USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 54
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1: 1. Hall is pleasantly located on the north shore of Lake Sarah. section 31. He has been an active member of the community, and always in- totested in matters pertaining to the welfare of
Martin Conzet has also been one of the active enizensof the town. and is now pleasantly located neat the south line of section 33.
W. I. C. Hawk removed several years ago to Wright counts, and is now a farmer near Wil- mar, Kandivoli centy.
Vdlam Hohenstem located on section 11, where he now resides upon his original claim. which his industry has developed into one of the best farms in the town.
Nathamel Moore first located near the present village of Cokato, in Wright county, and the tract mme known as Mmer's Prairie, still serves to per-
petuate the remembrance of this sturdy pioneer. and honored citizen. Two of his sons. A. P. and Henry. are still residents of Wright county, and among its most prominent citizens. Their father removed to Greenwood at an early date, and set- tled on section 27. where he died several years since. Ilis widow still ocenpies the old home- stead.
Mrs. Am Cunningham still occupies the old place on section 28, and her declining years are rendered pleasant by the faithful care and solici- tude of her son. John Cunningham. who also ranks among the early settlers, and has, for seve- ral years past. held the office of town clerk.
Henry Grecling. on section 10. is among the earliest settlers, and has always been active in ad- vancing the general interests of the community. and holds a prominent place in the German ele- ment of the town.
Carl Hafften settled on section 23. near the lake which bears his name. Adjoining his farm is that of Christian Scheudel. whose land also borders upon a lake hearing his name, and connected with Haff- ten Lake by small stream of about.eighty rods length.
Benjamin Lawrence settled on section 34. and has since opened up three other farms, finally set- tling upon his present place. on section 28. Few, if any. of the carly settlers can recall more hard- ships or privations endured than his record shows. among which was the total loss of his household goods, provisions, etc. by fire. which destroyed his house while the family were absent from home.
John O'Mera came here early in IS58, first rent- ing a farm for one year, then purchasing his pres- ent farm. on section 28. He has held the office of Supervisor for two years. Town clerk fifteen years, and Clerk of his school district for eighteen years. His farm is one of the best in the county, and he is fast gaining prominence as a successful stock grower, to which his principal attention is NOW given.
A. B. Dorman is comfortably located on section 31. the only remaining one of the original settlers on the old town site of the defunet city of Green- wood. and the ground once designed for a busy mart is turned by his plow-share. in the cultiva- tion of his farm, of which it forms a part. About one-half the original plat is included in his farm; the balance is owned by other parties. Mr. Dor-
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GREENWOOD-ORGANIZATION-CHURCHES, ETC.
man has been almost constantly in the service of the town in some official eapaeity, serving as super- visor for several years, and Justice of the Peace for the past twenty years, besides his official con- neetion with the public schools. In 1840, he mar- ried Mrs. Susan C. Northup, who has borne him three children : Homer W., Harriet E., and Willie N. Of these, Harriet E. married O. C. Willeutt, and, in 1870, died. Homer is now on the farm with his father, as is also Willie, who is married. Mr. Dorman is now seventy years old, but in the full possession of his faculties, and as genial a companion as in the earlier days of his man- hood.
A. J. Roberts settled his family here as early as 1857, but did not settle down to farming. himself. until abont 1864, being engaged in trapping and trading previons to that date. Albert Roberts, his son, settled here in 1866, and soon became one of the prominent public men of the town. Ile has twice been elected chairman of the town board, eight times elected assessor, and was the census enumerator for his town in the years 1875 and 1880. In the fall of 1880. he was eleeled as representative of his distriet to the state legisla- ture. on the Republican ticket.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
Like most of the towns throughout the county, Greenwood hastened to embrace the privilege af- forded by the admission of the state. and a legal organization was effected at a meeting held on the 11th of May, 1858. at which the following officers were elected : Supervisors. J. R. Ames, chairman, H. G. Ferrell, William C. Hawk ; Clerk, Thomas R. Briggs; Assessor, Benjamin Lawrence; Col- leetor, R. W. Carrier; Justiees. D. R. Farnham and Clinton Howe ; Constables, John O'Mera and Volney S. Britt; Overseer of Poor, Andrew Thompson. The town expenses for the first year were $115. Several of the above list of officers are now residents of Wright county, a few only remaining in Greenwood.
CHURCHES.
The American element of Greenwood mainly find church affilliation at Rockford. The Ger- man element is about equally divided between the Lutheran, and Methodist churches, and boilı have erected houses of worship.
CHIURCH BUILDINGS.
The German Methodist society have a comfort- able buikling on section 12, erected about eight years since. The society is quite numerous, and weekly service is maintained in their ehnrel.
The Lutheran church. on section 11, was built four years ago. It is a commodions wood struet- ure, and furnishes ample room for the congrega- tion which assembles for service each Sabbath. A parsonage has been erected near the church, on the opposite side of the road, and on the north is the cemetery, established about the time the society was organized.
SCHOOLS.
From the little band of juveniles who formed the first school, in 1856, the increased population now supports four entire school districts, and shares jointly with two others located mainly in Independence. District No. 76 has a good school building on section 28; District No. 77, on seetion 25; District No. 75, on section 14; and Distriet No. 74, on section 12.
STATISTICAL.
Greenwood has an area of 13,460 aeres, the assessed valuation of which is $157,947. Its per- sonal property is assessed at $20,088, and its taxes for 1880 were $1,956, all showing a healthy de- velopment since its first settlement in the not distant past.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
The officers elected for 1880 were: Supervisors. George W. Shelley, chairman. JJohn Jacobs and Mathias Harff; Clerk, John Cunningham; Asses- sor. 1. Roberts: Justices, A. W. Dorman and Ephriam Sipe ; Constables, George Shelley and Geo. Hohenstein.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Martin Conzet, a native of Switzerland, was born in the year 1829, and emigrated to America in 1847. Hle worked at the carpenter's trade in Dubuque, lowa, six years, removed to St. All- thony in 1853, and worked at carpentery and cab- inet-making until 1856, when he kept a boarding house. The same year he made a claim. where he now lives. He was elected constable at St. An- thony in 1855. and held the office two years; has held the office of town assessor ten years. A1 the Wright county fair, the family made forty-
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
three entries and received eleven premiums. ile was married in 1952. to Elizabeth Beauchlein. They have seven children.
W. W. Hall was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1432 : moved to Minnesota in 1555, and settled on a farm in Independence : sold it in 1966, and laught the one he now occupies. During the Indian troubles be moved to Rockford and worked on the stockade, which was built for pre- ration of the settlers. He assisted in organizing the town of Independence, and held the office of supervisor for two years, and one year in fireen- How]. He is now manufacturing amber cane syrup. Married in 1-54. to Harriet Bishop. They have nine children.
Adam Hohenstein was born in Germany. in 1882. and emigrated to America in 1550. He was en- gazed three years in the baker's trade. in New York : worked at farming in Mellemy county. Illinois, three years: then moved to Minnesota in 150, and located on his present farm. He has In town supervisor eleven years, town clerk seven years, and treasurer two years. He was drafted in 1561. and ordered to Company A. Third Minnesota : was mastered out in 15. He was married in 1955, to Caroline Glaser. They have woven children living.
George Hohenstein was born in Germany. in 1-1s. and came with his parents to this country four years later. They remained in New York mitil Ist. when they removed to Illinois, and in It came to Minnesota, and located on their present farm. He was married in 1573. to Miss Loma Bechtle. of Germany. They have four children : Ida. Martha. Lonisa and Christian. Mi. Hohenstein has hold the offer of constable for eight years.
Carl Haffien was born in Germany in 1828. Ilis father died in 1s19, and in 1852. Carl went wills his mother to Canada. In ISSE they moved 10 Minnesota, and setded in Greenwood, where he has smer hved. He has a fine farm located near lakes Hatten and Schendel. He has been engaged. for the past five seasons, in the manufacture of Amber Cane Strup, turning out from eight lom- We married Maria Holtz of Germany. They have had stern & holdren. These Irving are : Charles. August. John. William. Loms. Allart. Robert. Emma Frederick. Matilda. Henry and Mary.
John Jacobs, one of the early settlers of this county. is a native of Wales, born in 1835. Ile emigrated to the I'nited States, with his parents. in 1513. and located in Oneida county. New York. where his father died. He removed to Wisconsin in 1551. and engaged in lumbering until 1858. when he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He enlisted in Comp. B. 6th Regt. Inf .. and served against the Indians until 1864. when he went South. where he was taken sick. and mustered out. Ile was married in 1864. to Miss Matilda MeKinley of Wright county. They have had four children, three of whom are living : William, Nettie and Belle. Lizzie R. died. Mr. Jacobs has held the office of town supervisor, two years.
John O'Mera was born in Vermont. in 1828. Be moved to Minnesota in 1857. stopped in Minne- apolis one year. and locating on his present farm in 1:59, Turned his attention to stock raising, to some extent. He has been town supervisor two years: Clerk fifteen years, and school clerk righ- teen years. In 1:55 he married Miss F. M. Emory. They have seven children.
Albert Roberts, a native of Maine, was born in 1841. He enlisted in 1862. in Company C. twen- tieth Maine Regiment, was in the battles of White Mountain. AAntietam, Fredericksburg. Get- tysburg and Cold Harbor. At the latter place he received a gun shot wond in the face. carrying the ball for nearly two months before it could he extracted. He graduated at Eastman's Commercial College. Poughkeepsie. New York. in 1866. Moved to Minnesota and settled on his present lo- cation. He has been chairman of the Board of Supervisors two years, assessor eight years, and was enumerator in 1875 and Isso. Ile married in 1868, Isabella M. MeKindly. They have four children living.
Ephriam Sipe was born in Pennsylvania. in Isis. He moved to Minnesota in 1857. and re- mained with his parents until isso, when he lo- rated on his present farm. He has held the of- fires of town supervisor one year, school diree- tor tive years, and is Justice of the Peace at the present time. His school advantages were limited to a period of fifteen months, but by close application he has gained knowledge sufficient to till the different offices with credit. In 1880 he married Margaret Husted. of Corcoran, who was horn April 29th, 1863.
CORCORAN- FIRST SETTLEMENT.
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CORCORAN.
CHAPTER LI.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-FIRST SETTLEMENT EARLY EVENTS -- ORGANIZATION-CHURCHES -- SCHOOL -- POST-OFFICES -- STORES -- OFFI- CIAL ROSTER-STATISTICS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
The township of Corcoran is located in the north-western part of Hennepin county, and is bounded on the north by Hassan. east by Maple Grove, south by Medina and west by Greenwood. Its surface is rolling, in the south part bluffy. It is heavily timbered with hard and soft maple, oak, elm and basswood. There are occasional patches of wild meadow-land, which produce a good quality of grass. The soil is light in the south part, in the central part it is a heavy black loam, and lighter in the north part, with a clay subsoil throughout. producing wheat, barley, oats and corn abundantly. Amber eane is grown to some extent. Jubert's Lake, the largest body of water in the the town, is located on sections twenty-nine and thirty-two: there are two other small lakes that are umnamed, one located in the southern part, and the other in the western part of the town. -
FIRST SETTLEMENT.
Benjamin Ponnder, was the first man to enter the unbroken wilderness, and commenced in 1855 to lay the foundation of what is now the flourish- ing town of Corcoran. He was followed in a few days by P. B. Corcoran, one of the founders of the town. Ile was accompanied by Morris Ryan. who died in 1878; his family still reside here.
Mr. P. B. Corcoran is one of those men who are justly entitled to more than a passing notice, and we regret that our limits will not permit. as much as we desire to write of this enterprising pioneer. HIe threaded his way on foot into this then wilderness, with but one hand to help him. having lost his right hand in a lumber-mill in the
state of New York. With his left hand he stuck his stake on section twenty-three, and com- meneed to build around it, adding acre to acre until he now is the possessor of six hundred and forty (640) of them, which gradually yielded to his intelligent and aggressive strokes, until the wild stillness that surrounded him had been con- verted into the busy hum of an intelligent and advancing civilization.
Ilis next care was the school, which engaged his attention, and in two years after his arrival, he organized a school, built the rude log Temple which he dedicated to the Muses, and to prevent any misdirection of his intentions, presided over it himself, cultivating the young minds commit- ted to his care, more carefully, than he did the soil on his chosen and loved homestead. He con- tinued it for three months. This was the first school taught in the town. ITis organizing genius has made itself felt throughout all the multifa- rious affairs of the town. Ilis acknowledged abilities have been recognized by the citizens, who have expressed it, by electing him supervisor for twelve years, and so evenly does he hold the scales of Justice, that he has been called to hold them for fourteen years, making decisions that would honor the Ermine of the higher courts, for all law is based on common sense, which desira- ble quality he possesses in an eminent degree. ITis next enterprise was a store, which he started in a log house with thatched roof, and located on the west side of his farm. The business in- creased so rapidly that he was obliged to build a larger one with a shinged roof. He located it on the east side of his farm, and in a few years was obliged to build a still larger one. It is 30x 10 feet, two-stories, making a hall of the upper story which is used for town meetings. public enter- tainments, etc. Ile was the first postmaster in the town, which office he still hokls.
The settlers with Patrick B. Corcoran were
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
William Corcoran. who setttled on section twen- ty-three. Joseph Dejardins, who settled on section ninteen, which he afterwards soll, and now lives of section twenty-six. Two brothers named Pounder, and a Mr. Isaac Bartlett. John McDonnell. Francis Morin. Frederick Rein- king and Fred Schiette, all taking claims in 1555. They were followed in 1856. by Joseph Dupont, who settled on section 19, Hugh Keran, who settled on section 26. and Joseph Morin, who settled on section 27. Peter Weinand came in the spring of 1856, and settled on section 17. Mr. Weinand is one of the prominent men of the town, whose wise counsels have contributed largely to its growth and prosperity. His ripe expe- rience and liberal mind. has entitled him to the confidence. not only of his fellow countrymen. but of all the citizens of the town where he has resided since its earliest settlement. In short, he s mie of the "Solons" of the town and represent- ative district. in which he lives: having filled every office of honor and trust. He was twice elected to the state legislature from his dis- trirt. Mr. John Kleresy came in 1855. and settled on section 7, now living on section 2. le is the peer of Mr. Weinand, having filled the various offices in the town, and for several years was chairman of the board of supervisors. He is full of publie spirit. and a leader in everything tending to the growth of the town. Ile, as one of the supervisors, with P. B. Corcoran, as chair- man of the board. laid out the first road in the town the Minneapolis and Monticello state road. in 1458. Others came about this time, among them Matthew Weinand. Martin Dellis, Michael Weir and Joseph May, all relatives excepting Weir, and all settled in the north-west part of the
Old Mr. and Mrs. Weinand are still living. also old Mr. and Mrs. May, parents of Joseph May. Martin Dellis is still living on his original claim. William Corcoran and Patrick Burke came in July . 1655. and both are now living on the claims hrst made. Several others came that year. but went away and codeequently returned. The first French settlers in 1655 were Michael Patrode and his son Peter. Stephen and George Archam- 1wad. Michael and Peter Raymond. Joseph Du- front, deeply Scott. and others; all settling in the with part of the town. Mr. Patiode died in
1861. and his wife. four or five years later. Peter is now living on section 22. Stephen and George Archambean moved to Faribault two years after making their claim. Michael and Peter Raymond live on their original claim. on section 20. Joseph Dupont lives on his first claim, on section 19 ; has been postmaster since July 4th, 1875. The post- office, called " Dupont." taking its name from the present official, who is a highly esteemed citizen of the town. Joseph Scott died on his claim, in section 29, and the farm is now owned by his son. D. Scott. The same year, Frank Gagne settled on section 27. He was one of tha earliest settlers on the reservation near Minne- apolis. a little southeast of the present site. He had some trouble over a contested claim there. finally sold it and came here with his brother. Joseph, who settled on section 27. and is still living here.
EARLY EVENTS.
Benjamin Pounder built he first house in the town. in 1855, on section 25, near the town line. and occupied it about two years, when Robert Ad- cock occupied it until he could build on his own claim ; then Thomas Adcock's widow occupied it until 1370. The old house is still standing, as a landmark, though in a dilapidated condition. Its builder died October 18th, 1875. Resolutions of respect and regret at his loss were adopted at a meeting held at the district school-house, De- cember 11th, 1875, which were published in the Weekly Tribune and Farmers' Union. He had been clerk of the district from its first organiza- tion, in 1558. Was universally respected by the community in which he lived. His widow, Eliz- abeth Pounder, still lives on the old homestead.
The first blacksmith shop was built by Louis Berthaume. on section 21, about nineteen years ago. Hle operated it eight years, and then moved to Osseo. The second one was built by P'. B. Cor- coran. on section 23, a little west of his present residence and operated until he built a new one just east of his house, employing workmen up to the time he leased it to Nelson Deroche, who is now operating it. and doing good work.
The first birth was James J. Corcoran, son of William Corcoran, born February 220, 1856. Ile now living in Austin, Minnesota.
The first marriage was that of John MeDonald to Sarah Crawford, in 1857.
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CORCORAN-CHURCHES-SCHOOLS.
The first death was Nicholas O'Brien. in 1858, who died at the house of his daughter, Mrs. Fox, in the northi part of the town, aged eighty-five years.
The first school in the town was taught by P. B. Corcoran, in a log house erected on his own land, in 1857.
ORGANIZATION.
The town was organized at a meeting held at the house of P. B. Corcoran, May 11th, 1858, when Israel Dorman was made temporary Chair- man, John Molan, Moderator, and Pat Braw temporary Clerk. Officers elected were: Super- visors, Israel Dorman, Chairman, P. B. Corcoran. Jolin P. Kleresy; Town Clerk, Pat Braw; Assess- or, Thomas Riley; Collector, Michael Patnode: Overseer of the Poor, Francis Garnieen: Justices of the Peace, Israel Dorman and Peter Patnode: Constables, J. Burret and John Coon. At this meeting, the town was named Corcoran. in honor of P. B. Corcoran, its founder.
CHURCHES.
Catholic church, located on section two, on the north line, was organized in 1856, and is the old- est ehirch in the town. Services are occasionally held in it. Also have a cemetery in connection with the elnirch.
Saint Thomas Catholic Church is located on section 15, and was organized in 1856. It was started by the Irish members from the first men- tioned elmirch, and assisted by the Germans. First officiating priest, Father Jennis, who started with about thirty families. It has continued to grow in numbers, until it now has about forty- five families with Father Hays as priest.
Saint John's French Catholic Church was es- tablished in 1873, by the French element from Saint Thomas Church. The first priest was Father Ladriere; present priest. Father Boucher. This church has about forty families. who attend its meetings.
German Evangelical Association. This church is located on the north-east corner of section 12. and embraces twenty or thirty families from Cor- coran and Maple Grove.
The Lutheran Church is located on section 13, and was erected about fifteen years ago, now has a large congregation. There is a school held in the church for the study of the German language, about six months in the year, attended by pupils from Corcoran and Maple Grove.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in the town was taught by P. B. Corcoran, in a log house 12x16, in the winter of 1857, with about sixteen scholars. This build- ing was used for about four years, when the pres- ent building was erected in district No. 65. School district No. 64, house located on section 29. Sehool district No. 107. house located on section 7. Joint school district No. 67, house located on section 4. School district No. 66, house located on section 10. There are besides. four joint districts with other towns.
POST-OFFICES.
The first post-office was established on section 23, P. B. Corcoran postmaster. He has held the office since it was first established, with weekly mail route from Osseo to Rockford, on Saturday. Dupont post-office, on section 19, was established in 1875. Joseph Dupont, postmaster. has held the office sinee its establishment.
STORES.
P. B. Corcoran established a store on the southi- east part of section 23, in 1863, and now has the largest stock of general merchandise in the town.
Mr. E. IInot established one on section 21. four years ago, with a fair stock of goods.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
At a town meeting held in April. 1880. the fol- lowing officers were elected : Supervisors. Thomas Corcoran. chairman. Octave Dupere, Joseph Pot- vin : Town Clerk, Peter Patnode; Assessor, John Molan : Treasurer, John McDonald ; Jus- tices, Peter Weinand and James Corcoran; Con- stables, John Gaurs and Octave Dupere.
STATISTICS.
Whole number of acres, 22,948; valuation of land, $271,722; valuation of personal property, 848,883. Taxes for 1880, $2,614.
The population of the township is, by the last census, 1,078. There were, according to report for 1880, horses over two yearsold, 404 ; cattle over two years old. 658 ; number of sheep. 625 ; mumber of hogs, 571 ; acres sown to wheat, 3,300.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Robert Adcock. a native of Norfolk, England, was born in 1827. He emigrated to America in 1849, and lived in Boston, Massachusetts. six
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
years: he moved to Minnesota in 1855. made one of the first claims in Corcoran. and is now the oldest living settler in the town. In 1955 he was mar- ried to Margaret Burk. They have six children: Thomas F. Mary E. George W. John. Ruth M. and James.
Octave Boucher was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1×12. He lived there until twelve years of age. In 1556 he came to Minnesota with his parents, who took a claim in Plymouth. He enlisted in 1563. in Hatch's Battallion. Company B, Minne- sota Volunteers, and went north during the In- dian outbreak. stayed three years, and was dis- charged at Fort Snelling in 1866. He bought the farm. in Is67. where he now lives. The same vear he married Delaina Greenwood, by whom he has had tive children.
Patrick B. Corcoran, is a native of Ireland. where he was born in 1825. During the Irish fam- int he occupied the position of Government It- lief officer. In 1847 he emigrated to America : went to Maine and stayed about two years. In 1819 he went to New York. where. for five years he was engaged as sawyer in a lumber mill; while there. he lost his right hand. In 1555 he came to Minnesota and after prospecting for a time. located where he now lives. He was one of the first settlers in this town, which was named for him. In 1863 he started a store. and has been post master since that time. He built a new Stone in 17. to accommodate his increasing Insiness. Mr. Corcoran has filled the offices of Justice of the Peace for fourteen years, and Town Supervisor twelve years : he also organized and taught the first school in the town. Married in 151. Anna Freehan. They have eight chil- dren.
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