History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 81

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

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Joseph Geiger, a native of Germany, was born May 11th, 1844. Came to America in 1866, pro- ceeding to Scott county, Minnesota, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade. He worked at his trade one year in St. Paul, and in 1869 opened a shop in Rosemount, continuing alone until 1880,

then became a partner in the firm of Hogan, Butler and Geiger, blacksmiths and carriage makers. His wife was Anna Casey, married February 17th, 1878. Their living children are Mary, Annie, Joseph and Frank.

J. C. Geraghty was born in Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania, May 15th, 1849. When two years old his parents removed to Ireland, where he lived until attaining his majority. Returning to Amer- ica in 1870, he proeceded directly to Minnesota and settled in the village of Rosemount, engaging as clerk for F. Gollon. In 1875 he returned to Ireland and married Miss Bridget Corcoran, and with his bride came again to Rosemount. In 1877 he formed a partnership with his employer, but soon after purchased his interests, being now sole proprietor of the establishment. They have four children living: John, Thomas, Joseph and Mary. Mr. Geraghty has been village treasurer nearly six years, and trustee of the parish.

William Geilland is a native of Prussia, born September 27th, 1842. Here he was reared to manhood, and in 1863 came to America. He lo- cated first in Eagan township, Minnesota, and purchased a farm of eighty acres. In Septem- ber, 1880, he removed to Rosemount and pur- chased his present farm. Married, October 8th, 1870, to Miss Johanna Warweg, a native of Prussia. Five children have been born to them: Louisa S., Caroline J., William P., Martha E. and Laura M.

John Gilman was born in Livingston county, New York, April 19th, 1834. He lived in his native place until reaching man's estate, then, in 1855, came to Minnesota and made his home in St. Paul two years. He went to Stillwater in 1857, remaining one year, and in 1859, came to Dakota county, locating on a claim in Lebanon. Removing to this township in 1864, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on which his dwell- ing now stands. He has since added another quarter section to his farm. Married November 5th, 1856, in New York, to Miss Helen M. Stoddard. They are the parents of eight chil- dren, four of whom are living: Mary L., John P., Fred II. and Gertrude K.

Drury Hilderd is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born August 30th, 1884. Came to this continent in 1855, and lived in Michigan two years. During the fall of 1856, came to Minne-

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sota and remained about one year; then returned to Michigan. In 1862 he went to England, and three years later returned to the United States, coming direct to Rosemount, and settled on his present farm. Married in England, May 16th, 1865, to Miss Alice Hill, who has borne him four children: Charles R., Frederick F., Cora and Lena.

Dennis Hogan, a native of Tipperary, Ireland, was born in 1843. When sixteen years old he went to Wales, and there lived three and one- half years, working at the blacksmith's trade. He then went to Ashton, in northern England, for one year, and there met and married Miss J. Stevens, in 1864. The next year he came to America, and for four years worked at his trade in New York city; also spent four years in Ohio, in the employ of Morgan and Hunter. He came to Minnesota, May 7th, 1874, and settled in Rose- mount, taking as a partner in 1877, Mr. Butler, and in 1880. Mr. Geiger, the firm now known as, Hogan, Butler and Geiger.

Mark Holle was born in East Kent. England, April 23d, 1805. He served three and one-half years in the British navy, and in 1840, came to America. Landing in New York he made it his home until 1864. then came to Minnesota, and settled in Rosemount township. At that time he purchased his farm, and has since sold eighty acres to his son, having now eighty left. In 1866, received the appointment of postmaster of Rich Valley, which he has since held, Married in 1834, to Miss Mary Nash. Fifteen children have been born to them; the living are, Richard, Mary, Thomas, Ellen, Mark, Jr., Juliet, Alice, Leonard, Clara and Annie.

Henry Keeffe was born in New York, April 8th, 1856. His parents, John and Bridget Keeffe, na- tives of Ireland, came to America in 1852 and lived in New York fourteen years. They then came to Minnesota, arriving in Dakota county in 1866, and bought a farm which they deeded to their son Henry. In 1874 he began the improve- ment of his farm, but June 17th, 1877, the house, barn and contents were totally destroyed and car- ried away by a hurricane. Only the stone foun- dations were left, Mr. Keeffe and family barely escaped with their lives. He estimated his loss at $3,000. In 1878 he came to Rosemount and embarked in the hotel business, in which he is

still engaged. Miss Mary Gorman, a native of New Jersey, became his wife in 1875. Four children have been born to them; the living are, John and Annie A.

Andrew Keegan, a native of Ireland, was born December 15th, 1814. He learned and followed surveying, and in 1848, came to America and lived six years in New York. He came to Min nesota in 1854 and settled in Rosemount, being one of the first settlers. His claim was made near the lake now bearing his name. In 1855 he was appointed postmaster, which position he held two years. He built the first house in the village; gave the village its name, in honor of one in his native country; was appointed justice of the peace in 1856 and has since held the position; was elected member of the constitutional convention in 1857, and has been county surveyor twelve years. In 1875, was elected to the legislature. Married November 24th, 1864, to Mrs. Kearney a native of Ireland. Maggie and Alice are their children.

Patrick Kelley was born in Mayo county, Ire- land, March 15th, 1823. Came to America in 1847, landing at Quebec, then spent a few years traveling through from Maine to Virginia. In 1868 he came to Minnesota and bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section 16, where he has since resided. Married in 1843, to Miss Margaret Twelleyn, who died in July, 1879, leav- ing five children: Michael, William, Patrick, John and Edward.

Frederick Kloepping was born in Germany, May 27th, 1845. He learned and worked at the carpenter's trade, and in 1870, came across to America. Locating in Rosemount he began the business of contracting and building, which he followed three years. He then purchased the hardware business of Mr. Merrill and entered into partnership with Louis Warweg, under the firm name of Kloepping and Company. They carry a stock of $3,000, and their annual sales are from seven to eight thousand dollars. In 1875 he received the appointment of postmaster, which position he has since held. November 17th, 1874, he was married to Johanna Sprute, daughter of Fred Sprute of this township.

Daniel McGinley was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in 1835. Came to America in 1851, and lived two years in New York city with his par

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ents. Removing to St. Louis, he remained three years, then came to Minnesota, settled in this township, and made a claim of 160 acres in sec- tion 22. In 1878, he purchased his present farm, consisting of 160 acres. it having been pre- empted by his father in 1856. Miss Sarah Devlin, a native of Liverpool, England, became his wife May 14th, 1866. Elizabeth, John, Margaret, James and Mary are their children.

Mrs. Anastasia Mulrooney was born in Queen's county, Ireland, January 27th, 1825. Came to America in 1850, and located in Patterson, New Jersey, where she lived five years. Was married to Dennis Mulrooney, a native of Queen's county, Ireland, in 1853. During the spring of 1855, they came to Minnesota, and the following fall lo- cated in Rosemount township. Her husband purchased 160 acres, and has since added until the farm now comprises 306 acres. Mr. Mul- rooney passed away April 20th, 1879, leaving his widow and five children to mourn their loss. Mary, James, Sarah. Joseph, and Anastasia are the children. The eldest son, James, completed his education at St. John's college, and is now employed as clerk in Mr. Geraghty's store in Rosemount.

James Murphy was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, in 1820. His childhood days were passed in his native country, and in 1848, came to America, and lived some time in Patterson, New Jersey, employed as clerk in a locomotive establishment. In 1853, went to Chicago and the next year to Rosemount. Here he made a claim of 160 acres, which he still owns. Miss Bridget Burns became his wife in 1861. She has borne him seven children, four of whom are living: Joseph E., John C., Mary E. and Bridget A. Mr. Murphy has been town clerk, town treasurer and chairman of the board of supervisors.

William Murphy was born in Queen's county, Ireland, in April, 1822. Coming to this contin- ent in 1849, he located at Patterson, New Jersey, where he was employed as weigh-master and time-keeper in the Ivanhoe paper mills four years. In 1854, came to Minnesota, located in St. Paul, and engaged as clerk for the firm of Nicols and Burke, iron merchants. Was mes- senger in the territorial legislature, and was twice elected assessor of the city of St. Paul; was also clerk for the register of deeds. In 1861, he came

to Rosemount and purchased 160 acres in section 28, which he sold for $3,000, then returned to St. Paul, in order to advance the education of his children. He now owns 466 acres, and moved his family to his farm in 1870, where he has since resided. His attention is now given principally to stock-raising, in which he deals quite exten- sively. In 1852, he married Miss Charlotte Mul- holland, a native of Ireland. Kegan M., Bridget M., Jennie, Sarah and William are the living children.

James O'Brien, merchant, was born in Kil- kenny county, Ireland, August 20th, 1841. Here he lived until twenty-four years of age, then came to America and settled in Lakeville, Min- nesota, remaining two years in agricultural pur- suits. In 1867, he went to Arkansas, and two years later to Renville county, Minnesota, and made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which he still owns. He clerked in a store for Mrs. McMenomy, remaining until he purchased her interests in 1880. Married Miss Kate Mc- Menomy, February 14th, 1876, by whom he has two children: Stephen J. and Annie.

B. H. Pettingill, Jr., mail carrier and farmer, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, May 4th, 1858. When a lad of ten years, he came to Min- nesota, and in 1878, made a brief visit to Dakota territory. He has been mail carrier between Rich Valley and Hastings for the past two years. His home is with his father in section 19, Rose- mount township.

Rev. Father Michael Quinn, pastor of Rose- mount and Farmington parishes, was born at Lockford, Ireland. April 6th, 1855. After re- ceiving such instruction as his native place af- forded, he went to Dublin and finished his theo- logical studies in All Hallows college, and was there ordained in June, 1878. During Septem- ber of that year, he was sent to America, arriv- ing at Rosemount after a short voyage, and as- sumed charge of the parish.

J. C. Rea was born on the Atlantic ocean, De- cember 1st, 1846, while his parents were on their way to America, and is of Scottish descent. In 1848, his parents went to Canada, and two years Jater returned to the United States and located near Milwaukee for five years. Their son J. C. enlisted in the First Chicago Board of Trade Company in 1864, and went south; was detailed

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as clerk in the quarter-master's department with Colonel S. H. Stephen. Received his discharge in 1866, and went to Madison, Wisconsin, where he embarked in the contracting and building busi- ness. In 1873, came to Minnesota, and settled at Blooming Prairie, engaged in wheat speculation. Came to Dakota county, in 1878, and was placed in charge of the elevator in Rosemount, which position he still holds. March, 1876, he married Miss Carrie Fuller, a native of Vermont.

Michael O'Rourke was born in Ireland, in Sep- tember 1828. Came to America in 1848, and lived in New York nearly two years, removing thence to Ohio. He came to Minnesota in 1855, and settled in Rosemount township, where he made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in section 21. He has subsequently added to it until he now has four hundred and eighty-three acres. Married in 1852, Miss Mary Mckinney. Twelve children have been born to them: Thomas, Margaret, John B., Patrick S., Francis J., Mary T., Annie J., Bridget E., Eliza J., Monica A. and Felix J. Mr. O'Rourke has held all the town offices of trust.

John Russell is a native of Limerick county, Ire- land, born in 1820. Coming to America in 1849, be landed at New Orleans, and for two years made his home in St. Louis, removing at that time to Alton, Illinois, and engaged while there, in rail- road work. He came to Minnesota, and became a resident of Rosemount in 1861, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm now comprises four hundred acres, all under good cultivation. At St. Louis, October 26th, 1857, he was united in marriage with Margaret McMa- hon, a native of Ireland, by whom he has had eleven children. The living are, William, Mary A., John and Ann J.

Gottlieb Schmid, a native of Germany, was born January 28th, 1843. Here he learned the boot and shoe trade, and served five years in the Ger- man army. Came to America, in 1869, and for one and one-half years lived in Philadelphia, then in 1870, proceeded to Minnesota, and em- barked in the boot and shoe trade at Rosemount, which business he still continues. Married June 22d, 1871, to Miss Anna Kachel, a native of Ger- many. Henry, Edward, Samuel, George and William are their children.

Frederick Sprute was born in Germany, Sep-

tember 11th, 1824. He lived in his native country until 1870, and was a tiller of the soil. Coming to America, and to Minnesota in 1870, he settled in Rosemount township, where he has since fol- lowed agricultural pursuits, owning a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Miss Sophie War- weg became his wife in 1850, and has borne him five children, four of whom now survive: Jo- hanna, Frederick, Caroline and August.

Walter Strathern was born in Scotland, Febru- ary 21st, 1832. He crossed the waters to this continent in 1851 and worked as a sawyer two years in New York. Came to Minnesota in 1853 and settled in Rosemount township, he and his brother being the oldest living settlers. The next year he made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, where he now resides, having since added to it by purchase. Enlisted in August, 1862, in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, and first served on the frontier against the Indians, under Gen. Sibley. He participated in the skir- mishes and battles in which his regiment en- gaged; was wounded and disabled for further service at the battle of the "Cedars." Received his discharge at Fort Snelling and returned to this township, where he has since lived. Married to Miss Mary Tracey, March 2d, 1860. Seven children are living: John, Walter, Paul, Thomas, Moses; Roland and Rose May, who are twins.

William Strathern was born in Scotland. April 5th, 1829. He learned the trade of sawyer, and after attaining majority came to America. IIe visited New Jersey, Elmira, New York, and the principal cities of Canada, in the pursuit of his trade. In 1853 he came to Minnesota and set- tled in Rosemount township, in company with W. Senescall, making a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. They were among the earliest, if not the earliest settlers in the township. The farm now occupied by him, he purchased in 1861, his sister Mrs. Wallace owning his former farm. He has held all the offices of trust and has been town treasurer about nine years. Married in New Jersey, to Miss Margaret Hastie, a native of Scotland. James, Maggie B., Sarah M., Agnes H., Samuel W., Charles R. and Willis J. are their children.

W. M. Sommerfield was born at Watertown, Wisconsin, July 21st, 1859. After receiving a common school education in his native place, he

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completed his studies at Racine college. When eighteen years of age, he began learning tele- graphy, and in 1878 was employed as night oper- ator at Austin, Minnesota, for the Chicago, Mil- waukee and St. Paul railway. In April, 1880, be took charge of the station at Rosemount, where he still remains.

James Thompson was born August 29th, 1815. He served as an apprentice in the dry-goods trade five years, then went to Dublin, and for twelve years engaged in that business. Coming to America in 1846, he lived in New York city until 1856, and that spring came west to Iowa. He opened a large dry-goods store in Davenport, which was totally destroyed by fire the next year. Making a prospecting tour through Minnesota, he finally located on a farm in Burnsville town- ship, Dakota county, which he occupied only one year, but retained until 1876. Settling in Rose- mount in 1876, he was appointed justice of the peace and recorder, which office he still holds. Married in Dublin, in 1836, to Miss Dalton, of that city. Ten children have been born to them, five of whom are living. Four sons took active part in the late war, two of them being killed. His wife departed this life February 14th, 1876.

Elias Tompkins was born in Saratoga county, New York, January 22d, 1835. Coming to Min- nesota in 1857, he remained a short time in Glen- coe, McLeod county, and during the summer re- moved to this township. He purchased forty acres of his present farm at that time, having since added eighty more. Enlisted in the First Minnesota Regiment, Company A, in March, 1865, serving six months. Was discharged at Fort Snelling. He has held all the offices of trust in the township, and was elected representative in 1878-79. Married Miss Sarah A. Woodworth in 1858. Their living children are: Fred., Syd- ney J., Mary F., Alfred and Florence.

Obadiah B. Velie is a native of New York state, born March 28th, 1834. He grew to man- hood in his native place, and there learned the carpenters' trade. Came to Minnesota in 1855, and settled in Dakota county. Enlisted, in 1862, in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteers, Company F, and was engaged in the campaign against the Indians, then went south in 1863. Received his discharge in 1865, after a three years' service. On his return, he came to Rosemount and located

on the farm he had purchased previous to the war, and on which he has since lived. Married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, to Annie E. Cook, in 1859. Nine children have been born to them, three of whom are living: Charles H., Sarah E. and Minnie O.

John Volkert, a native of Missouri, was born in Cook county, December 15th, 1855. When he was eight or nine years old, was brought by his parents to Minnesota, and until the age of fifteen years lived in Corcoran township, and while there attended the district schools. In 1879, be came to Dakota county, and, in company with George Franzmeier, purchased of George Senes- call his present farm, which he has since oper- ated. On the 15th of October, 1879, Mr. Volkert married Miss Christiana Franzmeier, a native of Minnesota. They have one child, Margaret M.

Louis Warweg, of the firm of Kloepping and Company, was born in Jefferson county, Wiscon- sin, April 8th, 1851. When seventeen years old he left the parental roof and after prospecting through Illinois, settled in Rosemount township, where his parents bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His father died December 22d, 1872. He purchased the hardware business of H. G. Merrill in 1875, in company with his present partner. Mr. Kloepping received the appoint- ment of postmaster with Mr. Warweg as assist- ant. He is also a member of the village council.

William T. Wiley was born in Maine, October 28th, 1823. His home was in his native state until 1863, then coming to Minnesota, settled in Rosemount. He invested in a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres, with only forty acres under cultivation. Married in Washington county, Maine, in 1847, to Miss Harriet A. Coulton. They have had eight children, five of whom are living: George, Oscar, Charles, Alice and Laura.

Mary J. Woodfill is a native of Warwickshire, England, born January 13th, 1825. She married Thomas Woodfill, a native of Leicestershire, Eng- land, in her native place. In 1855 they came to America, landing in Philadelphia, where they lived one year. Removing to Minnesota they settled in Pine Bend, and in 1866, purchased a farm in Rosemount. Her husband died in 1871, leaving his widow eight children: Sarah, William, George, Joseph, Thomas, Joshua, Mary and Leonard.

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SCIOTA-DESCRIPTION-SETTLEMENT.

SCIOTA.

CHAPTER LXII.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION-SETTLEMENT-BIRTHS DEATHS-MARRIAGES-ORGANIZATION -- OFFI- CIALS -- SCHOOLS-CHURCHES -- SOCIETIES- BIOGRAPHICAL.

This town is situated in the southern part of the county and contains but fifteen sections of land. It is bounded on the north by Castle Rock, on the east by the town of Randolph and Goodhue county, on the south by Rice county and on the west by Waterford. At the session of the board of county commissioners held at Hast- ings, April 6th, 1858, for the purpose of forming the boundaries of the different towns in the county, Sciota was set off with all in the county of township 112, range 19. At another session held April 20th, following, this action was re-con- sidered, and the west half of Sciota was taken to form Waterford. The Cannon river crosses the west line of the town about eighty rods south of the north-west corner of section 22, and flows north-easterly, crossing the east line at the south- east corner of section 12. Chub creek crosses the west line about eighty rods south of the north-west corner of section 15, flows north- easterly and south-easterly, crossing the east line about a half-mile north of the Cannon river. Another small stream crosses the north line, flows south and empties into Chub creek about a mile below. All the timber in the town is on a small island in the Cannon river. The surface in the extreme north is a beautiful, undulating prairie, with an occasional knoll containing gravel, and in some places limestone appears. Between Chub creek and the Cannon river it is mostly level, the soil being a rich black loam. South of the Cannon river an occasional high knoll appears, some of them containing gravel and others lime- stone, which furnishes excellent building stone. Several quarries have been opened. The soil, generally, is a black loam, with a generous ad- mixture of sand in places. The principal product

is wheat. Corn and other grains are raised ex- tensively. The town is purely agricultural, hav- ing neither mills, stores nor shops of any kind. These conveniences happen to be located just beyond her borders in other towns.

The first settlers in the town were Charles Lewis and his son "Zach" and Charles, Jr. They came in 1854. Mr. Lewis made a townsite claim in sections 14, 15 and 22. Most of it being on the north side of the Cannon river. In the spring of 1855, he had the ground surveyed and a town laid out, which he called Lewiston. The settle- ment from that time was quite rapid, and the embryo city began to grow. In 1856, a bridge was built across the Cannon river, the first one built across that stream. S. N. Casey obtained an interest in the town and built a small flouring mill. C. T. Collins built a commodious hotel. A Mr. Amsden built a store, Mr. Lewis a black- smith shop and a number of private residences. Few towns of its age, had better prospects, and had the proprietors been wiser, a thriving town might have built up. But they, thinking their town was an undoubted success, put their prop- erty at top prices and drove many away who would have been glad to make it their future home. The Archibald's came in with a view to erecting mills on an extensive scale, but the ex- orbitant price wanted for the mill-site, caused them to look elsewhere, and the pleasant little village of Dundas in Rice county, is the result. In the meantime other towns around had sprung up and soon distanced Lewiston. The decline began, and but a short time elapsed before the town was a thing of the past. The buildings were moved away by the owners. The bridge was washed away by a freshet. Parties looking the ground over would not suspect there ever had been a village there. Mr. Lewis now lives in Minneapolis, where he moved some years since. His son Zach. made a claim in the north-west quarter of section 22, which he sold and made another just north of it. This he also kept but a short time. Charles, Jr., made his claim in the north part of section 15, and lived on it several years, then sold and left with his father and brother for Minneapolis. Zach. is now in Califor- nia, and Charles in Dakota. Edward Hone also came in 1854, and made a claim in the north- west quarter of section 23. He soon sold

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 81

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

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