History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 99

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > Minnesota > Fillmore County > History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 99

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ASA R. BURLESON is a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, born on the 14th of September, 1831. Since the age of fourteen years he has sup- ported himself, working in woolen mills during summers and attending school winters. He fin- ished his education at the academy in Arcade, Wyoming county, New York, and afterward taught school and clerked in stores. In 1856, moved to Vermont, attended the Franklin Academy one year, then was appointed Deputy Collector and Inspector of Customs for that district, sta- tioned at Burlington, and occupied the position

three years, during which time he studied law in spare moments. He was admitted to the bar at Burlington, in 1859, practiced until 1861, and then enlisted in the First Vermont Volunteer In- fantry, served five months, drilling recruits. In September of the same year, he re-enlisted in the Fifth Vermont Regiment as drum major, but was discharged therefrom on the 17th of April, 1862, by a general order to discharge all regiment bands. After his discharge he returned to his native State and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Volunteer Infantry, was promoted from Second Lieutenant to First, then to Adjutant, but in June, 1864, was injured by having his horse shot from under him, confined in the hospital, and in September discharged for dis- ability. He was admitted to the bar in Buffalo in 1872, came here the following year, and has since been engaged in his profession and general col- lecting. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace since coming to this place. Mr. Burleson was married at Rushford, Allegany county, New York, on the 2d of June, 1862, to Miss Ann Elli- thorpe.

SEIVERT BENSON, a native of Norway, was born in Bergen, on the 13th of April, 1835. He served an apprenticeship of five years at the shoemaker's trade. For four years he was a member of the Norwegian army, stationed at Bergen, and spent his leisure time at his trade. In 1860, he came to America, and directly to Rochester, Minnesota, where he was employed at his trade for a time, then opened a shop of his own. On the 13th of March, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Knudson. Of six children born to them, five are living. Since 1870, Mr. Benson has been a resident of this place, engaged in the manufact- ure and sale of boots and shoes.

NORMAN BRASS was born in Whitewater, Wis- consin, on the 5th of March, 1843. His father being a grain dealer, Norman engaged in that business when quite young. The family moved to Ohio, but in 1853, returned to Janesville, Wis- consin, and in 1860 moved to Fond du Lac. Nor- man was joined in wedlock on the 7th of March, 1864, with Miss Ellen Spencer. They came to Spring Valley in 1871, and Mr. Brass, in company with his father, built the first elevator in the place. The firm name is now Graling & Brass. Mr. and Mrs. Brass have four children.

GEORGE W. BROOKS, a native of New Hamp-

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shire, was born in Cheshire county, on the 19th of April, 1829. He was reared on a farm, and when thirteen years old moved with his parents to Ohio, where he learned the harness maker's trade. He afterward worked at carriage painting three years, then moved to Pontiac, Michigan, and two years later bought a farm near there upon which he resided nine years. He was married on the 22d of February, 1856, to Miss Harriet M. Haner. They remained in Michigan engaged in various pursuits until 1874, when they came to Nobles county, Minnesota, but soon moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Mr. Brooks worked at his trade. Some years later he purchased a farm in section seven in this township and has since lived here.

E. L. BABCOCK was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 6th of October, 1828. When he was quite young, his parents moved to Licking county, and when ten years old to Winnebago county, Illinois. On the 14th of March, 1850, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Mary A. Chip- man. They have one child, Luella. They moved to Claytou county, Iowa, the same year, located on a farm and remained nine years, then came to Carimona township, and in 1868, to this place and bought their present farm.

C. A. CADY was born in Almond, Allegany county, New York, on the 17th of April, 1828. He was reared on a farm, and in 1843, came to Col- umbia county, Wisconsin, where he was the first eastern man to locate. After a residence of six years he moved to Kane county, Illinois, and in 1851, married Miss Lucelia Root. The following year he went to California, opened a general store and remained three years. They were among the early settlers of Spring Valley, locating in section twenty-one in 1855. Mrs. Cady died in 1858, leaving two children, one of whom is now living. On the 2d of February, 1862, Mr. Cady married his present wife, Miss Susan D. Farmer. He has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and keeps good stock.

I. N. CUMMINGS, one of the first settlers in this place, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of February, 1918. His father was an extensive merchant and farmer, and died when our subject was quite young. The latter soon after learned the trade of a tanner and currier, and later was engaged with his brother at the same in Evansburg for about three years, and then, moving to Conneautville, carried on the business for twelve

years. He was married on the 22d of February, 1842, to Miss Kasiah W. Theyer, who died on the 14th of September, 1847. He was again married on the 22d of August, 1849, to his former wife's sister, Mary S. . On account of poor health, Mr. Cummings was obliged to leave his former occu- pation, and in 1855, came to Minnesota, soon re- turned to Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1856, formed a company and came again to this place, where they founded the present village of Spring Valley. Mr. Cummings was the first trader here, opening a store the same year of their arrival. In 1869, he built the "Hard Scrabble" flouring mill, which he still operates, besides carrying on two farms in the township. Mrs. Cummings died on the 14th of February, 1878, leaving two children; Mary K. and Newton T.

C. M. CLARK is a native of Vermont, born in Rutland county on the 23d of August, 1849. When he was quite young his parents moved to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where they were among the pioneers. C. M. resided at home until the death of his father, which occurred on the 17th of May, 1865. He attended school for two years, and in the fall of 1868, came to Minnesota and made his home at Frankford, Mower county. He taught school in Bennington the following winter, and in the summer of 1870, returned to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where, on the 12th of Septem- ber, he was united in mariage with Miss Ettie C. Finney, of Randolph, Wisconsin, returning at once to Spring Valley. He then engaged in mer- cantile business, the firm name being Lee & Clark, the latter buying the entire stock three years later and has since continued in the business. During the years 1878, '79, and '80, he was President of the Village Council. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been blessed with one child. Lela, nine years of age.

T. M. CHAPMAN, one of the pioneers of this place, was born near Kingston, Canada, on the 18th of April, 1829. His mother died when he was young, and in 1843 he came to Illinois with his father. They were in Chicago when it was a very small village, but finally located in Burling- ton, Illinois. T. M. attended the Chicago schools, afterward worked on a farm and clerked and sold goods on the road. In the fall of 1854, he came to Spring Valley and located a claim in sections thirty and thirty-one, but in 1856, crossed into Mower county and took charge of a store for

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Francis Teabout, the proprietor of Frankford, and was appointed Register of Deeds of that county, was also Postmaster and Notary Public. In 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura A. Root, daughter of Orlin and Isabella Root, pioneers of this town. They settled on a farm near Spring Valley, but two years later moved to the village where they have since had a comfort- able home. In an early day Mr. Chapman was extensively engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. He was Justice of the Peace six years, held the office of Deputy County Treasurer four years, and has been Notary Public eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have had three children, two of whom are living.

J. CHURCHILL, a native of Essex county, New York, was born on the 15th of July, 1821. He moved with his parents to Pennsylvania when quite young. His father died there in 1843, and the same year our subject came to Wisconsin, locating in 1847, in Rosendale, Fond du Lac county, where he was one of the first settlers. In 1866, he came to his present farm and has since devoted his time to its improvement. Mr. Churchill was married in Pennsylvania, in October, 1844. to Miss Tedelia Smith, who died after four years of wedded life. His present wife was formerly Miss Celestia Pasko.

REV. C. ECKHOFF is a native of Germany, born on the 26th of March, 1848. When a small child he came with his parents to America, located in Illinois and in 1855, came to Brownsville, Houston county, and resided on a farm. The family moved from there to the town of Winnebago, and in 1872, the subject of this sketch entered the Lutheran Seminary at St. Sebald, Iowa. The institution was removed to Mendota, Illinois, from which place Mr. Eckhoff graduated as a minister of the gospel in 1875. He was married in October in the same year to Miss Elizabeth Huebner. They resided at Nora Springs, Iowa, nearly five years, then received a call from the church at this place and lives near the church, east of the village; Mr. Eckhoff also holds services near Grand Meadow and Dexter. Mr. and Mrs. Eckhoff have had three children, two of whom are living.

COL. C. G. EDWARDS is a grandson of Perrigrine Fitz Hugh, who was Captain in the Third Regi- ment of Virginia Dragoons in the Revolutionary War, afterward was appointed Aide de Camp to Gen. Washington, and served till the close of the

war. In 1792, liberating a large number of slaves, he removed to New York where he died in 1810. The subject of this sketch was born in Sodus Point, New York, on the 11th of May, 1837. When sixteen years old he went to New York City, where he was employed in an importing house, and in 1855, moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where he en- gaged in the drug business until the 16th of April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, of the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. After a service of five months he was made Captain of Company A, of the One hundred and fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, soon promoted to Major, and breveted Lieutenant Colonel United States Volunteers, by the President, for gallantry, and finally commis- sioned Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment, and served till the close of the war. He was wounded four times. After being mustered out he located in New York, where he married Rose M. Rogers on the 25th of November, 1869, and in 1870, they removed to Minnesota, where Col. Edwards again engaged in the drug business in which he con- tinned in this and surrounding towns till 1876. He then sold out and has since been extensively engaged in farming, and also has a large interest in the creamery business. Col. Edwards was elected State Senator in 1876, which office he held two years. His residence is in the village.

B. F. FARMER, one of the active business men of this place, was born in Caledonia county, Ver- mont, on the 14th of July, 1831. When he was an infant his parents moved to Lake county, Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he found employment there until 1857. In 1853, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Annette Wheeler. They came from Ohio to this place where Mr. Farmer opened a blacksmith shop in the "old stone shop," and continued until failing health compelled him to abandon the occupation, after which he accepted a position as clerk for a few years. In 1868, he was appointed Postmaster and has since held the office. In 1873, he became a partner in the banking business with J. C. Easton, and continued with him nutil 1881, when the firm was changed to Strong & Farmer, who have since conducted the same. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer have had two children; Kate I., now Mrs. Edwards, and Nellie, who died when two years old.

ISAAC FREEMAN is a native of Chittenden county, Vermont, born on the 12th of September, 1832. When young he learned the blacksmith trade, but

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did not follow it. In 1849, he removed to Massa- chusetts, and was employed at the ship carpenter trade. He came to Fillmore county in 1856, and took land in Bloomfield township. In 1860, Mis4 Cornelia A. Hartshorn became his wife. They had five children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Freeman died in 1867. The same year Mr. Free- man moved to his present farm, which is well improved, with good orchard, stock, etc. The maiden name of his present wife was Olive Black- man, whom he married on the 25th of December, 1874. They have one child, a daughter.

JAMES D. FARMER was born in Madison, Lake county, Ohio, on the 3d of July, 1839. His grand- father, Benjamin Farmer, was in the struggle for American Independence and located in Caledonia county, Vermont. His mother's family was origin- ally from Scotland. In 1832, the family moved to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and James D. was reared on his father's farm, receiving an academic course at the Grand River Institute. He taught school for a time, then entered his brother's office and read law. His health beginning to fail he came to Minnesota in 1857, and two years later was admitted to the bar at Austin, since which time he has been in the practice of his profession. He came to Spring Valley in 1857, and for several years was in company with his brother, John Quincy. The firm had a wide reputation which its ability, promptness, energy, and reliability fully warranted. They dissolved partnership in January, 1880, when J. Q. was made Judge. James D. is especially noted as a criminal lawyer. His present partner is Mr. True. In 1862, Mr. Farmer went into the service on the frontier as a Lieutenant in the First Minnesota Mounted Rang- ers, serving a portion of the time as Post-quarter- master. He has been County Attorney eight years, and is in all respects an influential citizen. He is a Mason and has been Master of the local lodge and an officer of the Grand Lodge of the State. On the 16th of November, 1860, Mr. Farmer was united in matrimony with Miss Jose- phine M. Howard, of Conneaut, Ohio. Their home is noted for its cheerful and generous hos- pitality. They had one son, Hiram. Howard, whose early death was a profound shock to the whole community. Mr. Farmer is the founder of a thriving village in Dakota named Howard in re- .

membrance of his lamented son.

HIRAM HOWARD FARMER, deceased, was a son of

J. D. and J. M. Farmer, born on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1861. He attended the schools of his na- tive village, graduating with distinction, as he was a good scholar, grasping the principles and phil- osophy of subjects coming under his notice. For some time he had been in his father's office, pur- suing his law studies, and the development of his young mind was such that with his unbounded friendship for humanity in general, and for his special acquaintances, that no one can wonder at the exalted character of the fond anticipations of his father as to the future before his darling boy. The inexpressible sorrowfulness attending the de- parture of such a soul can only in a measure be compensated for by the reflection that he is not dead, that his brief life was not in vain, but that he was preparing for usefulness on the other side where there must have been a call for his services. If the religion we profess is real and substantial, to this conclusion must we come, although with our blasted hopes, it can at best afford but a mel- ancholy satisfaction. If he could speak to us to- day he would say:

"Oh, meet me on that other side Upon that heavenly shore For there no sorrow shall betide No grief afflict us more, Oh, meet me in that charming place To which all hopes aspire

The end of every well run race Of every hearts desire."

He died on the 31st of March, 1881, at the resi_ dence of his parents in Spring Valley. His death was caused by an accident received the previous May, that developed an abcess which could not be successfully treated.

G. W. FARMER was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, on the 16th of August, 1829. He was reared on a farm and in 1833, moved with his par- ents to Ohio. In 1850, he left his home and en- gaged in the manufacture and sale of scales, trav- eling throughout the latter State. After three years in that business he returned home and as- sisted his father in farm labor until 1857, when he came to this place and purchased the farm of Si- meon Phillips. On the 10th of April, 1859, he married Lydia Conklin. On account of poor health Mr. Farmer returned east in 1868, but came back the following year, and in 1870, engaged in the lumber business. He was a partner in the build- ing of the cheese factory in this place. In 1873, Mr. Farmer returned to his original homestead where he has since resided. He is the most extensive

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manufacturer of sorghum syrup in Fillmore county.

J. N. GRALING, a native of Germany, was born on the 16th of November, 1838. He came with his parents to America in 1848, and to this county in 1856, locating in Forestville township where they were among the early settlers. J. N. soon after went to Wisconsin and taught school five terms, then returned to his home and assisted on the farm and also taught a few terms. He was married in 1860, to Miss Lydia M. Henderson. They have had five children, four of whom are living. Mr. Graling has always taken an active part in politics, held a number of local offices, and in 1873, was elected to the House of Representa- tives and voted for the reduction of the railroad rates. In 1874, he moved to Spring Valley and took charge of the Granger Elevator in which business he has since been engaged. He was re- elected to the House in 1878, and again in 1880.

M. A. GREENE was born in Watertown, Jeffer- son county, New York, on the 7th of August, 1853. When he was an infant his parents came to St. Charles, Winona county, Minnesota, and five years later moved to Eyota. Mr. Greene attended the schools there, also the Normal School at Wi- nona, and in 1874 and '75, a Medical College in Chicago. He afterward taught school one year in Utica, Winona county, then to Marshalltown,Iowa, and clerked in a drug store, but a year later came to this place, and in 1880, opened a store of his own. The firm name was first Greene & Huntley, but a year later changed to Gray & Greene, and in December, 1881, to M. A. Greene. His store is known as the "Banner Drug Store" and is one of the oldest drug stands in Fillmore county. He keeps, in addition to a full drug line, paints, oils stationery, wall paper, etc. Mr. Greene was mar- ried, on the 19th of January, 1882, to Miss Mary Theyer, a daughter of one of the pioneers of this place.

J. C. HALBKAT, a native of Buffalo, New York, was born on the 2d of September, 1851, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Winona, Minnesota, which was then designated by a few board houses and shanties. Four years later they came to Brownsdale, Mower county, where his father was engaged in farming. There J. C. experienced many hardships while en route to Winona with their products. That place was eighty-five miles distant, but was the nearest mar-

ket at that time. In two years they leased their farm and the father followed his trade, black- smithing, in the village, and in 1865, removed to Sumner township, in this county, where he still resides. J. C. began life for himself with nearly nothing. He was united in marriage on the 23d of October, 1869, with Miss Helen C. Tessin, and engaged in farming a few years on a rented farm. In September, 1874, in company with his father he opened a store in this place, and in January, 1876, purchased the entire stock, and has now from $5,000 to $6,000 worth of goods with a growing trade. Mr. and Mrs. Halbkat have five children, three boys and two girls.

J. W. HOXIE, one of the successful business men of this place, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on the 26th of July, 1852. When he was young his parents came to Wisconsin, resided on a farm, and in 1869, moved to Cresco, Iowa. Mr. Hoxie was there employed in mercantile pursuits until 1876, when he came to this place and opened a stock of groceries, crockery ware, etc. He has a good trade, and does a prosperous business.

B. W. HUNTLEY was born in Waupaca, Wiscon- sin, on the 8th of January, 1858. His father died when he was seven years old, and soon after he moved with his mother to Dodge county, Minne- sota, where be attended school, and afterward clerked in a dry goods store. In 1880, Mr. Hunt- ley came to this place, and in company with Mr. Greene opened a drug store. The partnership was dissolved a year later, and the subject of this sketch bought out the drug business of H. Rex- ford, and has since continued in the same. He was joined in matrimony on the 15th of February, 1881, with Miss Hattie L. Jones.

D. C. HENDERSHOTT, a native of Steuben county, New York, was born on the 3d of January, 1837. His father was a blacksmith, which trade D. C. learned when young. They came to this town- ship in 1856, and opened a blacksmith shop, which was the first in the place. In 1863, they moved to Hamilton, thence to Carimona, where the father still lives. Mr. Hendershott was married on the 27th of November, 1863, to Miss Ofphy J. Dwight. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Hendershott was engaged at his trade until 1872, then opened a general store, and soon after went to Wykoff and continued in the busi- ness. Since 1875, he has been a resident of this place, engaged first in blacksmithing and the sale

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of farm machinery, but in 1830, opened a livery stable, at which he has since continued.

WILLIAM S. HILL, deceased, one of the pioneers of this place, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, born on the 15th of September, 1798. When twenty-one years old he moved to Wyoming county, where he resided until coming west in 1855. He located in section seventeen of this township, and was obliged to encounter many diffi- culties attending pioneer life. He was the founder of the town of Deer Creek, and its Postmaster until his death, which occurred on the 19th of May, 1871. He left a family of five, three boys and two girls. E. W. Hill, the youngest, resides on a por- tion of the old homestead, and also his younger sister, Mary O.

J. T. JOHNSON, one of the early residents here, is a native of Ross county, Ohio, born on the 1st of May, 1844. His parents came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1853, soon after to Bellevue, and in 1855, moved to this township. J. T. commenced life alone at the age of twenty-four years, following different occupations. He was married on the 20th of October, 1871, to Miss Dora Smith, daughter of one of the pioneers of this county. They have had two children, but one of whom is now living. Mr. Johnson is the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel in Spring Valley.

JOHN KLECKNER, one of the pioneers . of this place, was born in Pike county, Pennsylvania, on the Ist of December, 1823. When he was seven years old the family moved to New York, first lo- cating in Tompkins, and then in Steuben county. John was married on the 1st of March, 1843, to Miss Jane Arnold, who was deaf and dumb, but a very intelligent lady, having been well educated in New York. Mr. Kleckner was engaged in various pursuits until 1855, when he came to this town- ship and purchased his present farm in section twenty-six. His wife died on the 31st of March, 1877, since which time he has resided with his son-in-law, Jolin Bucknell, on a farm adjoining his own.

FREDERICK KUMMER, one of the oldest residents of this place, having settled here in the fall of 1853, is a native of Germany, born in Saxony on the 17th of February, 1826. When fourteen years old he began to learn the blacksmith trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years. In 1847, he came to America, resided in Buffalo, New Yer':, two years, then moved to Chicago. On the

11th of October, 1849, he was married to Miss Caroline Loing. In 1853, Mr. Kummer started from Chicago with two yoke of oxen, and drove to this place. He staked out his present farm, which is now in a fine state of cultivation. He is the father of eight children.

N. W. KINGSLEY is a son of Solomon W. Kings- ley, deceased, one of the pioneers of this township. He was born in Massachusetts on the 23d of April, 1803, and reared in New York. N. W. was born in the latter State, in Wyoming county, on the 12th of February, 1826. In 1844, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, and to this place in 1853. He resided with his father until his death in 1875, since which time he has bought a farm, and devotes his whole time to its cultivation.

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History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 99

Author: Edward D. Neill Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: