History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 86

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 86

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A large amount of both these issues of bonds was taken by the residents of the town. Boun- ties to the amount of $2,069.65 were paid to vol- unteers. The total amount paid by the town to redeem all bonds issued, was $4,022.19.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneers of this town, being intelligent, realized that the maintenance of our system of government depended upon good common schools. As soon as there was a sufficient num- ber of children, they began preparations to es- tablish one. This they succeeded in doing in 1858. During the summer of that year, a school was taught by Miss Lydia Alexander, of North- field, in a frame house that had been built for a store, but never used as such, and located on the present site of the village of Waterford. During that season, a school-house was erected near the site of the Grange mill, but was blown down be- fore it was completed. Upon consideration, the location for the house was changed to the east side of the road in the south-east quarter of sec- tion 19, just north of the section line between sections 19 and 30. It was a frame building, about 18x24 feet, and capable of comfortably seating about forty-five scholars. This building was used until the present one was built a few rods further south, and on the village plat. It is also frame, contains patent seats, and belongs to what is now district No. 72. The schol- ars in the district number about fifty. The town now contains two entire and three joint districts, with four school-houses, all frame. The school-house in district 68 is located in the south- east corner of the north-east quarter of section 4. The one belonging to No. 71, is located in the north-west angle of the east and west and north and south roads, in the north-west quarter of section 20, and the one belonging to district 87, is located on the line between Rice and Dakota counties, and in the south-east quarter of sec- tion 29.

As early as 1855, a Sabbath-school was organ- ized in the shanty of Warren Atkinson. There were about seventeen scholars, and Deacon Ami Nichols was chosen superintendent. He held the position continuously until 1874, with the excep- tion of two years. During one of these, Dr. E. Hammond was superintendent, and the other, J.

Digitized by

Google

493

WATERFORD-CHURCHES-VILLAGE.

N. Bill. The school has been prosperous from the beginning. and now numbers seventy scholars. In former times, the school was con- ducted at Mr. Atkinson's shanty and at the school-house. Since the building of the Water- ford Union church it has been conducted in that. Upon the resignation of Deacon Nichols as superintendent, Charles P. Nichols was elected. and has occupied the position since.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services in the town were conducted by the Rev. Joseph Rounce, during the summer of 1855, at the house of Deacon Nichols. From that time until 1876, the religious meetings were held in private houses and at the school- houses. A meeting was held May 10th, 1876, by those interested in such matters to consider the propriety of building a church. As a result of this meeting, another was held the 15th of the same month and the Waterford Union Evangeli- cal society was organized. C. P. Nichols and E. S. Bill were appointed a committee to draft a set of resolutions and by-laws, and the following officers were elected, C. P. Nichols, E. S. Bill and E. N. Lord, directors; J. S. Nichols, secretary, and J. W. Okins, treasurer. The church was built the same year and located on the east side of the St. Paul road, in the south-east quarter of section 17, and on land owned by Isaac Manchester. The cost of the building was $1,200, which was raised by sub- scription. The dedication ceremonies took place in December of that year, under the leadership of the Revs. D. L. Leonard and E. S. Williams. The financial condition of the society is good. The membership is about thirty, and includes many of the leading men of the town.

VILLAGE.

The pleasant little village of Waterford is sit- uated on the north side of the Cannon river, on a rise of ground sloping toward the river. As may be readily conceived it is pleasantly located. The inhabitants have spread out before them, like a panorama, as fine a view as heart could wish. The village was laid out on land owned by the Cannon River Manufacturing Company, in the north-east quarter of section 30, by R. H. L. Jewett, in September, 1873, and filed for record in the register of deed's office January 6th,

1874. Being so near the city of Northfield, it was not expected that a market town would be built up, but it furnishes a nucleus for the people connected with the mill, and those wishing a quiet village life, to gather round and make pleas- ant homes.

The first attempt at a village here, was as else- where stated, made by the two Atkinson brothers and R. C. Masters, in 1855, but proved unsuccess- ful. About that time Lewis Brothers built a small saw-mill, not far from the present site of the grange mill. It did not prosper and was soon torn down and abandoned. The first post-office in the town was established here in 1854, Warren Atkinson was the postmaster and held the office until 1857, when he resigned in favor of a Mr. Goss, who started a store at that time. He was succeeded by A. M. Nichols in 1862. He held the office until 1877, when J. N. Bell was ap- pointed. He was succeeded in 1880, by S. W. Mattison, the present incumbent.

In 1874, John Empy came to the village and built a store in which he placed a general stock of goods, and has identified himself with the interests of the village since.

The same year Charles Burke built a black- smith and repairing shop. He also manufac- tures, to some extent, wagon and carriage ma- terial.

M. Tramm, besides his farm and woodyard, operates a lime-kiln where he turns out a good quality of lime at fair prices.

D. L. Tyler has just put in a small stock of goods in his house, situated just north of Mr. Empy's store. He is also engaged in the manu- facture of a liniment and vermin exterminator.

THE GRANGE MILL.

This fine mill is owned by the Cannon River Manufacturing Company. The company was organized under the auspices of the different granges in the vicinity, for the purpose of erect- ing and operating a mill at Waterford to manu- facture flour, to do a general milling business and to be devoted to the interests of the farmers generally. The committee appointed in January, 1873, to select the site, were Messrs. Bill, Bowe and Bailey. They reported in favor of the site where the village of Waterford now stands and received instructions to secure it, which they did by pur-

Digitized by

Google

494

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

chasing about sixty acres of land of R. C. Masters and also ten acres of timber land of H. Scriber. The first board of directors consisted of E.S.Bailey, Andrew Whitson, Jonathan Miller, L. N. Hustis, T. Bowman, J. S. Way, T. C. F. Peutz, John Clague, H. Pryor, T. C. Childs, George Cham- berlain, M. K. Pike and J. N. Bill.

E. S. Bailey was chosen president and J. N. Bill, secretary. The capital stock was fixed at $40,- 000, with the privilege of increasing it to $50,000.

The site determined on, required the construc- tion of a long dike on the south side of the river, across the flat to the edge of the rising ground, which, however, when completed, gave them a fine fall of water.

As with most enterprises of this character, many trials arose to hinder, but not to discour- age the managers, and the mill was built and in operation by December, the same year of its in- ception. It has a capacity for manufacturing 200 barrels daily. In 1874, the company built an ele- vator just west of the mill. It has capacity for fifty thousand bushels. They also purchased later a cooper shop of T. H. Partch, who built it in 1875, and manufacture their own barrels. In 1878, they purchased the Granville mills, having a capacity for manufacturing sixty barrels per day, and situated about six miles further down the Cannon river in Goodhue county. About thirty-tive men are employed in the two mills and shops connected with them. They are now en- gaged in changing both the mills to the roller system. When this is completed, the capacity of both mills will be about three hundred and fifty barrels per day. The stock of the company has never been sold below par, and their property is now valued at $80,000. The present officers are E. S. Drake, president; Jonathan Miller, secre- tary; J. R. Sumner, treasurer and business man- ager.

CEMETERY.

Rose Leaf cemetery is situated in the north- cast quarter of section 17. It contains one and a half acres of land, and was given to the town by Dr. Z. B. Nichols, in 1856. The first person buried there was George Swaile, who was drowned in the Cannon river. R. C. Masters also gave a piece of land in section 20, at the north-west cor- ner of the village plat. Arrangements were made to transfer the bodies from this spot to Rose Leaf

cemetery. A number have been removed, and the remainder will probably be conveyed there during the present year, when, according to the original contract, the land will revert to R. C. Masters, or his heirs.

SOCIETIES.

Waterford Lodge number 174, I. O. G. T., was organized April 5th, 1876, with twenty-three charter members. The officers for the first quar- ter, ending April 25th, 1876, were: T. H. Partch, P. W. C. T .; Stillman Meeker, W. C. T .; Mary Hamilton, W. V. T .; A. D. Fitch, W. Chap .; E. C. Bullis, R. S .; Mrs. E. C. Bullis, Ass't R. S .; I. G. Hodgson, F. S,; Giles Campbell, T .; L. Lanphear, M .; Emily Campbell, Ass't M .; Mrs. D. P. Brockway, I. G .; S. M. Hamilton, O. G .; T. H. Partch, L. D .; Lizzie Tyler, R. H. S .; Julia Mattison, L. H. S. Meetings were held at the Waterford school-house, and the membership increased to about sixty. From various causes the interest in the lodge waned, and the final meeting was held in January, 1877.

Northern Light Grange, P. of H. number 58, was organized in the fall of 1871, by Deputy William A. Gray, at the school-house in district number 71. The first officers were: J. N. Bill, M .; J. W. Roath, O .; G. C. Chamberlain, L .; C. P. Nichols, S .; H. Barrett, Ass't S .; A. B. Hale, Chap .; A. E. Dixson, Sec .; J. W. Okins, G. K. Mrs. Chamberlain, Pomona; Mrs. Manchester, Flora; Mrs. S. Mouser, L. A. S. Meetings were held the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The membership increased to thirty- five. After several years of successful operation the interest of the members began to flag, and their charter was surrendered in 1876.

INCIDENT.

A melancholy occurrence took place in January, 1866. The circumstances connected with it, as near as we can learn, are as follows: James Bul- ger had claims against one John Donoghoe, which he refused to pay. An attachment was taken out against his property, and a constable by the name of John Masters, was sent to execute it. When he undertook to levy on some colts that were in a stable, Mr. Donoghoe stood in the door and prevented him from entering, and re- sisted him to such an extent that he, (the con- . stable), went before justice Church, of Green

Digitized by

Google

495

WATERFORD-BIOGRAPHICAL.

Vale, and had a warrant issued against Donoghoe for assault and battery. Upon the approach of the party to arrest him, Donoghoe armed himself with a pitchfork. When Mr. Masters stepped up to him, he struck Mr. Masters a heavy blow on the head with the pitchfork, and knocked him down to his knees, and stood in the act of strik- ing him again, when Mr. Masters· fired at him with a shot gun, striking him in the lower part of the jaw, killing him instantly. The charge passed downward into his lungs, making a hor- rible wound. The body was placed in a sleigh and taken to the office of Justice Church. Mr. Masters gave himself up at once. A few neces- sary legal proceedings were entered into, but he was never indicted, it being apparent to the grand jury that it was a pure case of self defence.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

J. J. Alexander was born in Erie county, New York, in 1832. When fifteen years of age, he moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he lived seven years, and, in 1854, came to Minnesota and pre-empted a farm. on which he has since lived, a portion of which is in Northfield, Rice county, the balance in Waterford, Dakota county. He was married in Rock county, Wisconsin, to Miss Mary A. Legg. They have two children: J. P., a graduate from Carleton college, is prac- ticing law at Cannon Falls; married Miss Addie Chamberlain, of Pennsylvania. James lives at home. Also an adopted daughter, Carrie (Chap- in) Alexander, who has been with them three years.

Charles J. Borke, a native of Norway, was born in September, 1844. He learned the black- smiths' trade in his native country, and came to America in 1871, locating first in Lanesboro, Fillmore county, Minnesota. Worked at his trade there a short time, then went to Duluth, remaining one and one-half years, thence to Michigan for one year, and in 1874, came to Waterford and started in business for himself. His shop is 20x24, where he does general black- smithing and wagon repairing. Married at St. Paul, in 1876, Miss Martha Hanson. One child was born to them, who died at the age of nine months.

P. J. Becksted was born in Canada in 1833, and there lived until 1870. Coming at that time to

Sciota, Minnesota, he made it his home six years, then located at Waterford, and purchased the farm on which they now live. Married in 1854, to Miss C. E. Redick, who was born in Canada in 1836. Annie E., Josephine, Edith, George A., Mary E., Willie, Nellie, Lillie and R. Elma are their children.

E. S. Bill was born in Vermont in 1883. When fourteen years old, he moved to Illinois, and in 1854, came to Waterford. He pre-empted 160 acres of land, and lived on it until 1862, then en- listed in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Regi- ment, and served in the Indian war until 1864, when he was ordered south; joined Sherman in his "march to the sea," and participated in many conflicts. Mustered out of service in Au- gust, 1865. Returning to Waterford, he pur- chased the farm on which he now lives. Married in Green Vale in 1858, to Miss Theresa A. Hale, who was born in 1838. They have four children: Luna E., wife of W. M. Lanckton, living in Minneapolis; Maud A., Ella S. and Carl H. When Mr. Bill first located in Waterford there was one log house here, the only one between Hastings and Faribault.

James Boulger was born in Ireland in 1831. When seventeen years old, came to America, re- maining one season at Auburn, New York, thence to Ohio until 1853, employed as railroad contractor, then to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in same business. In 1858, came to Minnesota and con- tracted for work on the railroad which passes through Waterford, for which, however, he has never received full pay. In 1862, he purchased his present farm. Married in 1850, Miss Ellen O'Roark, of Ohio, who died in 1871, at Waterford. They have had twelve children, the living are: Christopher, John, Richard, Alice, Edward, James and Ellen.

William Brant, a native of Germany, was born in 1859. Came to America with his parents when only eight years of age and lived in Michi- gan until 1878, then came to Waterford. Miss Mary A., eldest daughter of Thomas T. Cowell, became his wife, October 23d, 1880.

Patrick Butler was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1824. Came to America at the age of twenty. Receiving in the meantime his early education in Dublin, he completed his studies at La Fayette college in Pennsylvania, and lived in Northamp-

Digitized by Google

496

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

ton county, of that state for eight years; while there, was clerk in the post-office, land surveyor for a short time, after which he taught school two years. Moved to Illinois in 1852, and kept a hotel in Galena, two years and taught school one year, then in 1856, came to Minnesota. He pre- empted a farm in Lakeville, Dakota county, where the Catholic church now stands. Com- ing to Waterford in 1857, he worked in the con- struction of a railroad for some time, and in 1861, purchased his home. Married in 1854. Miss Mary A. Gaffney, of Illinois. Children: Kate, wife of William A. Bowe, of Northfield; Walter B., a resident of St. Paul; Belle, John B., Will, Pierce, Emmet and Effie.

Ambrose Campbell was born in New York in 1867. His father departed this life while Am- brose was yet a child. and his mother married Thomas Reed, of Berkshire county, Massachu- setts in 1875, at which time they removed to Wa- terford. Here Ambrose has since been engaged in coopering. Mrs. Reed had five children by her first husband: Giles, Emma, Lillie, Ambrose and Fred. Mr. Reed was the parent of four children by his first wife, all of whom have died.

Levi Cobb was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1885. Here he lived until 1872, then came to Faribault county, Minnesota, where he remained seven months, coming thence to Waterford, and purchased a farm on which he now lives. He was married in 1869, to Miss S. L. Swift, of St. Lawrence county, New York. They have no children.

Alfred E. Cowell, a native of England, was born in 1849. When six years old, came to America with his father, Edward Cowell, in 1855. He purchased the farm on which he now lives in 1874. The following year, married Miss Emma Arnold, of Pierce county, Wisconsin, who is a na- tive of Goodhue county, Minnesota. They have one son, Fred J.

E. F. Cowell was born in England in 1826. Coming to America in 1851, he lived in Cleve- land, Ohio, three years, then came to Waterford and pre-empted a farm, on which he built a log house 16x20. It is still standing, a relic of early days. He relates many incidents regarding his early experiences, and the hardships he endured in coming west, returning for his family and again coming to his new home. Eight children

have been born to them, the living are, Alfred E., E. Laura, Minnie M., H. Lillie, Charles W., and Edgar L.

Thomas T. Cowell was born in England in 1888, and came to America in 1850, spending three months in New York. He also passed one year, each, in Cleveland, Ohio, in Illinois, in Du- buque, Iowa, then came to Waterford in 1856. Here he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres, also purchased the place on which he lives at present. In 1855, married Miss Elizabeth Ray- ner, a native of England. Coming directly to their claim, their first habitation was a slab shanty, 12x12 feet, and there lived until the fall of 1868, then built their present house. Enlisted in Company B, Third Minnesota, in 1861; was taken prisoner at Murfreesborough, going three days without food, when he was paroled; was slightly wounded in another battle, and was mus- tered out in November, 1864. They are the par- ents of nine children: Mary A., married to Wil- liam Brant in 1880; William E., Edith I., Ella M., Mabel F. and Lawrence W. are the living.

E. C. Dilley was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1847, and came to Rice county, Minne- sota in 1869. During the fall of 1874, he bought the farm on which he now lives. In 1876, he married Miss Frances E. Harnder, of Castle Rock, Minnesota. Bertha E. and Millie B. are their children.

A. L. Dixson, Sr., was born in Canada, May 12th, 1814. Here his life was passed until 1854, then came to Hastings, Minnesota, and pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is now a portion of the city. Came to Waterford in 1863 and bought the farm he now owns. May 26th, 1835, he was married to Miss M. A. Bailey, who died in Waterford in 1879. George A., Sarah, Margaret F. and A. L. Jr., who was married to Miss P. Eckles in 1870. They have had five children, four living. Harry L., E. G., Ralph B. and Mary.

G. A. Dixson was born in Canada in 1888. When sixteen years of age, came to Minnesota and settled in Hastings. In 1863, came to Water- ford and five years later bought his farm. En- listed in Company I, First Regiment, Minnesota Heavy Artillery, in 1865, and served until the close of hostilities. Married in 1860, at Hastings, Miss D. A. Harris, a native of Connecticut.

Digitized by Google

497

WATERFORD-BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mary F. and Lola C. are their children who are living.

Bernard Eishen, a native of Holland was born in 1885. Came to America in 1854 and after re- maining one year in Iowa, came to Minnesota, and made a claim in Scott county. There he lived until 1866, then came to Waterford, pur- chased a farm and has since lived here. He was married in Scott county in 1866, to Miss Maggie Heger. John B., Katie, Dominick, Mary and Martin are their children.

John P. Empy, dealer in dry goods and gro- ceries, was born in Canada, April 5th, 1883. He was reared on a farm until nineteen years old, then learned the carpenter's trade, whith he fol_ lowed until coming to Minnesota in 1862. Lo- cating in Northfield, Rice county, he worked at his trade till 1874, then came to Waterford. Here he erected a store and embarked in the grocery business and after the first year added a stock of dry goods, this being the first store in Waterford township. Married at Waterford in 1863, to Miss Nancy Quinn. Four children have been born to them: Hattie, Harvey, Emma and Ella B.

Paul Feist was born in Prussia in 1847. Came to America in 1854 and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, remaining until 1861, then went to Portage county, in the same state. 1870, came to Northfield, Minnesota, remaining three years and in 1875, bought a lot and built his present residence. Married in Portage county, Wisconsin, in 1867, to Miss Mary Czerkleba, a native of Prussia. Clara C., Charles R., Willie H., Fred J., Paul D. and August L. are their children.

John Gibbs was born in New York in 1823. He lived in his native state until 1844, then went to Michigan, thence to California, via the isthmus. After working in the gold mines some time he re- turned to Michigan, thence to Minnesota for one year; was also in the employ of the government in Nebraska a few months. In 1867, returned to Minnesota and made his home for two years in Northfield, then removed to Waterford and pur- chased his farm, having since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Married at Northfield, in 1869, Eliza Wells. They are the parents of three children: Dora, Charles and Frank.

George Gray was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1836. Grew to manhood in his native state, then removed to Illinois, and two 32

years later came to Dakota county, Minnesota, thence to California, remaining six years. After residing two years in Arizona, he, in 1862, re- turned to Waterford and engaged in the wheat buying business; was one of the original stock- holders in the Grange mill, and bought wheat for them six years. In 1866, he purchased his pres- ent farm; has been town clerk and member of the school board several years. Married in 1870, Miss Mary Wilson. Sarah A., William H., Nellie W., Silas W. and Leonard A. are their children.

William A. Gray was born in Lisbon, St. Law- rence county, New York, July 13th, 1881. He grew to manhood in his native state, and in 1855, came west to Waterford, and the following year pre-empted the farm on which he now lives. In February, 1865, enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-second New York Volun- teers, and was mustered out in May, and returned to his farm in Waterford. He represented this district in the legislature in 1872-'78, and has for a long term of years been justice of the peace. Married in 1878, Miss L. A. Stocking. Roy E. is their only child.

A. B. Hale was born August 4th, 1815, in To- ronto, Canada, and made his home in Monroe county, New York, until 1835, then went to Illi- nois. Here, in 1836, he married Miss Elizabeth L. Beach, and three years later removed with his family to New York. After four years residence moved to Illinois, thence to Iowa for three years, and in 1856, came to Dakota county, Minnesota, locating in Green Vale township. Being a resi- dent of that place eleven years, removed to Water- ford and purchased his present farm. They are the parents of fifteen children; the living are : Theresa, Eliphelet B., Alfred P., Lizzie E., O. E., Orin E. and Charles H. The grounds around their home are ornamented by more than a thou- sand beautiful trees, planted by Mr. Hale.

E. Hammond, M. D., was born in Windham county, Connecticut, in June, 1819. After reach- ing manhood he passed two years in Greenfield, Massachusetts, five years in Worcester county, thence to River Falls, Wisconsin, and in 1855, came to Waterford. Here he has since lived on his farm, which he pre-empted at that time. His first habitation was a log house 14x18, in which he lived five years, then built and

Digitized by Google

498

HISTORY OF DAKOTA COUNTY.

moved into his present frame dwelling. Before coming west he practiced medicine several years with his brother-in-law. Married in 1854, Mrs. Amanda Nichols nee Fisk, who is a native of Connecticut. She had five children by her first husband: Ellen E., wife of Warren Atkinson; Dr. A. B., of Sparta, Wisconsin; Charles P. and Samuel N. are the living. Dr. Hammond re- moved to Minneapolis in 1872, and two years later returned to his farm, where in 1878, his wife passed away.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 86

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

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