History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 90

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

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and Mr. Sibley knew that the wishes of his con- stituents were that the capitol should be located at St. Paul, the University at St. Anthony, and the penitentiary at Stillwater. When a copy of the bill was presented to Mr. Sibley, he discov- ered, to his consternation, that Mendota had been inserted as the capital instead of St. Paul.

He immediately went to Senator Douglas for an explanation, and was given the senator's rea- sons for wishing the capitol placed at Mendota. "But," said Mr. Sibley, "this will not do at all. St. Paul is the place the people of the territory wish for their capital, and I cannot go contrary to their wishes." To this Douglas replied, that he supposed as Sibley owned land at Mendota, that it would benefit him to have the capital lo- cated there. Sibley told him, that for that very reason he objected to having the capital located there. Douglas then offered to assume all re- sponsibility of the affair, and to guarantee that Sibley's name should not appear in the transac- tion. But it was of no avail; Sibley still insisted on;having St. Paul named, instead of Mendota, stating that he did not come to Washington to cater to the individual interests of H. H. Sibley, but to carry out the wishes of those who sent him. Finally, Senator Douglas agreed that if the committee saw fit to make the desired change, he would not oppose it. Accordingly, Sibley went before the committee, and after much per- suasion, secured the change and the bill passed, naming St. Paul as the capital. General Sibley would undoubtedly have benefited greatly had Mendota been named, but his native honesty and love of right would not allow him to go contrary to the wishes of those who placed him in the po- sition he then occupied as the representative of the people, and thus Mendota was deprived of the distinction Douglas wished to confer upon it.

In 1848, there was a post-office established at Mendota, H. H. Sibley as the first postmaster, succeeded by others who continued until 1873, since which time Timothy Fee has held the of- fice.

In 1856, General Sibley built a stone church which was used for Episcopal services. This church was erected at a cost of $2,000, which was defrayed entirely by General Sibley. The building has since been purchased by the

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school district, and is now used for a school- house.

In 1856, a saw-mill was erected on the river or slough by P. J. Scheffer. It was run by a porta- ble engine. In 1857, Eli Pettijohn purchased the property and brought from Shakopee an up-right saw and the machinery for a flour-mill. He run the mill a few years, then disposed of it to Frank- lin Steele, who sold to other parties. The invest- ment was never a paying one, and the mill finally became the property of the Questions brothers, who removed it to Scott county.

The village of Mendota now contains a popu- lation of 348. The railroad station at this point is known as St. Paul Junction. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, formerly the St. Paul and Sioux City railway, here diverges from the Iowa division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and. St. Paul railway, both lines using the same track between St. Paul Junction and St. Paul.

MENDOTA TOWNSHIP.

The township of Mendota, as designated by the county commissioners at their first meeting at Hastings, in April, 1858, comprised all that por- tion of townships 27 and 28 north, of range 23, west of the fourth principal meridian, lying with- in the boundaries of Dakota county. September 20th, 1858, the board of county commissioners set off the south half of township 27 as Montgom- ery, but not being satisfactory to the residents, the action was reconsidered, and the town lapsed to Mendota, whose boundaries remained un- changed until the winter of 1861, when the town of Eagan, consisting of township 27, range 23, was formed by special act of legislature. Mendota, then contained all in the county of township 28.

In 1874, the city of St. Paul annexed the vil- lage of West St. Paul, which took from the town of Mendota the point of land along the river on the north, containing less than one section. The present boundaries are: On the north, the Mis- sissippi river and the Sixth ward of the city of St. Paul; on the east, by the town of West St. Paul, Dakota county; on the south, by the town of Eagan; and on the west, by the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. The town contains seven whole and seven fractional sections, or an area of 6,700 acres of land.

The two great rivers forming its western and

northern boundaries, with the sloughs extending from them into the land, furnish excellent drain- age. There are several lakes in the town. the largest of which is Pickerel lake, lying in the northern part of the town, in section 13, so named from the fine pickerel with which its waters abound. Roger's lake is in section 26 and 35, and was originally called Martin's lake, after the first settler on the north-west quarter of section 35. In 1879, the lake was given its present name in honor of the oldest settler on its shores. Au- gusta lake, in the southern part of section 27, and extending into section 34, was named after a daughter of General Sibley. Lemay lake, in section 34, was named for C. Lemay, one of the oldest settlers of the county, who made his claim in 1849, and has since resided on it. There are also several small, unnamed lakes, in different portions of the township, furnishing a liberal supply of water for the use of stock and other purposes.

The surface of the township is rolling, and along the Mississippi river bluffy. In its original state it was covered with a growth of oak and maple timber. Along the Minnesota, extending back a distance of from eighty to 160 rods, the land is low and marshy, and can only be utilized in dry seasons, at which times large quantities of hay are procured.

The soil is a rich loam, with clay sub-soil. In the north and west the farmers are quite exten- sively engaged in market gardening, which their proximity to the city of St. Paul makes pro- titable. Many fine farms have been cleared from this rough, timbered country.

The northern and western portions of the town were within the limits of the original military reservation, and the first road built through the town was the military road built in 1849 by Major Dodd, and known as the "Dodd" road. This road has since been extended and improved.

The early settlement of the village of Mendota has already been recorded, and that of the town is so closely interwoven with it that little more can be said. Nearly all the pioneers in this town settled in the village first, and after the country west of the Mississippi river was thrown open to settlement made claims in the surrounding country and be- gan farming. Hitherto, the principal business had been trading with the Indians. C. Lemay

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came to Mendota in 1849, and made a claim in section 34, which was the first claim located, back from the village. He built his house in 1852 and is still residing on his original claim.

E. Perron came in 1851, and the following year purchased the farm on which he now lives, of Peter Felix, who had pre-empted the claim. C. Conneyer pre-empted a claim in what is now Eagan, and in 1871, purchased his present farm of General Sibley. P. Martin pre-empted the D. Underwood farm in 1854. The Le Claire's made claims at an early date. S. C. Staples settled on section 18, in 1854. E. G. Rogers came to Minne- sota in 1856, and purchased his present farm in sec- tion 85 in 1857. In 1851, Clement Vondell, who came to Mendota in 1848, settled on his present farm in sections 13 and 24, where he has since re- sided. The first few years after his arrival in Min- nesota he was engaged in the pineries and in team- ing for the government. Joseph Beaudet came from Canada in 1850 and to Mendota in 1852, and pre- empted the land where he now lives, adjoining the village on the north-east. In November, 1856, he platted about twenty-four acres as an addition to the village. Beaudet carries on the business of blacksmith and wagon-maker. Among the early settlers in the township were many who settled in what became the town of Eagan, and a sketch of them will be found in the history of that town.

The organization of the town of Mendota occurred May 4th, 1858, by the election of the following officers: Patrick Eagan, chairman, Michael Lynch and Joseph Vizena, supervisors; G. S. Whitman, clerk; Christopher Nugent, assessor; James Thomas and James McC. Boal, justices of the peace; Hypolite Dupuis, overseer of poor. At a meeting of the board held May 29th, the town was divided into five road dis- tricts. Joseph Beaudet was appointed overseer of No. 1, Treffla Auge of No. 2, Thomas Kelley of Nos. 3 and 4 and Thomas Daily of No. 5. At a special meeting George Auge was appointed assessor in place of C. Nugent, removed.

At the annual meeting of 1859, ninety-three votes were cast. Patrick Eagan was elected chair- man and Michael Lynch and Joseph Vizena, supervisors; G. S. Whitman, clerk. The amount collected by tax for 1859 was $958.78; amount paid for expenses, $1,018.95.

Annual meeting for 1860: H. J. Sheafer was

elected chairman and Daniel Underwood and Michael Dupuis, supervisors; Phillip Crowley, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1861, a tax of one and one-half mills was voted for schools. three mills for current expenses, and one-half mill for roads and bridges. Fifty-six votes were cast, and James McC. Boal was elected chairman and William Morrissey and Joseph Vizena, super- visors; P. Crowley, clerk.

At the annual meeting in 1862 a tax of three mills for town and one mill for roads was voted. Sixty-four votes were cast, and P. B. Thompson was elected chairman, Joseph Vizena and W. Morrissey, supervisors; P. Crowley, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1863, a tax of there mills for current expenses and two mills for roads was voted. P. B. Thompson was elected chair- man, W. Morrissey and Michael Lynch, super- visors; P. Crowley, clerk.

At the annual meeting in 1864 a tax of two and one-half mills for current expenses and two mills for roads was voted. James Thomas was elected chairman, W. Morrissey and H. E. Des- corius, supervisors; P. Crowley, clerk.

In 1865, a tax of two mills for roads and two and one-half mills for town purposes was voted. Michael Lynch was elected chairman, Timothy Fee and Joseph Vizena, supervisors; P. Crowley, clerk.

In 1866, one and one-half mills for current ex- penses and one and one-half mills for roads were voted. W. Morrissey elected chairman, Timothy Fee and Eloi Parus, supervisors; P. Crowley, clerk.

In 1867, a tax of one and one-half mills was voted for current expenses. James Thomas was elected chairman, E. G. Rogers and W. Blair, supervisors; J. D. Rogers, clerk.

In 1868, a tax of two mills for current expenses and two and one-half mills for roads was voted. C. A. Stephens elected chairman, W. Morrissey and Cornelius Guiney, supervisors; T. T. Smith, clerk.

In 1870, a tax of seven mills for roads and bridges, and three for current expenses was voted, Cornelius Guiney elected chairman; T. T. Smith and Robert Holgate, supervisors; C. A. Stephens, clerk.

In 1872, four and one-half mills for town ex-

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penses was voted, Cornelius Guiney elected chair- man; R. Holgate and T. T. Smith, supervisors; M. Lynch, clerk.

In 1872, a tax of two and one-half mills for current expenses was voted, M. Lynch elected chairman; C. Guiney and C. Lemay, supervisors; M. Scanlan clerk; C. Lemay resigned, and D. N. Bryant was appointed; M. Lynch appointed clerk in place of Scanlan, resigned.

In 1873, a tax of five mills for town and five for roads and bridges was voted, M. Lynch elected chairman; D. N. Bryant and T. Fee, supervisors; C. O. Sprague, clerk.

At the election of 1874, a tax of five mills for current expenses was voted, J. L. Lewis elected chairman; T. Fee and Charles Small, supervisors; T. Nealy, clerk; D. N. Bryant, justice.

In 1875, it was voted to raise $400 to pay on de- posit, $300 for current expenses, and $500 for road and bridges, T. T. Smith elected chairman; C. Lemay and C. Small, supervisors; T. Nealy, clerk.

In 1876, it was voted to raise $200 for current expenses, T. T. Smith elected chairman; Charles small and D. Lemay, supervisors; D. N. Bryant, clerk.

In 1877, it was voted to apply $200 for town purposes and $100 for road and bridges, T. T. Smith was elected chairman; Charles Small and Edward Perron, supervisors; D. N. Bryant, clerk.

In 1878, it was voted to raise $130 for current expenses and $875 for roads; T. T. Smith elected chairman; C. Small and James Auge, supervi- sors; D. N. Bryant, clerk.

In 1879, it was voted to raise $150 for town purposes, Henry Dehrer elected chairman; Chas. Small and James Auge, supervisors; D. N. Bry- ant, clerk.

In 1880, voted to raise $180 for current expen- ses, Henry Dehrer elected chairman; James Auge and C. F. Staples, supervisors; D. N. Bryant, clerk.

In 1881, it was voted to raise $200 for current expenses, H. E. C. Dehrer elected chairman; C. F. Staples and James Auge, supervisors, D. N: Bryant, clerk.

SCHOOLS.

School district No. 6 was composed of the whole of the town with portions of the adjoining town. The first school was taught by Lejendre,

a Frenchman, in the old log church erected by Father Ravoux, in 1842.

The district purchased of H. H. Sibley, the stone church which he erected in 1856, at an expense of $1,500. The present officers are Charles Small, director; James Auge, treasurer, and Michael Dupuis, clerk.

School district No. 5 was organized as No. 3, being set off from No. 6 in 1859, by the county commissioners, but was afterwards re-organized in 1862, and re-numbered. The first board of offi- cers were S. C. Staples, director; J. W. McGrath, treasurer, and J. Truman, clerk. Phillip Crow- ley was the first teacher. The first school-house was built the same year of wood, 24x30, at an ex- pense of $300, but has been re-modeled into a fine house. The present officers are C. F. Sta- ples, director; Mr. McGrath, treasurer, and Clar- ence D. Pierce, clerk.

School district No. 91 was set off from 6, by an act of the legislature, approved March 6th, 1871. The district was organized April 6th, with the following board; E. G. Rogers, director; L. Trapp, treasurer, and R. Holgate, clerk. The school-house, of wood, 30x40 feet, at an expense of $400, was erected in time for the spring school, which was taught by Sarah Shelley. The pres- ent board are E. G. Rogers, director; H. E. C. Dehrer, treasurer, and John Roeller, clerk. The average attendance is about thirty-five scholars.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Joseph Auge was born in Canada East, in 1886. When about twelve years old, he came with his father to Mendota, Minnesota. His first employ- ment was for J. B. Faribault, and while in his employ, he acquired the Sioux language. He ac- companied the Jim Fisk expedition to the gold mines of Montana. Subsequently he learned the blacksmith's trade, under his brother George, in St. Paul. His early education was acquired in Canada, and after coming to St. Paul, studied in the office of his brother-in-law. Married May 19th, 1861, Miss Louise A. Dupuis, a niece to the Sioux chief, "Little Crow," and settled in Mendota. Mr. Auge is able to speak the English, French, German and Sioux languages. Was ap- pointed United States inspector of customs at Pembina, which position he occupied one year, then returned to Mendota. Here he has served

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as justice of the peace and school clerk. His family consists of his wife and ten children. He is now engaged in the liquor trade.

Julius E. Batta was born in Germany, Febru- ary 1st, 1849. He received his early education at the common schools, finishing his studies at the gymnasium. When about eighteen years of age, he came to America, proceeding westward from New York to Minnesota, and afterward traveled through Wisconsin, Missouri and Arkan- 888. Returning to Germany in 1869, he was drafted into the German army, and passed through the Franco-German war of 1870; was on the field at the battle of Metz. He returned to the United States during the summer of 1871, and settled in Sibley county, here remaining un- til his removal to Hastings in 1875. The next year he located in Mendota; having had some ex- perience in grain speculation, he began as a grain buyer, and since 1877, has been wheat-buyer and agent for the Millers' Citizen Association, of Minneapolis. Married at St. Paul, in 1875, Miss Hulde Mendiville. Hermon, Julius, Eliza and Fred are their children.

Ferdinand Burow was born September 13th, 1841. Immigrated to America in 1866, and came to St. Paul, via New York. Came to Mendota township in 1869, settling on a farm owned by A. Northolfer. He purchased the farm on which he now lives. from Gen. H. H. Sibley, it being un- improved land. It has been well cultivated and has received also some first-class improvements, under the management of Mr. Burow. He visited his native country in 1857, returning to his Min- nesota home early the following spring. Married in 1870, Miss Amelia Post, a native of Prussia. Ludwig, August, Albert and Annie, are their children.

Rev. Charles Arthur Sicard de Carufel, pastor of St. Peter's church of Mendota, was born in the province of Quebec, August 4th, 1836. He at- tended college from seven to seventeen years of age, afterward entered Nicollet college, pursuing the theological course four years. During the time, however, seven months were passed as pri- vate secretery to Bishop Thomas Cooke. He was ordained by this bishop June 9th, 1859. Was the assistant at St. Anne de La Parade until 1861; then assistant at St. Justin until 1862; also parish priest at St. Louis de Blanford until 1870; was

parish priest of St. Roman of Winslow until 1871; for five years was parish priest of Pointe du Lac. He came to Oswego, New York in 1876, and was two years parish priest of St. Louis, of Oswego. Came to Mendota in 1878 and has since that time been priest of St. Peter's church, and until 1879, had charge of Inver Grove mission.

Henry E. C. Dehrer was born November 5th, 1846. Came to this continent with his parents during infancy and passed his childhood in Penn- sylvania. In 1854 he came to St. Paul, Minneso- ta, with his parents. Subsequently he moved to Inver Grove township, where he resides. Was here married to Henrietta Sass, in 1871; she has borne him four children. Bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mendota township in 1876, and settled on it the ensuing year. He has been chairman of supervisors three years and school treasurer four years.

Michael Dupuis was born in La Prairie, Canada East, 1810. He learned the trade of boot and shoe maker in his native place and afterward worked at it in New York and other cities. Re- turning to Upper Canada he was for a long time the foreman in a tannery, and boot and shoe manufactory, etc. In 1855, came to Minnesota and the same summer opened a boot and shoe shop in Mendota, which business he has since pursued. Miss Mary Clark, a native of Upper Canada, became his wife in 1849. Eleven child- ren have been born to them; the living are: Henry, Mary, Charlotte, Edward, Gosept, Albert, Frank and Orman.

John F. Guiney, a native of this state, was born in Eagan township, Dakota county, Sep- tember 18th, 1860. Moved to Fort Snelling with his parents, during infancy, and two years later accompanied them to Mendota. During his boy- hood days he attended school and has since been principally engaged as an employe on the rail- road. At one time he assisted in building some of the elevators on the H. and D. railroad as far as Bird Island; is now section boss on the I. and M. division of the C., M. and St. P. railway at St. Paul Junction. He still resides in the village with his parents.

M. Haggerty is a native of Ireland, born in 1842. Received his early education in the schools of his native country, and when about twelve years old, went to France, and finished his course

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of studies at the University of Paris. He was after professor of languages in one of the govern- ment lyceums of that country. Came to Amer- ica in 1870, landing at New York, and during the fall of the same year, came westward, locating in Mendota. Here he served as principal of the school until 1877, then studied law at the Uni- versity of Iowa, receiving his diploma the next year. After returning to Minnesota, he was admitted to the bar by an examination at Hast- ings. He taught school in Inver Grove township one term, also one term at Burnsville, then came to Mendota, and resumed his duties as teacher in the schools. Married in 1879, to Miss Alice Kearns, who was born in 1860.

Fred. Heckel was born in New York city, in 1843. Here was his home, until he enlisted in June, 1861, in the Sixty-sixth Regiment, New York. Was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam and Bull's Run; served until June, 1864, then returned to Rockland county, New York, as a farmer. During the spring of 1877, came west, and settled in Mendota township. The first year, he assumed control of a farm for Dr. F. R. Smith, of St. Paul. Opened the R. T. French farm of eighty acres, which will soon be improved under his manage- ment. Married, in 1870, Miss Mary Paddu, a native of Ireland. Their children are: Maggie, William, Edward, Louis and Frederick.

Octave Le Clair was born in Canada, about thirty-five miles below Montreal, in 1836. When a lad of twelve years came to Mendota with his brother Philip. The first few years of his western life he was in the employ of Alexander and David Faribault, driving cattle and teaming. He sub- sequently acted as scout for a hunting expedi- tion to Lac qui Parle, the party being composed of people from New York. Until the comple- tion of the railway from Fort Snelling to Fari- bault, he was principally engaged as an Indian trader, visiting Redwood and Yellow Medicine. Was one of the first brakemen on the railway mentioned, and at the very commencement of his career, sustained severe injuries, having nine bones broken. Continued railroading about ten years, and has since opened a store, meat market and saloon, and is now residing at Mendota. Married Miss Margaret Dupuis, who has borne him fifteen children, twelve of whom are living.

Constant Le May was born in Canada, about forty-five miles from Quebec, December 8th, 1827. On attaining majority, he went to Mis- souri, and on up the Mississippi to St. Paul. He entered the employ of the fur company, of which General H. H. Sibley was agent, in which he continued four years. He selected his present farm and built a shanty. After the land came into market, he secured 160 acres, which has since been his home. His estate comprises 265 acres. In 1865, he was married to Miss Felicite Lem- bert, who died February 20th; 1881. He has seven living children.

Carl Neubauer, a native of Prussia, was born October 24th, 1830. Came to America in 1857, and the next spring came to St. Paul, Minnesota, remaining two years. He engaged in farming in Eagan for H. H. Sibley, and in Mendota for Dr. Steele, of St. Paul. Purchased his present farm of eighty acres, in section 35, in 1867, set- tling on it the following year. Miss Amelia Staige became his wife, April 22d, 1872, and has borne him seven children: Bertha, Louis, Se- balt, August, Ida, Augusta and Julius.

Edward Perron was born in Canada, about thirty-six miles below Montreal. Came to St. Louis in 1851, thence the following spring to St. Paul. Returning to Canada in 1855, he married Miss Louisa Conneyer, and two years later moved his family to Mendota village. After farming some time in Mendota, he moved to Eagan township, and for six years had charge of a farm for H. H. Sibley. Moved to his present farm in Mendota township in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Perron are the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Adolph, Alexander, Wil- liam and Mary.

James Travers was born in Chicago, October 11th, 1855. While yet a child, he moved with his parents to St. Paul, where he lived until 1870. Coming thence to Mendota; he engaged in rail- roading for a short time, and has worked for the government at the carpenter's trade chiefly since, remaining most of the time at Fort Snelling. Helped in building Fort Custer during the sum- mer of 1877; visited Cheyenne, Wyoming, during the spring of that year, with his brother-in-law, Omer E. Woods, of Mendota. Was employed at Fort Assiniboine during the summer of 1879, then returned to Mendota. In March, 1881, he

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took charge of the hotel at Mendota, of which he is now proprietor. Married Miss Josephine Woods in 1878. They have one son, James.

Clement Vondell, one of the early settlers of Mendota, was born in Lower Canada in 1823. His father Louis was a farmer in that country. Clement came to St. Paul in 1848, thence to 1 Mendota. During the first few years spent west, he was in the pineries, also teaming for the gov- ernment. He settled on his present farm in Mendota township some time before the land was salable. Here he has has since resided. Married in 1851. to Mary Bebeau, who died in 1880, leaving thirteen children: Kate, Clement,

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 90

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

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