USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 53
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Early in the year, Jasper and Horatio Hawk- Ins settled near the central part of the town, hav- ing first engaged in farming in what is now Crys- tal Lake, They were from England, and through their influence others were led to seek homes in
this locality. Among them were Septimus, Charles 'and John Parslow, the first two, brothers, the latter their nephew. Henry Ghostly also arrived about this time, and all took claims in one neigh- borhood, where most of them still reside. About this time the names of Charles Tucker and James and John Noon were added to the brief roll of pioneers; they came from Ohio, the former from Cincinnati. Late in the fall. Freeman D. James arrived from New York and located on section fifteen. where he now resides. When he reached Winona, navigation suddenly closed, and he was forced to pursue his journey on foot, which he did, coming by way of St. Paul and Dayton.
EARLY EVENTS.
First Birth and Death. The first white chik] born within the limits of the town was a daugh- ter, Mary, born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo, Bigelow soon after their arrival here. Her brief life ter- minated near Christmas of that year; the first grave succeeding the first cradle.
A Paper Town. Early in the summer of 1855. the excellent water-power upon the Crow River, on section thirteen. attracted the notice of Harvey S. Norton, and suggested the founding of a vil- lage there. He accordingly employed a surveyor, and laid out a town plat of fair proportions, and decided to name it lassan. if it was ever born. But it never was: and the name remained n- used until the following year. when the estab- lishment of a post-office, furnished an object to which it has since attached. In the fall of this year occurred the first religious services, by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain, rector of the Episcopal church in Minneapolis.
EVENTS OF 1856-8.
The first year of pioneer work wrought noticea- ble changes in this forest region. Cabins sprang up as if by magie, and happy homes and firesides were seen on every hand. where before was ob- served naught save the campfire of the red man. or the ever-shifting wigwam, which marked his temporary home.
With an energy characteristic of the sturdy pioneer element of which this community was composed, a post-office was secured in the sum- mer of 1856, and Septimus Parslow received the appointment of Postmaster, the office being at his residence on section twenty-one.
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309
HASSAN-ORGANIZATION-INDIAN SCARE.
The name designed for Norton's proposed city was here called into requisition, and Hassan was recorded in the list of frontier post-offices. The first mail was received July 4th, 1856, and came in good old primitive style-the carrier making the trip on horseback.
About this time the Territorial road from Min- neapolis to Monticello was opened, and the sad- dle soon gave place to a wheeled vehicle, for the accommodation of passengers. Not long after, tri-weekly mail service was secured, which has since been maintained. The post office is still retained by Mr. Parslow.
The territorial road referred to was the first legitimate outlet for this section, only "trespass roads" existing before, and they, neither muner- ous or in good condition.
In the year 1856, occurred the first marriage in the town-that of Charles Theker and Miss Eliza- beth Hawkins. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain. They are yet living on their original claim, in section 22.
The first school was taught by Miss Sarah Ward, in a small log building, in the west part of town, not far from the present school-house in district No. 72, in the year 1857. She was followed by Miss Helen Tilton, the next season.
In 1857-8, this young community. in common with others, suffered severely from the ravages of grasshoppers, but have since been spared from such annoyance. In 1858, with the admission of the state, the territory now embraced in this town was designated by the County Commissioners, and given its present name-Hassan. The town or- ganization occurred two years later.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH-EPISCOPAL.
This neat little edifice was begun in 1858. but not completed until a later period. It is located in section 21, near Septimus Parslow's residence. and upon ground donated by him for that pur- pose. The tract included five acres, a portion of which was set apart for a cemetery. in which have been twenty-one interments.
The history of the society dates back to the fall of 1855, when monthly services were begun at the residence of Septimus Parslow, by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain. and continued in this place until the building of the church, in 1858. The real organ- ization of the society occurred on Easter Monday,
in the spring of 1857, under the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Chamberlain. who faithfully administered to the church during the first five years of its organ- ization. His successors were Revs. D. B. Knick- erbacker. William Polk, George Case, John Scott. S. T. G. Crump: and since June, 1878, Rev. Dr. Knickerhacker has had charge; assisted by Curate W. T. Pise to date of June, 1880. since then by Curate J. Q. Bevington. Bishop Whipple has held service at irregular intervals since 1860. In May, 1858. Bishop Kemper, of Wisconsin, visited the society, and laid the corner-stone of the church edifice. Seven members were added to the church by confirmation during his visit here. There was then no Bishop in Minnesota. The original mem- bership was only four, which has since increased to fitty. Monthly services are maintained, and a flourishing Sabbath-school is connected with the church.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
The meeting at which the township organiza- tion was effected, was held April 3, 1860. No special measures were adopted at this meeting. beyond the usual transactions incident to a new organization. and the election of the following of- firers : Supervisors, Gideon Reeves, chairman. Hawley Hicks. Richard Quin : Town Clerk, C. J. Parslow : Treasurer, Septimus Parslow ; Asses- sor. A. Borthwick : Justice of the Peace. Henry Ghostly : Constables, Patrick Hynes, John Pars- low : Superintendent of Schools, B. Wright. The latter resigned in July, and was succeeded by II. (. Parslow.
INDIAN SCARE.
In August, 1862, the panie which spread over this entire region, at news of the recent massaere, so terrified the settlers of Hassan that numbers of them fled to Minneapolis, others to Fort Snell- ing. and some even left the state. About three weeks after the first scare, another rumor of Initchery and bloodshed was wafted to the ears of the partially quieted citizens, and another panic ensued. It was of short duration, however, and the "troubled waters" soon resmed their wonted tranquility.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
In the winter of 1873-4, a Grange was organ- ized, whose membership soon reached forty, but though well attended for a time. soon lost its
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
original interest. and in 1878 was wholly ahan- doned.
PRESENT OUTLOOK.
By slow but steady progress, Ilassan has reached a degree of development in striking contrast with earlier conditions noted in this chapter. as the following statisties, gleaned from the official re- ports of ISSO will show. The assessed value of lands is given at $191,610 ; of personal property, $22,333, on which taxes were levied to the amount of $1,918. The population of the township is 735.
Five school houses are located at convenient distances, affording the ordinary facilities for a common school education. Distriet No. 72, has a frame building on section 19. near the site of the first school in the town. The building is of moderate dimensions, and in good condition. The other school buildings are: District No. 73, house in section 21. log building ; No. 69, on section 24, frame house in good condition; No. 70, frame house on seetion 11, above the average size of country school houses, and in fine condition : and No. 68, on section 35-joint district with Cor- coran-frame house, small, but in fair condition.
A Town Hall is conveniently situated in sec- tion 21. opposite the residence of Charles Pars- low.
A saw-mill is about being put in operation in section eighteen, on Crow River. by A. Berning. whose residence is on the opposite shore, in Wright county, an enterprise that can not fail to greatly benefit the farmers of the adjacent ter- ritory, upon whose farms may be found an ex- cellent quality of hard wood for lumber, square timber, etc.
Thus is briefly given a sketch of the settlement and rapid growth of the town, which closes with the following list of town officers for 1880: Su- pervisors, John Russell. chairman, Charles J. Ghostly, Thomas Flynn; Clerk, C. J. Parslow; Treasurer, Charles Tucker: Assessor, G. Jackins: Justice of the Peace, Jasper S. Hawkins; Con- stable, Edward Tucker.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Aaron Hoag. a native of New Hampshire. was born in 1806. In 1835 he moved to Bangor, Maine. and followed teaming for twelve years;
then he bought a farm at South Gardner. which he occupied for six years. In 1858 he came with his youngest daughter to Minnesota, prospecting- and in 1859 bought part of the land he now lives on. The same year his family sold out and joined him. He married in 1830, Annie Wig- gins. They have four children. His son Charles lives with him and was married December 1877. to Mary A. Inveen. Their children are George and lda.
Horatio Hawkins, a native of England, was born in 1827. He learned the trade of shoemak- ing. In 1853 he emigrated to America, moved to Minnesota and settled in Crystal Lake. In 1856 he came to Hassan, and in 1858 made a claim, where he has since lived. In 1864 he en- listed in Eleventh Minnesota. Company G, went sonth and was discharged in June, 1865. He was married in England to Martha Powell. in the year 1850. They have five children living.
Jasper Hawkins was born in England. in 1829. lle emigrated to America in 1853, and moved directly to St. Anthony, where he worked as clerk eighteen months, for John G. Lennon. In 1854 he bought a claim in Crystal Lake, and held it fifteen months. Made a claim in Hassan in 1855, and has since lived here. In 1862 he en- listed in Ninth Minnesota. Company B. was clerk in Quartermasters department a few months. and was then ordered to General Com- mandery Central District of Missouri ; joined his regiment as clerk for Col. Marsh, until discharged at Davenport, lowa. in 1865. He was married in 1869. 10 Alice M. Mattey. Four children have been born to them.
Freeman D. James was born in Chautauqua county. New York. in 1822, where he lived twen- ty-seven years, much of the time engaged in lum- bering. He went to California in 1853, met with considerable success, and returned to New York. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and settled in the town of lassan, where he now lives. He has served the town as supervisor and constable. In September, 1861, he entisted in Second Battery. Minnesota volunteers, was mustered ont in July, 1865. at St. Paul, and returned to his farm. lle married, in 1813. Mary B. Strong, who died Feb- ruary, 1876, leaving three children. Mr. James has done much for the cause of education.
GREENWOOD-EARLY HISTORY.
311
GREENWOOD.
CHAPTER L.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-EARLY HISTORY-OLD SETTLERS-ORGANIZATION-CHURCHIES AND BUILDINGS-SCHOOLS-STATISTICAL -- ROSTER -BIOGRAPHICAL.
This town embraces that portion of township 119 north, range 24 west, lying east of Crow river. It was set apart by the county com- inissioners April 10th, 1858, and named from the village then located in the south-western part. The origin of the name was the charming appearance of the wood-lands, as seen by the first settlers, in the early days of sinmer.
The surface is broken and hilly, and covered with a heavy growth of hard wood timber, inter- spersed by a few small traets of marsh-land. The soil, as in other timbered portions, is a dark loam with clay subsoil, the lightest portion being found near the oldl site of the village. A few small lakes are found in the central portion of the town, and in the southern part, and lying partly in Independence, are lakes Sarah and Re- becca, of larger proportions. The former is about three miles long, and finds an outlet to the Crow river through Edgar ereek. The latter is about one mile in length, and connected with the Crow river by a small stream running through the north-western part of Independence, and the extreme south-western part of Greenwood. where it unites with the main stream.
EARLY HISTORY.
Although separated from the Mississippi, the only course of travel at that date, by miles of dense woodland and morass, this town was among the first in the county to attraet the attention of pioneer settlers. The first claims were made in the northern part of the town in 1854. Among these early claimants was Mathias Harff, who lo- cated on section 1. and opened a farm upon which
he lived till 1866, then soll, and purchased a farm on section 10, where he still resides. Mr. HIarff is without doubt the oldest living settler in Greenwood. Ilis coming was illustrative of the rugged pathway, by which so many have reached their present easy, though perhaps not happier, condition. and of that determined energy and courage, to which the county owes its present growth and prosperity. He gave one of the two sacks of flour which constituted his principal commissary stock. to a teamster in exchange for transportation from St. Paul to Dayton, then took his wife and aged mother in a "dug ont," and " paddled his own canoe " up the Crow river to the nearest accessible point to his claim, from where the remainder of the journey was per- formed on foot. Here, in a small, rude cabin. subsisting chiefly upon wild game, and with no implements but an ax and common grub hoe, he began the difficult task of opening a farm in this almost unknown forest. His success in over- coming the manifold difficulties which beset his pathway, and the degree of prosperity to which he has attained. furnish a noteworthy example of the unfailing reward of persistent energy and perseverence. Mr. Harff has been identified with the growth and developement of the town, and was one of its supervisors for several years.
The first settlers in the sonth part of the town were E. O. Newton, Thomas Holmes, J. M. Burt, Robert Kennedy, Samuel Allen, Matthew and Albert Taisey and Messrs. Bucklin and Chase, all of whom settled in or near the south-west part of the town. early in 1855. Mr. Newton came from Massachusetts. stopping a short time at Chaska, from which point he came to Greenwood the last of Marel, with an ox team and an old-fashioned wood-shod sled. In February previous, he had visited the locality and selected his claim, as had also the others named. He wearied of frontier life after about a year's experience, and returned
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
to his former home in the old Bay State. Those from shakopee arrived in May. 1-55, and the next month the town was solddivided into sections. In government survey. Others who came in May were James D. Young. William C. Gould and John B. Edgar. the former bringing the first wag- on to this part of the country. In September of this year. JJohn F. Power- and A. W. Dorman settled in the south-west part of the town. near the Crow river. Other settlers of 1955 were Robert Gustine. A. S. Lindsay. Henry Greeting and Au- gust Kuhm. Among those who came soon after. Were George F. Ames. Thomas R. Briggs, An- drew Thompson and his widowed sister. Mrs. Anm Cunningham. Christian Sipe. Carl Hafften, Benja- min Lawrence, Martin Conzet. W. W. Hall. Adam Hohenstein. Albert Roberts. W. P. C. Hawk .. L. Allars. Nathaniel Moore and John O'Mera. some of whom figure conspienously in the history of the town and deserve even more than the further men- trompet in reserve in these pages. Before entering inte further personal detail. however, it is necessary to devote some space to the rise and fall of the ephemeral " city." which now exists only in tradi- tion. In the carly winter of 1556 7, the few who came from Shakopee surveyed and platted about 200 acres on the south bank of Crow river. which was duls recorded as the " City of Greenwood." and in token of the sincerity of their intentions. these residing within the corporate limits, proceed- el to the election of the following officers : Mayor. Matthew Tary : Commeilmen. Samuel Allen. Robert Gustine. John F. Powers: Recorder. 1. s. Lnulsay : Marshal. James D. Young.
The first halmtable house on the town site was hinh bo Matthew and Albert Taisy in 1955. The next year .I. M. Burt opened a general store. m wluch a thriving business was carried on for Nour tone. After about a year he sold to Albert Taxes, and he to Thes. R. Briggs, who closed out the stock in the fall of This.
In the winter of 156 7 large quantities of logs sure hauled to the site of a contemplated sam- mull, on the bank of the Crow river. The mill Was never built. however, and the logs were re- moved and used for other purposes, or perished from age and exposure.
In 1557. a null was built on the north side of the I'mOn INET. opposite Greenwood. to which fuet was dne the failure of the project just noted.
A town site was also platted, but never recorded. and the subsequent location of the village of Rockford, effectually strangled this projected hor- ogh.
Of course Greenwood needed a hotel. and so a commodious edifier was erected by Matthew and Albert Taisey, and given the euphonious title. "Beaver House." In 1862, when the Indian "scare" was at its height, the settlers converted this into a fortress, and for their better protection in case of an attack, tamarac poles were brought. and a stockade built. inclosing outbuildings and stable. and allowing space for teams and stock. Several families from Wright county nestled under the protecting wings of this fort. in addi- tion to those of Greenwood, and occasional de- tachments of cavalry from Fort Snelling halted here while scouring the country for traces or tid- ings of the enemy. Many of the first historie events of the town occurred within the limits of the city.
In the spring of 1:56, the first school was taught in a small building erected by a Mr. Peas- ley, as a residence, and jestingly called "Peasley's Hall." The estimable lady to whom is due the credit of first directing the youthful minds of this infant community, was Miss Ruth A. Powers. daughter of John F. Powers. and now Mrs. Jas. D. Young. of Delano, Wright county.
The next to preside over this early band of students, was Miss Mary Ball, daughter of Mrs. A. W. Dorman. by a former Imsband. In the fall of 1856. occurred the first death, and the first grave made by white men was opened to receive the remains of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samnel Allen. The little one's name was Jennie.
The first preaching in town was in the winter of 1×56 7. by Rev. Charles Galpin, of Excelsior. at the residence of John F. Powers. The same win- 1er. Rev. Mr. Camp. an invalid spending the win- 1er at Excelsior, held religious services at the home of Mr. Powers, on several occasions.
In 1557, the census showed the population of the city as seventy-six.
In this year occurred the first marriage. James D. Young and Miss Ruth A. Powers, the marriage dating September 17th. 1857. They are now liv- ing in Delano, and their eldest daughter. Miss Katie, is remembered as the first white child born in Greenwood, her barth occurring June 15th, 1860.
313
GREENWOOD-THE OLD SETTLERS.
About 1857, after considerable effort on the part of the citizens. a post-otlice was established at Greenwood. and Albert Taisey appointed post- master. Soon after, it passed into the hands of Mr. Powers, who retained it untit his removal from Greenwood. in 1868, when he left it with his deputy, Mrs. Taisey. She had charge until 1869, when it was discontinued.
In 1857 a society known as the Independent Order Nobilium Fratrum. was organized in Greenwood, and reached a large membership in a short time. It was a select organization, its prin- cipal tenets being fraternal fellowship, and the promotion of literature and music.
A lyceum was started about the same time. and was well sustained for a season. In 1858 both it and the I. O. N. F. withered and died from laek of vital force.
The village of Rockford was founded about 1857, and proved a fatal drain upon the young city, whose auspicious opening bore promise of a better fortune.
Thus, one by one its roses faded, until the lo- cation of the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad, at some distance sonth of the town. gave the last fatal blow, and the "City of Greenwood" was numbered with the things that were.
Some recompense for this loss, however, is found in the establishment of Rockford, a thriv- ing village situated on the opposite side of the river. about a mile below the old site of Green- wood, which not only affords a trading point, but tas good flour and limber mills, and on the Greenwood side. a fine woolen factory. which is yearly gaining in public favor.
THE OLD SETTLERS.
Some further recognition is due the pioneer set- ters of Greenwood, and a brief record of their fortunes can not fail to interest the general reader. Thomas Holmes was a man of unusual energy and activity. He was one of the founders of Janesville. Wisconsin, and later of Shakopee. this state. Ile also figured quite prominently in the early development of the cities of Mitwaukee and Chicago. He made several trips to Montana, as guide to emigrant companies. Ile is now liv- ing in northern Georgia.
Jolin M. Burt is now a resident of Chemung county, New York. He visited this section about
three years ago, and could but marvel at the changes time had wrought during his absence.
Samuel Allen is now a resident of Howard Lake, Wright county. Kennedy. Bucklin and Chase never became residents tere, althoughi targely interested in the town site. Mathew Tai- sey is now in Missouri, whither he removed sev- eral years since. Albert Taisey removed to Lake City. and has distinguished himself as a promi- nent organizer of societies of the Labor League throughout the state. notably so during the year 1880. A brother of AAlbert ( Milton Nobles Taisey is well remembered by the old settlers of Green- wood. as an active young man. with more appar- ent relish for the city than the forest. Ilis dra- matie talent led him to seek a place behind the footlights, and for that purpose he left the rural bome, and for a time was lost to his former friends and associates: but a few years ago he appeared as the manager of a theatricat troupe, under the name of Milton Nobles. having dropped the family name. Taisey.
John B. Edgar died on his farm east of the old town site about eight years ago.
Geo. F. Ames made a claim opposite the pres- ent village of Rockford in the tatt of 1855, and moved his family here early the following year. The first year or two he lived on the Rockford side. but afterward built a house on the Green- wood side, where he lived, leading an active tife until his death in the fall of 1878. It was his capital and energy that built and put in operation the Rockford Mills, to which the place is largely indebted for its present growth and prosperity. He atso built the first carding-mill. which has since developed into the present Rock- ford Wooten Mitls. Ile first built a small shop for general work, and put in machinery for turn- ing broom-handles and other light articles. To this he soon added a carding-machine, from which smath beginning the factory has grown. Mrs. Ames stilt occupies the old homestead. from which pleasant location can be seen the monu- ments of her deceased partner's industry and en- terprise.
John F. Powers remained at Greenwood until 1868, when he removed to Delano. Wright county, at the time the railroad reached that place, and opened the first hotel at that station. The build- ing was moved from Greenwood, and did service
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
at its new location until supplanted by one of more generons proportions. Mr. Powers is still a resident of Delano, though not actively engaged in bussiness.
Jas. D. Young. removed to Minneapolis in 1557. remaining something more than a year, during which time he was largely engaged in surveying and platting in the city, west of the river. In Is5s he returned to Greenwood, and in 1862. purchased a farm south of the town site. upon which he resided until is71. when he re- moved to Delano, and rented the hotel of John F. Powers. He afterward purchased the building. and in 1×79. built in its stead the fine hotel he now orenpjes.
W'm. C. Gould has remained in the town since Is first coming, except a short residence in Rock- ford. during the war. He is now located on a farm on section 25. West of Rockford. L. Allars re- moved to Rockford some years since, and in 1876 mult and opened the Centennial Hotel, which he still occupies. Thes. R. Briggs removed to Wright county, and is now a prominent lawyer at Howard Lake. Andrew Thompson, still owns a fine. well cultivated farm on seetion 28, east of Rockford. but has removed with his family to the west part of the State. where he and his sons have secured quite a large tract of land. which they are last developing into a tine grain and stock farm. Christian sipe is still a resident of the town. and in the enjoyment of the comforts secured by his early effort and enterprise.
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