan came in November, 1854, made a claim on the south-west quarter of section 21, and brought his family. Daniel remained only about two years, then removed to Rice county, and after a residence there of two years, settled in the town of Lakeville, where he now resides. Patrick Moran came with his family in Novem- ber, 1854, and located on the north side of sec- tion 20, on the west side of Keegan's lake. He lived there a number of years, then moved to the town of Empire, and still lives there; he still owns the original claim. Others who settled in the fall of 1854, were, W. H. Van Kleeck, Wil- liam and Michael Murnane, William Burke, Michael Moore, Ira Harris, William and Thomas Baker, Terrence Gallagher, James and William Murphy, Edward Ryan and Patrick King.
Van Kleeck settled on section 24, but remained only one year, and returned East. He now hasa claim near Ortonville, where his family resides, he being employed in the Harvester works at St. Paul. The two Murnanes made claims in section 21, township 115, range 18. Michael lived on his a number of years, then moved to the town of Vermillion, where he now lives. William occu- pied his claim until the spring of 1880, since which time he has been a resident of Minne- apolis. Burke also located on section 21. Michael Moore on section 20. He lived there a number of years, then sold, and now lives in the town of Vermillion. Harris settled on section 26, town- ship 115, range 19, and resided there until his death, about ten years ago.
William Baker pre-empted the south-east quar- ter of section 26, and after several removals, now lives on section 23. His brother, Thomas, made his claim on section 24, and lived there until 1871. He is now in Kansas. Gallagher located in the central part of section 18, and remained there until a few years ago. Is now a resident of Empire township. James Murphy settled on the south side of section 17, where he still lives.
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Upon the organization of the township in the spring of 1858, he was elected town clerk, and has since filled a number of offices of trust. William Murphy made his claim in the northern part of the town; lived in St. Paul a few years. and now lives on section 33, where he has a fine farm of 320 acres, besides land he owns else- where.
Edward Ryan also made his claim in the north part of the town, and lived on it a number of ears, then moved to Olmsted county. Patrick King located on the east side of section 17, sub- sequently sold, and removed to Rice county, where he died.
During the year 1855, settlers came in rapidly and the town attracted a fair proportion of those coming to Dakota county. Among the earlier settlers of that year were, Daniel Turpin, W. C. Morrison, Reuben Bronson, J. W. Reed and Jas. Duffy. They came in February. Turpin settled on section 29, and after a few years moved to Pine Bend, and is now in Montana. Reed, in company with his brother-in-law, made a claim on section 30, and one on section 13, in the town of Lebanon. They lived on the latter claim, but built a cabin on the claim in Rosemount, and Mr. Reed moved to this claim a few years later. Reu- ben Bronson made his claim on section 30, and shortly after sold to A. A. Atherton, who had previously located on section 19. James Duffy settled on the north-west quarter of section 30, and lived there until 1869. He died at Hastings in the winter of 1878. Morrison selected the north-east quarter of section 30. In May, his brother, R. P. Morrison, came out and to induce him to remain, W. C. Morrison surrendered his claim to him and made another in the town of Empire. He lived on it long enough to prove up, then made his home in St. Paul, where he now resides. R. P. Morrison returned east for his family, and started with them for Minnesota. When about eighteen miles west of McGregor, Iowa, he died of congestive chills after an illness of several days. His family arrived in St. Paul, October 15th following, and on the 17th, moved out to the claim. A log house had been built by the brothers during their first visit, which the family occupied. Mrs. Morrison began keeping people who were hunting claims, and soon concluded to make a business of hotel keeping. A board was
put up bearing the legend "Prairie house" printed upon it with a lead pencil. A friend of Mrs. Morrison soon after brought on his back from St. Paul, a painted sign. The log building was used about two years, then replaced by a more com- modious structure, and to this an addition was made about three years later. making the house 30x46 feet, and two-stories high, containing six- teen rooms. This house has proved a haven for many a weary traveler, and is still conducted as an hotel by Mrs. Morrison.
Another hotel was opened by W. S. Hardwick, diagonally across the road from Mrs. Morrison's, about 1859. It was called the Rosemount house, and was run by Mr. Hardwick several years, then sold to Daniel Underwood. About 1866, it was closed as a public house, for lack of patronage.
John Murphy came early in 1855, and made a claim on section 29, where he lived until he died, April 23d, 1873. His family still occupy the place. Among the settlers of 1855, Hugh Der- ham holds a prominent place. He located his claim in the southern part of the town and has since added largely to it by purchase. He has beeu a very successful farmer, as the present ap- pearance of his farm with its fine residence and outbuildings testifies. Of late years he has given his attention largely to fine stock, and his place is ranked among the finest stock farms in the county.
Among the settlers of 1855, we find the names of Patrick Mulrey, James McDonough, Michael Cunniff, O. B. Velie, John Davis, Orville Wood- worth, Elisha and Edwin Blew, Thomas Kane, J. H. and William Flannegan, and Martin Knars- boro. From this time on, settlers came in rap- idly, and it is not possible to mention individu- ally those who came in and the order in which they came.
The first birth in the town was that of James, son of William Strathern and wife. He was born January 24th, 1855, and lived with his par- ents until the fall of 1874, when he went to Farm- ington and learned the blacksmith's trade. In the spring of 1879, he located at Appleton, Swift county, where, in company with a brother-in-law, he owns a blacksmith shop. The next birth was Margaret, daughter of Michael and Margaret Cunniff, born October 18th, 1855. She is still
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living in the town, on the old claim of her parents, who are both dead.
The first death which occurred in the town, was that of Eliza Keegan, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Keegan, in January, 1855. She was buried at Mendota.
The first marriage was that of James R. Wal- lace and Martha Strathern, which occurred March 7th, 1856, the ceremony being performed by Rev. John Benson, at the house of William Strathern. They located on section 18, township 115, range 18. Six children were born to them, five boys and one girl; the girl is dead. Mr. Wallace died June 11th, 1874, and was buried in the Pine Bend cemetery. Mrs. Wallace, with her family, resides on the homestead in section 18.
ORGANIZATION.
The first meeting for the organization of Rose- mount township was held May 11th, 1858, at the house of Thomas Dowd. J. H. Flannegan was chosen moderator of the meeting and James Murphy, clerk. Considerable discussion took place as to whether they should adopt the name of Rosemount or Saratoga. The name of Rose- mount was finally adopted. The officers elected were: J. H. Flannegan, chairman of the board; James Murphy, clerk; William Strathern, asses- sor, and Andrew Keegan, justice of the peace. Under the territorial law, Thomas Clark was elected justice at the precinct election in the fall 1856,the term being for two years, he held until the fall of 1858. The following spring he was elected town clerk, and held the office continuously, with the exception of 1865, until 1875. Andrew Keegan was elected that year and has since held the office. Following is a list of chairmen of the town board of supervisors and the years in which they served: James Murphy, 1859-60-69-70-71-2; Edward Ryan, 1861-2; C. H. Carr, 1863; Orville Woodworth, 1864; Hugh Derham, 1865-75-6-7; Elisha Blew, 1866-7-8-73; J. H. Flannegan, 1874. Dennis Mulrooney, 1878; Thomas O'Rourke, 1879-80-1.
The officers for 1881 are: Thomas O'Rourke, James McDonough and D. G. Harrington, super- visors; Andrew Keegan, clerk; William Strath- ern, treasurer; Thomas Clark, assessor; William Strathern and Andrew Keegan, justices of the peace; Fremont Washburn, constable.
The first justice to qualify in the town was Andrew Keegan, who took the oath of office at Mendota, then the county seat, on January 8th, 1856. He has remained in office continuously since. From 1864 to 1869 he was out of this town, but served in the place where he was lo- cated, and on his return resumed the office here.
In 1860, the total value of real and personal property in the town, as returned by the assess- or, was $33,779. In 1870, the valuation was $121,824, and in 1880 it had increased to $335, 457. The population of the township, as shown by the census of 1880, is 964; this includes a pop- ulation of 116 in the village of Rosemount.
VILLAGE OF ROSEMOUNT.
The village of Rosemount is located in the center of section 25, township 115, range 19, and was laid out in 1866, by J. A. Case on land owned by Selah Chamberlain, of Cleveland, Ohio. The town has grown until it is now a flourishing vil- lage. It was incorporated in 1875 with the fol- lowing officers: Frank Gallon, president; Fred- erick Kloepping, Michael Hynes, Frank Garry. council; J. C. Geraghty, treasurer; Andrew Kee- gan, justice of the peace; Louis Warweg, consta- ble. The act of incorporation was approved by the legislature, February 16th, 1875. These officers were to hold until the first Monday in April, following, on which day the first regular election took place with the following result: John Farquhar, president; Frederick Kloepping, Gottlieb Schmid, Frank Garry, council; J. C. Geraghty, treasurer; Andrew Keegan, justice of the peace, Phillip Caron, constable.
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