History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 80

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 80

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In 1876, the village authorities built a town hall at an expense of #700. It is 20x40 feet, and one story high. Considerable more money has since been expended for improvements, one end of the ball being fitted with two cells for the de- tention of prisoners. The present officers are: J. C. Rea, president; Louis Warweg, Gottlieb Schmid, James O'Brien, council; James Thomp- son, recorder; James Thompson, Andrew Kee- gan, justices of the peace; Peter Heinen, con- stable; Fremont Washburn, police.

The village at present contains one hall be- longing to the village, another owned by the St. Joseph's Total Abstinence Society, one church, two hotels, one hardware store, two general

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stores, two wagon shops, two blacksmith shops, one harness shop, one shoe shop, one meat mar- ket, four saloons, and an elevator with a capacity of 40,000 bushels. The Catholic church society hold meetings in the hall belonging to the St. Joseph's Total Abstinence Society. A brass band was organized in 1879, consisting of twelve pieces, under the leadership of L. I. Casserly. The band now numbers eight pieces, and is led by J. H. Heinen.

The people in this village, though not large in numbers, show an enterprise that might be emu- lated with advantage by larger cities. In 1880, street lamps were placed at intervals on the streets.

Hardware. The firm of F. Kloepping and L. Warweg began business in 1875, buying the stock of G. Merrill, who had established the business about two years previous. They carry a good, general stock of hardware, wooden-ware, paints, oils and furniture. They are enjoying a prosper- ous business. Mr. Kloepping is also postmaster, and has the office in their sales-room.

General stores. In July, 1868, Frank Gollon established a general store, and continued the business alone ten years with success. At the end of that time, J. C. Geraghty was admitted as a partner, and after two years, Gollon sold out to his partner, who has since conducted the busi- ness, and enjoys a large trade. April 9th, 1881, the building occupied and a large share of his stock were destroyed by fire. The remainder of the stock was moved to the village hall, where he is now doing business, pending the completion of his new building.

The store of O'Brien and Brice was established in the fall of 1869, by Edward McMenorny, who conducted the business until he died in 1875. His wife conducted it until 1880, when James O'Brien and T. J. Brice bought the stock, and now manage the business. A bar is kept in con- nection with the store.

Blacksmith shops. About the year 1872, John Farquhar established a shop on the north side of Ash street, near Pine. In 1875, Dennis Hogan became a partner, and in 1878, Farquhar sold his interest, and Mathew Butler became a partner with Hogan. In September, 1880, Joseph Geiger bought an interest, and the firm is now Hogan, Butler and Company. They turn out some fine

work, and Mr. Hogan has received premiums at three Minnesota state fairs, and two Dakota county fairs, for his work on horse-shoes.

The firm of Garry and Geiger was organized in the spring of 1869, and was formed by Frank Garry and Joseph Geiger. They built their shop on the west side of Pine street, and continued together until September, 1880, when Geiger sold out. Garry has since continued the business.

Wagon shops. Joseph Guth began business in the fall af 1875, occupying part of Garry and Geiger's blacksmith shop. In the fall of 1877, he built a shop on the lot to the south, where he has succeeded in gaining a good trade.

William Kurz established business in the fall of 1870, on the west side of Main street. The next fall he built a shop on the corner of Main and Cedar streets, which he moved into, also using part of the building for a residence.

Harness shop. In the fall of 1875, Peter Heinen opened a shop in the building now occupied by Henry Keeffe as a hotel and saloon. One year later he put up a building on the lot adjoining on the west and moved into it, using part of it as a residence. In the spring of 1880 he sold the stock to his brother John, who conducted the business one year, then sold back to Peter. They have built up a good trade.

Shoe store. This business was first begun by Gotlieb Schmid in the fall of 1870, as a shoe shop, and continued as such until the summer of 1880, when he bought a small stock and added a sales department.

The elevator was built by the railroad com- pany in 1867, at a cost of about $12,000, and a ca- pacity of 40,000 bushels. In 1877, Pratt and Robinson bought it, and in the fall of 1880 sold to M. Meeker of Farmington. Until 1878 it was operated by horse-power. At that time a steam engine was put in. J. C. Rea is the agent for the elevator.

Two saloons are run independent of other busi- ness. One was opened in 1875 by Patrick Gib- bons. Since his death in June, 1879, his widow has run it. About the same time another was opened by Michael Hynes, which he still runs.

Part of the village of Pine Bend, as originally surveyed in 1857, was in the town of Rosemount. It covered the north-east north-west quarter of section 18, and the fraction of section 7 lying

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north. It has since been vacated and is now used as farm land by H. G. O. Morrison one of the original proprietors.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services held in the town of Rosemount were by Rev. Kidder at the house of William Senescall on section 17, near the Missis- sippi river, during the summer of 1854. The house of worship was a small shanty and the con- gregation numbered about a dozen people, suf- ficient however, to fill the room. Meetings were held at this house several times during the sum- mer.

The next spring they began to hold meetings at the house of William Strathern on section 13, township 115, range 19, where meetings were held for about two years. Then at other houses until a church was built at Pine Bend.

During the summer of 1855, a Sunday-school was organized in connection with the church, at the house of William Strathern, with Thomas Pemberton as superintendent. The school num- bered about fifteen scholars and removed to Pine Bend with the church.

Early in 1856, the Rev. Father Tissot, a Ro- man Catholic priest and missionary, began hold- ing services at the house of John Murphy, on section 29, township 115, range 19. Services were continued at this house by different priests from time to time, until the erection of the Catholic church at Lakeville. Their first local priest was Rev. A. Oster, followed by Rev. Fathers Glen- non and Quinn. The latter is the present local priest of Lakeville parish, of which this portion of the town is a part. In 1880, the church at Lakeville was blown down by a tornado, since which time services have been held in a hall in the village of Rosemount. The contract has been let for the building of a fine church in the village, which they hope to complete the present year. The people of the parish have built a fine residence for the priest in the village of Rose- mount, just north of the hall of the Total Ab- stinence society.

The Rosemount Methodist church. Protestant church services in the western part of the town were instituted by Rev. Eaton, in the spring of 1856. The first meeting was held in J. W. Reed's claim shanty on section 30. Services were held

there during the summer, and after that at dif- ferent houses until the school-house was built in the town of Lebanon, one mile west. In 1867, the protestant people of Lebanon and Rosemount united and built by subscription, the church lo- cated on section 30, Rosemount just east of the line dividing the town. It was dedicated in De- cember, 1867, by Elder Chaffee, of Minneapolis. The first local pastor was Rev. H. J. Shafner. He was succeeded by Revs. Chase, Hobart, Teter, Day, Learned, Sterritt and Rich. The latter is the present pastor, and resides in Farmington.

At the time the first services were held, in 1856, a Sunday-school was organized, with Eph- riam Knight as superintendent, and numbered about a dozen scholars. For a time, both church and school prospered finely, but owing to the re- moval of many of the members, they declined, and at the present time services are held once in two weeks. J. B. Gilbert is the present superin- tendent of the Sunday-school.

The German Methodist church, in the village of Rosemount, was built in the summer of 1874 at a cost of $1,900. It is 24x36 feet, and seats with comfort 200 people. Previous to the build- ing of the church. meetings were held at private houses. These meetings began in 1867, and were conducted by Rev. William Rotert. He was succeeded by Revs. Boetcher, Schute, Henry Dietz, George Hartung, and Philip Funk. The latter is the present incumbent, Rev. Rotert hav- ing been pastor for the second time, just previous to Rev. Mr. Funk. Services are held every Sab- bath. A Sabbath school in connection with the church was organized in 1874, with Frederick Sprute as superintendent and about forty scholars. The school has been prosperous from the outset, and has about the same number in attendance as at the beginning. The present superintendent is John Kurz.

POST-OFFICES.

In 1855, a post-office was established and the name of Rosemount given to it. Andrew Kee- gan was first postmaster, and held the office for about two years. He was succeeded by James Duffy, and he, in turn, by W. S. Hardwick, who held the office, with the exception of a few months, until Frederick Kloepping, the present postmaster, was appointed in 1877.

Rich Valley post-office was established about

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1857, with C. H. Carr as postmaster. He kept the office at his house, on section 26, until 1864, when Thomas Abraham was appointed, and the office romoved about a half mile further south, to the place now occupied by D. G. Harrington. Thomas Clark was the next postmaster, and kept the office in his house, on section 23. In August, 1867, Mark Hole was appointed, and has since held the office at his home.

STORES AND HOTELS.

In the fall of 1861, a store was opened in a room in the Prairie house, about a half mile west of the village of Rosemount, by Mrs. O'Donnell. In 1862 her son erected a building for her just west of the hotel, into which she moved and kept the store until 1865, when it was sold to Lester and Hardwick. In 1870 they sold their stock to James Thompson, who sold the stock two years later. The building was moved into the village and used as a hotel.

The American house was formerly in use as a store and dwelling house, about a half mile west of Rosemount village, but about 1873 the build- ing was moved into the village and used as a pri- vate house until 1878, when C. W. Stoddard fitted it up for a hotel. In January, 1881, it came into the possession of George Lester and Fremont Washburn. The hotel is 30x40 feet, two stories high and contains nine rooms besides the dancing halls.

The Rosemount house was first opened as an hotel by Henry Keeffe, in October, 1876. The main part of the building was put up by Michael Hynes in 1874, and occupied as a harness shop, then as a saloon. In 1877, Mr. Keeffe built an ad- dition to the rear and the next year another on the east. It is a two story building, containing thirteen rooms, and accommodates twenty-five guests.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house built in the town of Rosemount was located on the north side of sec- tion 20, township 115, range 19, on the Dodd road to Mendota. It was built during the spring of 1858, and was a log structure about 14x18 feet. Miss Margaret Cumming taught the first school that summer. This building was used until the present one belonging to district number 19, was

erected in the north-east corner of the north-west quarter of section 29.

The first school taught in the eastern part of the town was at the house of Walter Strathern, on section 25. He was living in the house at the time and his wife taught the school. A granary was afterwards fitted up and used as a school- room for a couple of years, then a small house was erected and used until the present fine build- ing was put up on the south-west quarter of sec- tion 24. It is 28x34 feet and seats eighty scholars. It cost the district $1,450 and belongs to district number 20. The town now has six school- houses, all frame buildings and furnished with patent seats and desks, excepting district number 88, which still uses plain seats. There are four entire and three joint districts in the township.

SOCIETIES.

The St. Joseph's Total Abstinence society was organized by Rev. A. Oster, February 16th, 1873, at the village of Rosemount, with twenty charter members. The first officers were: Michael Johnston, president; Bartholomew Mccarthy, vice-president; J. C. Geraghty, recorder and cor- responding secretary; Thomas Devitt, treasurer. The membership numbered at one time 150. At the state conventions of the order, this society has on three occasions received a gold medal for increase in membership in proportion to the number of Catholics in the parish. The present membership is ninety. In 1876 the society erected a hall in the village of Rosemount at an expense of $500. It is a fine building, and is well adapted to the uses of the society, which meets on the first and third Sundays of each month. Im- provements on the building have been made, making the total cost about $800. The present officers of the society are: James McDonough, president; Timothy McCarthy, vice-president; Michael Mulrey, recording secretary; John O'Rourke, corresponding secretary; and Martin Lynch, treasurer. At the present time the hall is used by the Catholic church, on account of the parish church having been destroyed by a hurri- cane.

Rich Valley Grange Number 180. This soci- ety was organized January 25th, 1878, with twenty-five charter members and the following officers: Thomas Clark, master; William Strath-

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ern. overseer: D. G. Harrington, lecturer; Thos. Hole, secretary; J. R. Wallace, treasurer; Walter Strathern, steward; Orville Woodworth, assist- ant steward; Mrs. Mark Hole, Ceres; Mrs. J. R. Wallace, Pomona; Mrs. Juliette Hole, Flora; Mrs. Thomas Clark, lady assistant steward.

In November, 1875, the grange bought the old school-house owned by district number 20, on the south-east quarter of section 24, and fitted it up for a hall. The present officers are: F. C. Maltby, and Drury Hildred, masters; D. G. Harrington, overseer; Thomas Clark, secretary; Thomas Wal- lace, treasurer; Thomas Clark, chaplain; Walter Strathern, steward; O. B. Velie, assistant stew- ard; Mrs. William Strathern, Ceres; Mrs. D. G. Harrington; Pomona; Mrs. J. R. Wallace, Flora; Mrs. Thomas Clark, lady assistant steward.

Hope Grange was organized at the school-house in district number 92, a half mile west of the village of Rosemeunt, in the fall of 1873, with about eighteen charter members. The officers were : M. A. Sullivan, master ; S. C. Headley, overseer; J. B. Gilman, lecturer ; John Gilman, secretary; E. A. Rice, treasurer; J. W. Reed, chaplain; W. H. Hardick, steward: Ira Sauger, assistant steward; Miss Belle Reed, Ceres; Mrs. W. H. Hardick, Pomona; Mrs. S. C. Headley, Flora; Mrs. John Gilman, lady assistant steward. Although this grange never reached a large num- ber of members, it was strong and influential while in existence. In 1877, meetings ceased to be held.

The number of horses in the town, as shown by the returns of 1880, is 381; mules. 11; cows, 400; sheep, 266. The products in 1879 amounted to: wheat, 58,572 bushels; Oats, 51,507 bushels; corn 26,357 bushels; barley 9,262 bushels; pota- toes, 13,135 bushels; hay, 1,215 tons; butter, 34,- 200 pounds.

INCIDENT.

In 1863, a Mr. Arnold of Cannon Falls, at that time a member of a cavalry company stationed at Fort Snelling, received information that there was sickness in his family at home. In order to visit them he obtained a furlough, and in company with two others, S. W. Mattison, and another whose name does not appear, started out on foot. At noon they stopped for dinner at the Willoughby house, on the St. Paul and Cannon Falls road, in the town of In-

ver Grove, about half a mile north of the line be- tween that town and Rosemount. A number of farmers from the neighborhood were collected at the hotel and considerable drinking was going on. It was not long before a quarrel arose as the re- sult of a political discussion and a general row ensued, the crowd against the three soldiers, or rather two, for Arnold tock the part of peace- maker, and the two soldiers were soon worsted. They succeeded in getting away and concealing themselves. While the excited crowd were look- ing for them Arnold started down the road on his way home. The crowd failing to discover the other two, started after him in a wagon, driving at full speed. He jumped the fence and endeav- ored to escape through the field, but they over- took him and sprang upon him, beating and stamping him until life was extinct. About an hour later, Mr. Whittemore and others liv- ing near, went to him and found him terribly mangled. Although it was "town meeting" day, but a few were aware of the crime committed in their midst until the next day.

Great excitement prevailed, and the three most active participants in the crime were forced to hide for a time. Patrick Mehan fled to Iowa and escaped altogether. Thomas Eagan and Michael McHugh were arrested and taken to Hastings. Eagan was tried first and by the aid of a packed jury was acquitted. The prosecution seeing it was useless to try the cases in the vicinity, se- cured a change of venue to Stillwater. and there McHugh was tried, convicted, and sentenced to the state prison for a term of years.

Mrs. Arnold. the widow of the murdered man, brought suit against Eagan for damages, and se- cured a verdict for a large sum. Eagan being apprised of the result in advance, was enabled to dispose of his property. He soon after left the country, and so far as known has not been seen in the county since.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mathew Butler, of the firm of Hogan, Butler and Geiger, blacksmiths and carriage-makers, was born in Michigan, October 1st, 1854. When two years old, he came with his parents to Minne- sota, who settled in Dakota county, in Lakeville township. At the age of seventeen years, he be- gan learning the trade of blacksmithing in Ham-

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ilton, Scott county. In 1877, he removed to Rose- mount and entered into partnership with Mr. Hogan, and three years later, Mr. Geiger was added to the firm. Married June 22d, 1880, to Miss Anna Fehan, a native of St. Paul.

Michael Cahill is a native of Queen's county, Ireland, born March 1st, 1829. Here he lived until twenty years old, then came to America, landing in New York, and for seven years made his home near Patterson, New Jersey. In Au- gust, 1855, he came to Rosemount township and made a claim of one hundred and twenty acres, where he has since resided. Enlisted in 1865, in Company D,First Minnesota Infantry,and served five months. Miss Margaret Keegan became his wife in November, 1861, and has borne him one son, Joseph.

Phillip Caron was born in Mississippi, March 8th, 1844. In 1862, he removed to New Orleans and there acquired a knowledge of the carpen- ter's trade. Enlisted in 1863, in the First Louisi- ana regiment, and served three years, participat- ing in the engagements at Indian Bend, Fort Hudson and Vicksburg. On being mustered out, he returned to New Orleans, and in the spring of 1874, he came to Minnesota, locating his home in Rosemount. He has since followed his trade of carpentering and contracting. Married January 2d, 1868, to Miss Kate Larkin: Mary, Catherine, Carolina and Phillip are their children.

Thomas Clark was born February 28th, 1822, in Penobscot county, Maine, and after receiving such advantages as his native town afforded, he entered Newport academy, and here completed his studies. In 1846, he moved to Boston, resid- ing five years, then returned to Maine. and in 1851. received the appointment of postmaster at Newport, occupying that position four years. In July, 1856, he came to Minnesota and settled on a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which is still his home. He was elected one of the first justices of the peace in 1856, and in 1859, was elected town clerk, continuing as such until 1876. The second winter school in 1858-9, was taught by him; an old granary in section 24, owned by T. Raker, served for a school-house. Was ap- pointed in 1863, enrolling officer for the provost marshal, Captain Keith, enrolling recruits from Rosemount, Empire, Lakeville, Castle Rock, Eureka, Green Vale, Waterford and Sciota. En-

listed in 1865, in First Minnesota Volunteers, and was with his regiment at the surrender of Lee. Has held the offices of assessor and census enu- merator. Mr. Clark has been twice married, his present wife was Miss A. Louis, married in 1851. Their living children are: Willis G., Thomas L., Edward F., Lewis H., Benjamin H. and Mary R., twins, and Arvesta L.

Michael Cunniff, a farmer in Rosemount town- ship, was born December 23d, 1860. His father, who was born in Ireland, came to this township and made a claim of 120 acres in 1855. He died February 13th, 1878, leaving his farm for Michael, on which he was born and has since resided.

John Davis is a native of Ireland, born in 1820. He was reared to manhood in his native country, and in 1850, came across the waters to America. His home for five years was in New York. then coming to Minnesota, made a claim in section 17, in Rosemount, which is his present home. Married in New York, in 1853, to Miss Bridget Flannigan. by whom he has had nine children, six now living: Thomas, Mary, Cath- erine, Walter, James and John.

Hugh Derham, born May 7th, 1829, is a native of Ireland. On reaching manhood, he came to America, and the first year in his adopted coun- try was passed in New York at work on the Hud- son canal. Moving to Wisconsin in 1850, he re- sided in that state five years, thence to Minne- sota, and located in Rosemount on a claim of 160 acres. Was elected to the legislature in 1872; has also been county commissioner three years. Mr. Derham is one of the most successful farmers in the township, having 900 acres of land, 320 being cultivated under his supervision, the re- mainder being rented on shares. Has an elegant residence, fine orchard, and numerous shade and ornamental trees. Miss Mary Herly became his wife in 1858, and has borne him six children. The living are: Catherine A., Mary A., Emma and Bridget.

Patrick Diffley is a life-long resident of this township, having been born on his father's farm. His father, James Diffley, pre-empted his farm in 1855, and at his death, which occurred in 1877, left his farm to be divided between bis four chil- dren, Patrick being the oldest. January 20th, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Jo-

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hanna Hogan, who was born in Ireland in 1861. They have one son, James.

Patrick Doyle, is a native of Carlow county, Ireland, born in 1828. He went to England in 1846, and two years later came to this continent, landing at St. John's, New Brunswick. He re- mained one year at Portland, Maine, and about seven years in New York. Coming to Minne- sota in 1856, he located at St. Paul, where he was employed in the construction of the Catholic cathedral. Removed to Rosemount in 1860, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of school lands, where he has since resided. His marriage with Miss Mary Lyons, a native of Ire- land, took place in 1852. Their children are, Bridget, James, Daniel, Patrick, Mary, Michael and Ann.

·William Ennis, a native of Ireland, was born in 1834. Came to this country with his father in 1849, and served as clerk in a drug store in New York about one year, then removed to Delaware county, of that state, where he gave his attention to hotel business. In 1855, he went to Canada, thence to Illinois, and during the fall of that year arrived in Rosemount, Minnesota. He pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres, a portion of which he has since sold to his brother. Mar- ried in 1855, Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Ire- land. Six children have been born to them: Wil- son, Matilda, Robert, Sarah, Elizabeth and Mary.

William Flanagan was born in Addison county, Vermont, April 3d, 1832. He received the advan- tages of the common schools, and when eighteen years old removed to Saratoga county, New York, remaining five years. In 1855, came to Dakota county and settled on a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Rosemount. This claim he held five years, then bought a farm in Lebanon. The next year he purchased two hundred and twelve acres in this township, on which he has since re- sided. September 4th, 1860, his marriage with Miss Eliza Nason occurred. She is a native of Ohio. Martha J., Alice M., George Francis Train, and William C., are their children.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 80

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

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