USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue county, including a sketch of the territory and state of Minnesota > Part 51
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In 1873 the Rev. Mr. Dubois, of the " Protestant Episcopal Church," held service at the village, and in 1875 an organization was effected,
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
and the following officers appointed: wardens, Dr. A. W. Hewitt and E. R. Marshall ; vestrymen, S. A Bullis, B. D. Bullis, Wm. Elcock, and Wm. Turner. A pretty little church, capable of holding 200 people, was erected in 1875, and dedicated July 25, 1876. Their pastor is Rev. S. P. Chandler.
KENYON MILL,
Located on the north branch of the Zumbro River, about one mile from Kenyon village, was built in 1871, by a man named Gallish, who operated it about three years. It has, since then, changed owners several times, passing through the hands of Crowell & Gallish, D. B. Marble, Mann & Lucas, and came into the possession of the present pro- prietor, J. A. McReynolds, in November, 1877, who has repaired and improved it and added one run of stone, so that it now has four run of stone.
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BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY.
COL. HANS MATTSON, Minneapolis, Minn.
The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Onestad, Sweden, December 23, 1832. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and now resides in the township of Vasa, in this county, and has attained the ripe age of seventy-four years, enjoying good health. Mr. Mattson received his primary education in a high classical school at Christianstad, Sweden. When nearly seventeen years old, he entered the military service as a cadet of artillery. Possessing an adventurous and restless spirit, the quiet garrison life of a solder became monotonous, and at the age of eighteen, he left the service, and was among the first of his countrymen in his native place to emigrate to the United States, arriving in June, 1851. His first two years' experience in obtaining a livelihood in this country were replete with hardships, trials and sufferings, such as few have ever experienced. Not used to toil, and suffering with ill-health, he was reduced to the most abject poverty. But with a determination to surmount all obstacles, he sought and obtained work as a cabin boy in a sailing vessel on our Eastern coast, then as a farm hand in New Hampshire, and afterwards with a shovel on a railroad in Illinois.
Through the kind assistance of friends his second winter in this country was spent in school, where he mastered the English language. In the mean- time emigration from Sweden continued to increase, and his own parents and nearest relatives determined to make homes in the New World. He met them in Boston in the summer of 1853; conducting them, together with a large party of his countrymen, to Illinois, stopping at Moline. The object of this party was to find government land on which to settle, and Mr. Matt- son, with others, was selected to go to Minnesota and secure a location. After looking about in several directions, they chose the present township of Vasa, Goodhue county, and removed there in August, 1853. Being the only one of the party who could speak the English language, Mr. Mattson found himself, at the age of twenty, at the head of an important settlement.
After struggling with the usual difficulties of a frontier life, he worked his way, by manual labor, to a comfortable position as a pioneer farmer. He married Cherstin Peterson, November 23, 1855. She was born in Ballingslof, Sweden, April 5, 1838, and was a daughter of parents which had lately come to the settlement. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. J. W. Hancock, at the residence of the bride's parents, in Vasa, and was the first
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
marriage celebrated in the township, to which nearly all the old settlers were invited. At this time there was not a span of horses in the township, therefore the bridal pair were taken on a wood sledge, drawn by a yoke of cattle, from the home of the bride to that of the bridegroom. During his residence in Vasa, Mr. Mattson took an active part in the organization of the township; was judge of the first election ever held back of Red Wing; organized the first school district; laid out the first road, and officiated as lay reader at the first religious services under the blue sky, on the open prairie, near where Vasa church now stands.
Not content with a quiet farm life, he began speculating in lands, town sites, corner lots and merchandising, until the crisis of 1857, which swept away all his possessions, leaving him several thousand dollars in debt.
At the instigation of Warren Bristol-now judge of New Mexico-then a prominent lawyer in Red Wing, he commenced the study of law with that gentleman, and after one year's close application, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice with very good success. During his professional studies he was elected city clerk of Red Wing, and on a salary of $150 per year supported himself and young wife. In 1858 he was elected county auditor, and re-elected in 1860, but resigned in 1861, enlisting in the Union Army as Captain of Company D, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; his company being composed of Swedes and Norwegians from Goodhue and Chi- sago counties. Was promoted to Major in 1862; Lieut. Colonel in 1863, and the following year Colonel of his regiment, which he brought home in Oc- tober, 1865, after more than four years' honorable service. The following winter he formed a law partnership with C. C. Webster, but in August, 1866, he accepted the position of editor in chief of a prominent Swedish newspaper in Chicago, Ill., but did not move his family to that city. In January, 1867, was recalled by Gov. Marshall, of Minnesota, and appointed Secretary of the State Board of Immigration, which position he held for several years, doing the State excellent service in settling the far West with his industrious coun- trymen. In 1869, was elected Secretary of State, but before his term expired he was appointed land agent of Northern Europe in the interests of the great railroad corporations of which Jay Cook, of Philadelphia, was the head. After remaining over four years in Europe, with his family, in the discharge of the duties assigned him, he returned to Minnesota, and was one of her Pres- idential electors in 1876, but in the meantime had become connected with large land interests in the northwest part of the State.
He is now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn., and in addition to his private land affairs, is editor in chief of the "Stats Tidning, " a prominent Swedish newspaper in that city; also a large owner and general manager of the "Swedish Tribune," of Chicago, one of the most important foreign and home journals of the United States.
It can be truthfully said of the subject of this sketch, that he has always regarded toil as manly and ennobling; and after passing through an honora- ble yet checkered life, he is now enjoying the comforts of a happy home
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
beside the wife of his youth, beloved by his many children and friends, and respected by the citizens of the State in which he lives.
RED WING.
ADAMS, HUGH. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Franklin county, Pa., June 12, 1827. His parents moved to Licking county, Ohio, where he resided until emigrating to Washington county, Ills. After moving to Maiden Rock, Wis., he came in the fall of 1852, to this city. Married Mary Jandon, Dec. 3, 1869. She was born in Mifflin county, Pa., Jany. 25, 1844. Edward M., Jessie, Nellie and Nettie M., are his children. Mrs. Adams having been pre- viously married, the following are the names of her children: Roland, Raymond, Jennie and Mary.
ANDERSON, A. L., of the firm of Martinson & Anderson, dealers in hard- ware, was born in Dane county, Wis., in 1847. Emigrated from native place to Wanamingo township, this county, in 1855, and married Amelia Olson, who died in 1877. Carrie A. is his only child.
Anderson, Charles, carpenter, Red Wing.
ALLYN, J. S. Retired farmer. Born in New London county, Conn., June 16, 1835. Moved to Key West, Florida, in 1855, but returned to native county, coming to this city April, 1856. Married Theressa Gaylord, Jany. 22, 1859. She was born in Lewis county, N. Y., July 12, 1837. Effie A., Nellie S., Pearl R., and John S., jr., are their children.
Alexander, E., merchant, Red Wing.
AKERS, C. N. Attorney. Born in Jacksonville, Ills., Dec. 4, 1849. Came to this county with parents, settling in Cherry Grove township, Oct., 1859. Came to this city March 10, 1875. Received his primary education at district schools in this county, and afterwards attended the University of Wis., graduating in the class of 1874. Commenced the study of law with Hon. John C. McClure, and was admitted to practice July 11, 1876. Became associated with Col. William Colvill in the practice of his pro- fession, April 1, 1877.
Allen, Joshua, gardener, Red Wing.
ANDERSON, SWANTE. Groceries. Born in Sweden, June 10, 1842. Came to this country in 1866, settling in this city. Married Charlotte W. John- son, Nov. 29, 1876. She was born in Pepin county, Wis, Emily Hen- rietta Esther is their only child.
Altmeyer, Casper, groceries, Red Wing.
Ashton, Joshua, manufacturer of fanning mills, Red Wing. Allen, G., Dr., physician, Red Wing. Arkins, Joseph, retired, Red Wing.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
ANDERBERG, J. A. Livery stable. Born in Sweden, Nov. 1, 1841. Emi- grated to this city June 4, 1868. Learned the blacksmith trade in Sweden, and worked at his trade in this county until commencing his present busi- ness in March, 1875. Married Caroline A. Bergen, April 5, 1872. She was born in Avon, Rock county, Wis., May 6, 1853. Johanna Creelia, born March 6, 1873, and died June 24, 1874. John Antone Theodore, born March 20, 1875. Ada Johanna Matilda, born Nov. 23, 1877, are the names and births of his children.
ASHELMAN, J. B. Harness manufacturing. Born in Luzern county, Pa., December 29, 1832. Married Elizabeth J. Dickson, January 1, 1857. She was born in Northumberland county, Pa., September 23, 1835. Mr. Ashelman established his present business in 1875, and in November 20, 1876, A. G. Skoglund became partner with him, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of Ashelman & Skoglund. They are the only firm in the city who manufacture awnings, carriage trimmings and tents. They are located on Plum street, nearly opposte the DeBatlo House.
ARMSTRONG, H. F. Deputy Sheriff. Born in Steuben county, N. Y., No- vember 28, 1833. Moved, with parents, to Wayne county, Mich., in 1849. Came to this city October, 1855, where he married Hattie E. Welden, April 12, 1864. She was born in the State of New York. Fred R. is their only child.
ALLEY, E. H., dealer in agricultural implements. Born in Lincoln county, Maine, Aug. 10, 1827. Moved to China, Kennebec county, Maine, where he married Ann H. Bragg, Oct., 1851. She was born in Kennebec county, Maine, April 30, 1830. He immigrated to Red Wing, April 16, 1857, and engaged in the agricultural trade in 1861, continuing the same on his own account until 1873, when he entered into partnership with Charles Betcher, but this firm was dissolved, and in 1876 he became associated with P. M. Jensen, in the same business.
ALLEN, ARLAND H., book-keeper for Wilkinson & Hodgman. Born in Norway, Sept. 28, 1846. Immigrated to this country, settling in Wiscon- sin in 1847. Moved to Iowa, where he enlisted in the Seventh Iowa Cav- alry. Married Lonesa Noble, Jan. 13, 1872. Came to this county, Feb. 22, 1872. She was born in Illinois, Aug. 16, 1848.
AUSTIN, GEORGE, was born in Kenebec county, Maine, Nov. 26, 1838. In 1857, he went to Lewiston, where he was engaged in a cotton factory until 1859, when he went to Haverhill, Mass., and worked in a shoe shop until June 26, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, 12th Massachusetts Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg and many others, and was honorably discharged June 26, 1864. He then returned to Haverhill and remained until the summer of 1866, and went to Brunswick, N. J., thence the following year
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to Philadelphia, thence in 1868 to Binghampton, N. Y., thence to Chi- cago, thence to St. Peter, Minn., where he established a boot and shoe manufactory, which he sold to Lanz and Randall, and went to St. Paul, where he was engaged as foreman for Johnson & Mason, boot and shoe manufacturers, until 1875, when he came to Red Wing, and has since occupied the position of foreman in the manufacturing department of Sterling & Co.'s boot and shoe manufactory of this city.
BROOKS, E. W. General Agent for McCormick's reapers, harvesters, and self binders. Born in Loraine county, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1825. Moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1851, and to this county, June 16, 1864, at which time he commenced his present business. Married Harriett Patterson, Nov. 12, 1851. She was born in Berkshire county, Mass. Louise L. and Edward D., are his children.
BETCHER, CHARLES, is a native of Prussia, born January 31, 1830. He attended the common and academical schools of the old country, and there acquired those fundamental lessons that eventually ripened into a liberal knowledge of the practical affairs of life. He immigrated to the United States in 1849, settling in Rochester, New York, remaining there for a time, thence removing to Wayne county, that State, and in 1855, from there to Winona, Minnesota, where he immediately engaged in the hard- ware business, and that year opened a branch house at Red Wing. In May, 1856, he located in the latter place, where he has since continued to reside. October 8, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Gow- thrup, who was born in Wayne county, New York. Helen, Charles A., and Margaret, are their living children, and they have buried two, Willie
G., and Herminie. Since his settlement in Red Wing, Mr. Betcher has been identified with almost every public measure pertaining to her growth and prosperity. He has steadily pushed ahead in his special avocations, and saw his efforts crowned with success. In company with Henry Brown, Esq., he is carrying on a heavy hardware trade, their stock and salesrooms being the largest in the city. In addition, he operates by himself large lumber manufacturing interests, extensive lumber yards, owns farms in Minnesota and broad tracts of choice hard-wood timber lands in Wiscon- sin. Mr. Betcher is a cautious but energetic business man, of good execu- tive ability, and thoroughly at home in the intricate details of the various branches of business that demand his attention.
CHARLES BETCHER'S RESIDENCE.
On the plateau overlooking the city, in a westerly direction from its business centre, stands Mr. Betcher's handsome new residence. It was begun in 1876, and completed in the summer of 1878. The location is one of the most picturesque and attractive to be met with in this part of the State. It commands a magnificent view of the bold bluffs that fringe the border of another State, and a long sweep of the great river and the intervening valley. To the south, half encircling it, is a grand ampihtheatre of cliffs,
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
dotted with timber, grass lands and cultivated fields. The building is of brick, three stories above a basement of cut stone, constructed in the most substantial manner, and of an unique and highly attractive style of archi- tecture. It is finished and furnished in a manner appropriate to such an enterprise. There are two main entrances, one opening out to the east and the other on the north side, each with two sets of heavy oak doors and black walnut trimmings. On the first floor is the elegant drawing room, 17x24 feet, containing a mantle of beautiful Italian statuary marble, as pure and white as the driven snow. A large French plate mirror with fire- gilt and ebony mountings is another adornment. Pictures from Venice and Rome, and malachite from Russia, grace the apartment. Separated from the drawing room by the hall leading in from the north, is the library, with its catalogue of choice books, curiosities and costly fixtures. Double sliding doors separate those apartments. From the library a door opens out into the sitting room, thence into the eastern hall. On the right of this hall is the sitting room and library, and on the left the dining room and conservatory, complete in all their appointments. This floor yet con- tains the kitchen, and in it one of Warren's improved ranges veneered with brick, together with a large water-heater, supplied by a pipe con- nected with a tank in the upper story. By a system of pipes attached to a large force pump, hot and cold water is conveyed to the first and second floors as required. This pump, having its location in the kitchen, is con- nected by a pipe with two cisterns in the basement, holding each about four hundred barrels of water. Kitchen, pantry, bath room, closets, bed- room, and all the various apartments on this floor, are finished and fur- nished admirably, and are arranged with an eye to convenience, health and social comfort.
On the second floor, in the eastern portion of the building, is the elaborate suit of rooms occupied by the eldest daughter. They consist of a sitting room, dressing room-finished in colors of pink-painting, carpeting and all to correspond-and sleeping apartment. From the sitting room a beautiful view of the city is obtained, looking out through a large bay tri- set-window, which is directly above, and an exact copy of the one on the first floor. These rooms are tastefully finished, light and cheerful, and the many delicate and graceful fixtures are in perfect keeping. On this same side of the building, but in the southern portion, is the apartment occu- pied as a sleeping room by the son, and on the same floor is another fine room, elegantly furnished, the bedroom and boudoir of the younger daugh- ter. Directly over the drawing room, and of corresponding dimensions, is the " blue room," finished and furnished with that soft, delicate tint that can only be rivaled by nature in the cerulean blue of the sky. Rooms for domestics, bath rooms, closets and all the appropriate apartments, with water and gas, together with the necessary appurtenances, are on this floor. The apartments on the third floor are one large room for billiard hall or social gatherings, bed room, and others. These rooms are light and cheer-
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ful, and from the various windows a grand view of the city and a wide sweep of the surrounding country is obtained. The house is lighted with gass, and supplied with soft water thoroughly filtered and rendered as pure as the dews of the morning. From the observatory a marvelous scene is presented; the wooded bluffs on the Wisconsin side, dotted with fields, farm houses and grass lands; the dark river creeping lazily along on its winding way to the lower country; the broad valley, with its alternate belts of timber and prairie, with lakes and ponds intervening; the beau- tiful city, with its great mills and business blocks, and churches, and fine school buildings, and elegant homes, and joyous activity; and finally the . charming view on the south and west,-make up a panorama in nature, combining at once the grand, the sublime, and the beautiful.
In the basement is located the great furnace for heating the various apart- ments. Pipes radiate to all parts of the house through which steam is conveyed from the heated fountain. The basement is divided into a laun- dry room, where a small furnace is established to facilitate that branch of domestic duty, a wood room, a coal room, the furnace room and other useful apartments. Connected with, but beyond the outer walls of this apartment are the two large cisterns, holding eight hundred barrels of water.
The house enjoys a happy combination of the useful and the beautiful. It is a well-lighted, ventilated, convenient and cheerful home. Every thing pertaining to its construction is substantial, heavy, rich and elegant, but not gaudy. The fixtures are in keeping with the elaborate workmanship that adorns the interior. When the finishing touches shall have been applied to the building and its immediate surroundings, it will embody the elements of taste and refinement.
BENDER, CHRISTIAN, pastor of St. John's Church, (German Lutheran,) Red Wing. Born in Germany, Sept. 11, 1838; attended school in his native country, through the different grades, until 22 years of age, when he entered the Mission College at Basel, Switzerland, and, after an attend- ance of five years, he graduated in 1866, and immediately entered upon his duties as a minister of the gospel, at Wittinburg, where he remained until the autumn of 1867. He then came to this country, and after stopping a few weeks in Minneapolis, came to this place, where he accepted the pastorate of this church, delivering his introductory discourse on the first Sunday in December of that year, and has been in charge ever since. He also has charge of St. John's Church, in Frontenac, and Grace Church, in the town of Goodhue, and has exclusive charge of the Lutheran school taught in his church here. He is a member of the Lutheran Synod of Minnesota. He was married in October, 1868, to Christina Dickhudt, who was born in Quncy, Ill., March 7, 1850. They have five children, Lydia, Christian, Anna, Christina and Freda. Mrs. B. is also a member of the Lutheran Church.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
BALDWIN, DWIGHT M., collection agency. Born in New Haven county, Connecticut, August 25, 1836. Moved to Fairfield county, Conn., in 1844. Emigrated to Red Wing, April, 1862. Married Susan C. Holmes, Septem- ber, 1860. She was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut. Alfred and Sidney are his living children. Harrison, born March 6, 1863; and employed as brakeman on the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, was killed by railroad accident at Lake City, June 5, 1878.
Barrow, John, mason, Red Wing.
BRUSENGARD, THOMAS, book-keeper and salesman with C. Clauson Born in Sogndal, Sogn, Norway, March 8, 1855, and was confirmed in the Stedje Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norway, June 19, 1870. Emigrated with parents to this city, Sept. 16, 1872, where he attended the public school in this city for six months. After working on a farm he was engaged as brakeman on the C. M. and St. P. R. R. Commenced his pre- sent business March 1, 1876, continuing the same until the present time. His parents and three sisters are residents of this city.
Bissell, H. H., veternary surgeon, Red Wing.
BLOOD, E. J., proprietor St. James Hotel. Born in Mackinaw, Mich., April 16, 1847; moved to Green Bay, Wis., with parents in 1848; thence to Appleton, Wis., in 1851. Married Laura A. Washburne, Sept. 16, 1867. She was born in St. Lawrence, Essex county, N. Y., February 22, 1846. Emigrated to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1869, where he engaged in business, and in 1871, went to Wichita, Kan., opening the Harris House; thence to Oshkosh, Wis., and was proprietor of the Beckwith House. Came to this city, opening the St. James' Hotel in 1875.
BATLO, JOSEPHI, proprietor of the De Batlo Hotel. Born in France, August 4, 1832. Emigrated to this country in 1855, settling in the State of New York. Came to this county, settling in Belvidere township, Feb- ruary 26, 1859, and the same year came to this city, and was proprietor of the Franklin House. In 1860, took charge of the Goodhue House, and opened his present hotel October, 1874. Married Mary Wagoner, October 22, 1856. She was born in Luxemburg, Germany. Joseph P., and Charles M., are their children.
Baker, E. L., hardware, Red Wing.
BIXBY, BRADFORD W., (deceased.) Born in Coopers Plains, Steuben county, N. Y., 1830. Married Susan J. Clark, October 27, 1853. She was born in Eastport, Maine, October 25, 1826; came to this county July 4, 1861, commencing business in 1862. Tams, born Dec. 12, 1854, and George, born September 22, 1858, are the names and births of their child- ren.
Brink, Alonzo R., contractor, Red Wing.
Bennewetz, J. C., grain dealer, Red Wing.
Blomar, D. F., clothing, Red Wing.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
BALANGER, CLIFFORD. Dry goods. Born in Canada, March 18, 1858. Emigrated to this country in 1850, settling in Green Bay, Wis .; thence to Winona, Minn., in 1872. Came to this county in 1873, commencing his business at that time. Married Lizzie Joannes, December 13, 1876. She was born in Brussels, Belgium, February 20, 1852.
BOHMBACH, JOHN, dealer in groceries. Born in Germany March 7, 1827. Married Mary Burfend in 1849. She was born in Germany. They emi- grated to this country in 1854, settling in Ohio; thence to this county in May, 1855, settling in Belvidere township, on section 6. Came to this city in 1866, establishing his present business in 1876. Has five children. Beverage, Robert, insurance agent, Red Wing.
BRINK, CHARLES R., contractor and builder. Born in Oxford, Warren county, N. Y., April 12, 1831. Moved to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1847, thence to Chicago, in 1849, but returned to New York City. Came to this city May 17, 1855. Enlisted in Co. F, 6th Minn. V. I., serving three years. Married Lucinda Hill Nov. 26, 1860. She was born in Hudson, Hillsboro county, N. H., August 14, 1838. Jennie Matilda, Loui Ella, Mary Etta, are their living children. Frank, Edgar and Katie, deceased.
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