History of Freeborn County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 94

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1882; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Outline history of the state of Minnesota. 1882; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. Sioux massacre of 1862. 1882; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. State education. 1882; Minnesota Historical Company
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 576

USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 94

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VILLAGE OF GORDONSVILLE.

This hamlet is located on the Minneapolis and

St. Louis railroad, in the southwestern part of Shell Rock township, and about one mile east of Shell Rock River. It was laid out in 1880, by S. P. and Jacob Beighley, containing four or five acres, divided into four blocks; two of them on the east half of the northeast quarter, belonging to Jacob; and two on the west half of the north- east quarter of section thirty-two, belonging to S. P. Beighley. It was named after the Post- office, which was established years before.

In the year 1879, John Fallen started a black- smith shop which has since been running under various managements.

Soon after the railroad was finished J. W. Abbott put a small stock of groceries in one end of his residence, and in connection with the Post- office, which had in the meantime been removed to this point, opened the first business house in the place.

In the summer of 1882, Heman Frost erected a one story building 24x30 feet, and put in a good stock of general merchandise, also taking the stock of goods mentioned above of Mr. Ab- bott. The Post-office is also kept in this store.

There are two warehouses; one run by Jacob and S. M. Beighley; the other is owned by S. S. Cargill, of Albert Lea.

There is also a good depot, which is well kept; but agents do not stay here long, as it is a small place, and they are promoted to larger places as they become efficient.

GORDONSVILLE POST-OFFICE. - This Post-office was established a few years after the date of first settlement, with Peter Beighley as Postmaster, and office at his house in section thirty-three. The mail arrived by way of the Northwood and Albert Lea mail route and was carried at first by JohnP.Beigh- ley. In 1865 T. J. Gordon was appointed P. M., and took the office to his residence in section twenty-eight; after a time his son, W. H. H. Gordon received the appointment and the office was kept at the same place until after the com- pletion of the railroad, when J. B. Abbott was ap- pointed P. M., and the office was removed to the station of Gordonsville, where it is kept in the general merchandise store of Heman Frost, with Mr. Abbott's son, William, as deputy Postmaster.

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

DISTRICT No. 50 .- First held school at the house of Peter Beighley on the farm now owned by Joseph Miller, section thirty-two, by one of

53,

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

Mr. Beighley's daughters, then by Mrs. Catherine Hawk and now Mrs. Charles Grim, of Freeman, with a few scholars present. This commeneed in the fall of 1858, with a two months term, and afterward school was held at various places until 1856, when the frame school building now in use was erected in the northeastern corner of section thirty-two, at a cost of about $600. The first school taught in this house was by Jane Buch- anan to an attendance of about twenty-five. There is now about seventy scholars in the district and an attendance at school which will average about thirty-five pupils. The schoolhouse is frequently used for the purpose of public meetings, etc., and the school generally goes by the name of the Gor- donville district.

DISTRICT NO. 52 .- Embraces the territory just southeast of the village of Shell Rock. The first school in the district was helu in a granary owned by J. S. Corning on section eight; it was taught by Miss Emily Streeter with an attendance of eight pupils. In 1866 the schoolhouse was erec- ted in the northeast corner of section eight, size 21x30 feet at a cost of $765; in which Miss Bennett taught the first school to an attendance of twelve scholars. The present attendance is thirty- five.

DISTRICT No. 59 .- This district effected an or- ganization in 1856 and embraces the village of Shell Rock and surrounding country as its terri- tory. The first school meeting was held at the house of Lawyer A. H. Bartlett, and the board elected at that time consisted of C. T. Knapp, A M. Young, and A. H. Bartlett. The erection of a schoolhouse was at once commenced under the supervision of Mr. Bartlett, and it was finished on Sunday the 18th day of August, 1857, at a cost of $500 it being a neat and substantial frame build- ing which still stands and is in use as a wood house. The day the house was completed Elder Lowry held the first religious services in the town- ship at the house of A. H. Bartlet, ignorant of the fact that at the same time the boys were hard at work on the schoolhouse, and no one took pains to inform him. One week from the completion of the house the first school was commenced by Miss Emily Streeter, who is now in Oregon. The schoolhouse just mentioned was the first erected in Freeborn county. The school building now in use was erected in 1878, by A. H. Bartlett, size 26x24, and cost $2,200. The last term of school

was taught by Daniel Palmer, principal. to a large attendance. The present school board consists of F. F. Carter, George Hyatt, and O. C. C. Howe.

DISTRICT NO. 77 .- The first school taught in this district was in 1866, at a granary owned by Mr Bailey, the teacher being Miss Lena Doris with an attendance of eight scholars. The atten- dance up to the present time has grown but little. The schoolhouse is a neat struture, 16x20 feet, and cost about $400.00.

DISTRICT No. 100 .- Embraces the territory in the northeastern part of the township. The pres- ent school edifice was erected in 1876, size 18x20 feet, at a cost of about $500, being furnished with folding desks and the most improved furni- ture. The first school was taught by Miss Hannah Buchanan to an attendance of eight scholars, which has now grown to fifteen. The school- house is located in the southeastern corner of see- tion two.

DISTRICT No. 104 .- Embraces as its territory the southeastern portion of the township. The schoolhouse was erected in 1878, being a neat frame building, 24x30 feet, and cost about $850. seated with patent seats and equipped with all necessary apparatus. The first school was taught by Miss Elizabeth Beighley to an attendance of about twenty scholars, which is about the same as at the present time. The schoolhouse is located in the southeastern corner of section twenty- seven.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

ALONZO ALFORD was born in Clinton county. New York, on the 1st of January, 1842. In 1854, he came to Wisconsin where he grew to manhood. He returned to his birth place when twenty years old, and the following year married Miss Helen Richards, a lady of Canadian birth. He returned west with his wife and resided in Hastings until 1876, when he came to Glenville and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which has since been his business. His wife died in 1878. leaving a family of seven children.

JAMES W. ABROTT, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, was born on the 9th of January, 1843. When two years old he moved with his parents to Athens county, where he grew to manhood, and at the age of eighteen years enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Com- pany H, went south, was in the Army of the Po- tomae, and served over three years. After reeeiv-

537

SHIELL ROCK TOWNSHIP.

ing his discharge he returned to the scenes of lis childhood where he married Miss Sarah E. Pierce in 1864. Mr Abbott having lost his health during the hardships and exposures of the soldier's life, sought a home in Minnesota soon after his mar- riage. He located a claim in Oakland and re- mained until 1872, when he removed to this place and started in the lumber business, afterward opened a grocery store, and three years later sold out and engaged in buying grain and general produce. In 1878, he was appointed Postmaster; has lield the principal town offices, and is at pres- ent Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have five children.

EDWARD E. BUDLONG, a native of Columbia county, New York, was born on the 22d of May, 1829. At the age of five years his parents re- moved to the western part of the State, where they remained until 1844, then removed west and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Edward was united in marriage, in 1854, with Miss Almira Skinner, a native of Essex county, New York. In 1856, they moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, re- maining during the summer, and in the fall came to this county, settling in the town of London. In 1864, they came to Shell Rock, and have a fine farm of two hundred and thirty acres. Mr. Bud- Jong takes an interest in all public matters and has held different local offices. He has a family of three children.

ELDAD BARBER, one of the old and respected citizens of this place, was born in New York on the 21st of December, 1835. His father being a lumberman, he followed the same until the age of eighteen years, when he went to Hartford, Connec- tient, and learned the wheel-wright trade. In 1857 he moved to Iowa, and a year later to Minnesota, where his father took the claim Eldad now owns. His parents have both died since coming here. Mr. Barber takes a general interest in the welfare of this place, and has held several offices of trust.

WILLIAM BEIGHLEY, a native of Pennsylvania, was born on the 23d of November, 1824. He was employed at various occupations and grew to manhood at his home. In 1851, he married Miss Emily Gordon and settled on a farm near his father's. He sold out aud came west in 1855, locating first in Iowa, but soon after came to this township where he was among the first settlers, taking a claim in April, 1856. In 1865, he pur-

chased his present farm in section twenty and now has it well improved.

JACOB BEIGHLEY was boru in Pennsylvania on the 5th of March, 1829. In 1856, he eame west and became one of the pioneers of this place, stak- ing out a claim in section thirty-three, now own- ing a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, all improved. He was married the year after coming here to Miss Susanna M. Miller, also a native of Pennsylvania. The union has been blessed with one child, Ruth E. Mr. Beighley owns a ware- honse on the B. C. R and N. Railroad, about three minutes walk from his residence, and deals exten- sively in grain and general produce. His home has always been open to ministers of any denom- ination and in an early days was used for relig- ions services. As there is no hotel within five miles it is also a convenience for travelers, and none have ever been turned from his door unfed or nn- cared for.

S. P. BEIGHLEY, one of the pioneers of Shell Roek, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of July, 1833. At the age of nine- teen years he began to learn the trade of tanner and currier, which he followed several years. He was married in 1854, to Miss Louisa M. Miller. Two years later they came to this place and set- tled in the southern part of the township. where they have since made their home. In 1862, Mr. Beighley enlisted in Company C, of the Fifth Min- nesota Volunteer Infantry, served in the Indian Massacre, then went south and remained in serv- ice three years. After receiving his discharge he returned to his home and has since devoted his time to tilling the soil. He has a family of ten children, all of whom reside in this township.

A. H. BARTLETT, one of the first settlers of this place, was born in New York on the 28th of Sep- tember, 1829. At the time of his birth his parents were living in a saw-inill, their house not having been completed. His father died in 1833, and when A. H. was eight years old the family moved to a place twenty miles from their former home, where he attended school. At the early age of sixteen years he began teaching, and subsequently entered the Arcade Academy in Wyoming county, remaining two years. In 1852, having for some time been troubled with a lung disease, he was advised by the physician to take an overland trip to California, and after a period of one hundred and seventeen days he reached Placerville, where

538

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

he remained two and a half years. In 1854, he returned to New York. where he had previously married Miss Anna D. Peet, a native of the same State. In the latter year they came to Towa, and in 1856, to this county, and Mr. Bartlett platted the town site of Shell Rock. In an early day he read law, and in 1860, was admitted to the bar. He was a delegate to the last Territorial Legislature in 1857, and also the first State Leg- islature. He has been Judge of Probate soveral terms and takes an interest in all local affairs. He is the father of four children: Sam, Ida. Jay. and Eva.

T. A. CLow is a native of Canada, born on the 23d of October, 1843. His father is a minister and in 1861 moved with his family from Illinois to Minnesota. After a few years A. F. moved to Winona county, thenec, three years later. to Olm- sted county and in 1863, took a homestead in Blue Earth county. The same year he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, Company H, and after his discharge returned to'his farm. He was married in 1856, to Miss Caroline M. Paine and they have a family of four children. Mr. Clow came to this township in 1877, openect a black- smith shop and now has a good business. Ile is the father of four children; one son having died in April, 1875, aged seven years and three months.

V. GELLRUP, one of the oldest and snecessľu] business men of this plaae, was born near Copen- hagen, Denmark, on the 29th of May, 1840. In 1862, he came to America. arriving in New York City and soon after enlisted in the First New York Volunteer Eng., Company G, serving three years. After his discharge he came to Watertown, Wisconsin, and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness for two years, then in Albert Lea a short time and from there to Shell Rock, where he was one of the first to open a substantial mercantile business. He was married in 1872, to Miss Lilly I. Carter, a native of Wisconsin. They have had five children, four of whom are living; Hattie, Frank, Harry, and Walter. Burt, aged five years, died in February, 1882.

O. C. C. HOWE is a native of Allegany county, New York, born on the 23d of November, 1823. Ho learned the millwright trade when a young man and in 1852. came west to fowa. He built a saw-mill which he condneted and also farmed un- til 1864, then came to this township and bought his present land. He is engaged principally in

stock raising. Has held most of the local offices and is a staunch democrat.

DANIEL S. Horr a native of Ohio, was born on the 3d of March, 1847. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to Towa and two years later to this State, locating first in Fillmore coun- ty and in 1862. enme to this township, where they were among the first settlers. His father died in 1878, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Daniel came into possession of the home- stead at the death of the latter and his mother re- sides with him.

CHARLES T. KNAPP was born in Medina, Medina county, Ohio, on the Ist of November, 1820. He was married in 1838, to Miss Mary Hamilton. In 1851, they moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, and four years later came to Minnesota, settling in Freeborn county, and Mr. Knapp was the first to use a breaking plow in Albert Lea township. Ilis first wife died in 1870, leaving five children; Betsey E. M., Jane J. A., Chloe, and Margaret E. He afterwards married Miss Jane Wilsey, who died in 1875, leaving three children; J. H., Ada, and Ida. The maiden name of his present wife was Catherine Bates whom he married in 1877. The same year he moved to this township and opened a meat market in Glenville.

WILLARD F. MARVIN, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Rutland county, Ver- mont, on the 13th of May, 1825. He resided in his native State until 1846, when he removed to Illinois, and soon after to Wisconsin. In 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Huldah Wilcox. a native of New York. They came to Shell Rock in 1857, and pre-empted land in sec- tion eighteen, which has since been their home. They have a family of tive children; Nancy, Cur- tir, Cynthia, Viola, and Clara.

MORRIS MARSHALL, one of the oid and respected citizens of this place was born in Monroe county, New York, on the 8th of October, 1830. At the early age of sixteen years, he enlisted in the Mexican War, serving in Company F, of the Eighth United States Infantry for a period of sixteen months. He sailed for the scene of action, and landed at Vera Cruz, on the 5th July, 1847; joined the command of Franklin Pierce and went to Pueblo, participrting in many hard fought bat- tles. After his discharge he came home, and in 1849 came to Wisconsin but soon returned to his native State. Ile removed to Jackson county,

539

SHELL ROCK TOWNSHIP.

Michigan, where he was engaged in farming sev- eral years. There he was joined in marriage with Miss Joliett Scofield. In 1862, they came to Min- nesota, and settled on their present farm, which is well cultivated. They have a family of seven children.

PETER J. MILLER was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of September. 1807. He grew to manhood in his native county, and learned the art of coverlet weaving. In October, 1829, he married Miss Sarah Cribbs, aud for sev- eral years was employed in the above occupation. In 1836, he moved with his family to Mercer, Mercer county, in the same State, and engaged iu carpet weaving until the Rebellion. In 1866, he came to Minnesota, and purchase.l "Pilot Grove" farm in Shell Rock township, which has ever since been his home, his house being the first built in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of teu children, five sous and five daughters.

CHRISTOPHER OLSEN, one of the pioneers of this place, is a native of Norway, born near Chris- tiania, on the 20th of Jnue, 1817, and when six- teen years ohl began to learn the blacksmith trade, He was married in 1840, to Miss Nellie Evenson, who has borne him two children. In 1853, Mr. Olseu came to America, engaged at his trade a short time in Montreal, Canada. then moved to New York City, and later to Virginia, thence to Iowa first living in Dubuque, and afterward in St. Ansgar. In 1856 he came to this place, locating in sections thirty-one and thirty- two, where he built the first blacksmith shop in the township, and has since carried on the same iu connection with his farming.

JOSEPH R. PAGE was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of September, 1833. When he was five years old his parents moved to Indiaua, and located ou a farm in La Porte county, where Joseph grew to manhood. 1u 1866, he married Miss Matilda Minuinm, who was born on the 26th of January, 1841. in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. They have six children: Joseph S., born on the 24th of March, 1867; Ada A., the 11th of December, 1868; John J., ttie 19th of July, 1870; True R., the 31st of July, 1872; William A., the 29th of January, 1875; and Hugh D., the 21st of October, 1879. Mr. Page is a highly respected citizen, a member of the Baptist church, and always takes an active part in the welfare of the town.

THOMAS PORTER, an early settler of this town- ship, was born in Canada, on the 6th of Decem- ber, 1829. He was married in 1855 to Miss Al- mira Smith, and they have a family of ten chil- dren; Albert, Bennett, Arvilla, Georgiana, Cyn- thia Maria, Carrie Viola, George 1., Rolan, Alice Minnesota, and Amy. Three are dead; Kilburn, who died on the 14th of June, 1882; William H., the 15th of October, 1862; and Morella, the 13th of April, 1876. Mr. Porter moved from Canada to Minnesota in 1859, and settled on land in sec- tion thirty, Shell Rock, which has since been his home, his farm containing two hundred and eighty acres, the greater portion of which is un- der cultivation.

W. H. RATHMELL, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Lycoming connty, on the 5th of May, 1820. He attended school in the town of Williamsport, and at the age of fourteen began learning the harnessmaker's trade, at which he was engaged several years. He was joined in matrimony with Miss Ann Page, in 1844. Mr. Rathmell was for several years Captain of a steamer on the Pennsylvania Canal. In 1850 he went to California, but two years later returned and settled ou a farm near La Porte. Indiana. After a residence of about twenty-five years in the latter place, he came to lowa, and in 1871 to Shell Rock. He bought a tract of land contain- ing over five hundred acres, and it is now well improved. He erected the first warehouse, as well as some of the finest buildings in the place, having since sold most of his real estate, and for the past uine years has made a business of loan- ing money. He has raised a family of three children; Mary, Sarah J., and H. C., the latter being located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

JOHN E. SKINNER was born in Essex county, New York, on the 6th of September, 1838. When fifteen years old he moved with his parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, and in 1855 came to Minnesota, but soon returned to Wisconsin. He made another trip to this State in an early day. remained during one winter, and returned to his home in Wisconsin. In 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company G, taking part in several important bat- tles, and served three years. In 1865, he came again to Minnesota and settled in this township. He was married the following year to Miss Jaue Gardiner, who has borue him four children. Mr.

510

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.

Skinner has held several offices of trust since his residence in this place.

ANTHONY C. TROW, one of the pioneers of Shell Rock, is a native of New Hampshire, born in New London, Merrimac county, on the 14th of July, 1833. At the age of seventeen years he began working for himself. when not needed at home. In 1855, came west to Iowa. and the following

spring to Minnesota. After traveling over a por- tion of the State in May, he located in Shell · Rock, and has since been one of its residents, owning a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, well improved. He came in company with his brother, and they experienced all the hardships of a pioneer's life, using burnt coru for coffee, and grinding corn meal in a coffee-mill.

511

INDEX.

EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS OF MINNESOTA.

PAGE

Abraham, Plains of. 1

Accault (Ako) Michael, compan-

ion of Hennepin, 10, 18, 20, 23, 24, 28 Brisbin, J. B. 127

Described by La Belle. 18 Leader of Mississippi Explo- rations . 19

Achiganaga arrested by Perrot ... Tried for murder before Du Luth .. 13

Aiouez, see Iways

Albanel, Jesuit missionary at

Sault St. Marie. 11 diers ... 103

At Grey Cloud Island .. 113

Member of Wisconsin Leg- islature .... 113

Makes a town site near Stillwater .. 113

Secretary of Council 1849 .. 119

Bruce, trader at Green Bay 63

Brunson, Rev. A., Methodist Mis- sionary . .111, 113

Brunson, B. W 119

Brusky, Charles, Indian trader .. 77 Bulwer, Sir E. L., translation of Sioux Death Song .. 87

Cameron, Murdock, sells liquor to Indians.

Campbell. Colin, interpreter ...

Carver's Cave mentioned .... 66. 78 81

Carver. Capt. Jonathan, early life of .. 6.

In battle of Lake George ..

Arrival at Mackinaw ...

Describes the fort at Green Bay.

Visits Winehago Village 61

Visits Fox Village ..

Describes Prairie du Chien ... Describes earth works at Lake Pepin ...

Describes cave at St. Panl ..

Describes Falls of St. An- thony ..

Describes Minnesota river ... 66

Describes funeral rites .. 67

Translation of Bulwer and Herschell. .67. His alleged deed for Sioux land ... 70 Grandsons of, visit Miune- sota .. 82 Charlevoix on La HIontan's fab- rications . 36

On Le Sueur's mining opera- tions 45 Chatfield, A. G., Territorial Judge ... 125

Chouart, Medard. see Groselliers

41 Christinaux mentioned ........ 43, Clark, Lt. Nathan, at Fort Snel- ling .. 90

Letters from Gen. Gibson. 91

Coe, Rev. Alvan, visits Fort Snel- ling in 1829 .. 106

Convention to form a State Con- stitution 128

Cooper, David, Territorial Judge 118 Copper mines of Lake Superior, Early notice of ...

Notice of Isle Royal. 7

PAGE

Notice of Ontanagon ..

Copper mines spoken of by 'Falon A. D .. 1669 .. . 7 Coquard. Father, accompanies

Dakotahs or Dahkotahs.see Sioux D'Avagour. Governor of Canada. opinion of the region West of Lake Superior. 1

Day, Dr. David. 124

De Gonor, Jesuit, visits Lake Pepin . 51.

58 Return to Canada

Converses with Verendrye ... De la Barre, Governor, notices Du Luth .. 11

De la Tour, Jesuits missionary ... De la Tourette, Greysolon, broth- er of Du Luth ...

Denis, Canadian voyageur, joins Le Sueur ..

Denonville. Governor, attacks Seneccas ..

Orders Du Luth to build a Fort ...

Send- for western allies .. 30 Commissions Du Luth ..

Denton, Rev. D., missionaly to Sioux.

I)'Esprit, Pierre, see Radisson ....

D)'Evaque, in charge of Fort L'Huillier .. . .

Devotion. M, sutler at Fort Snelling .. 91

D'Iberville, Gov., eriticises Hen- nepin .. Relative of Le Sueur. 89 61 29

Dieskau, Baron.

Dickson, Col. Robert, visits Lt. Pike ...

Trading post at Grand Rapids

At Mendota .. TH 81

During war of 1812. .80, At Lake Traverse. 49

68 At Fort Snelling . 93. William, son of Robert ..

Du Chesneau. intendant of Can- ada, complains of Duluth ...

Du Luth, Daniel Greysolon, early life of .. Various spellings of his name 6

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