History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 33

Author: Joseph A. Leonard
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 736

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GEORGE W. GRANGER, who has distinguished himself in the prac- tice of law and otherwise at Rochester, was born April 5, 1869, in the town of Cascade, this county. His parents, Abner and Louisa (Topliff) Granger, were both natives of Otsego county, New York. the former born at Cherry Valley, October 26, 1840, being the son of Julius Granger, of the same place, who was the son of Seba Granger. The family is of old Colonial stock and is descended from an ancestor who came to the Colonies long before the Revolution. Seba Granger moved from Massachusetts to New York and was a farmer by occupation. Julius Granger was also a farmer and lived in Otsego county. He had six children, of which Abner was the fourth. The latter was educated in the common schools of Otsego county. At the age of fifteen years he went to Springfield, New York, and there remained until his marriage in 1867, when he came

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West to Rochester, located in Cascade township and engaged in farming and dairying. He continued thus occupied for thirty-two years, leading an honest and industrious life, and then moved to Rochester, where he has since resided. He married Louise, daughter of Harvey Topliff, of Otsego county, February 25, 1867. Their children were as follows: George W., the subject of this sketch; Charles T., a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and now enjoying a large and successful practice in medicine and surgery at Rochester, and Kate E., at home with her parents. The father, Abner, is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Workmen.

George W. Granger was educated in the country schools and in the Rochester city schools, graduating from the high school in 1886 as the valedictorian of his class. In September, 1887, he began the study of law in the office of Burt W. Eaton and continued thus en- gaged until he was admitted to the bar, June 6, 1890. He remained in the office of Mr. Eaton as clerk until October, 1891, when he formed a partnership with Joseph A. Bear under the firm name of Bear & Granger, which legal association existed until July, 1893. Mr. Granger then practiced alone until January 1, 1898, when he formed a partnership with C. E. Callaghan under the firm name of Callaghan & Granger. This partnership is still in existence with a large and lucrative practice and an excellent reputation. From Jan- uary 1, 1893, to January 1, 1899, he served with much credit as county attorney, being elected to that important office on the Repub- lican ticket.

Mr. Granger is secretary of the Rochester Water Company. He is a member of Rochester Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M .; Ashlar Lodge, No. 23, A. O. U. W., and Rochester Lodge, No. 54, K. of P. Of the latter he has twice served as chancellor commander, and since 1890 has been chairman of the committee on law of the Grand Lodge, K. of P., of Minnesota. On June 24, 1896, he married Ophelia Cook, a native of Rochester, who died April 5, 1898, leav- ing a daughter-Ophelia C., who was born March 16, 1898. On February 14, 1900, Mr. Granger married Dr. Gertrude Booker, a native of Quincy, this county, and the daughter of J. A. Booker, a native of Brunswick, Maine, and Jane (Short) Booker, a native of Waddington, New York. After attending the country schools of this county and the Winona high school, she entered Asbury Hos- pital, Minneapolis, in October, 1892, from which institution she graduated in June, 1894. In September, 1894, she entered the medi- cal department of the State University and received her degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, 1897. She practiced her profession at Dover and Eyota until January 1, 1898, when she became associated with Drs. Mayo, Stinchfield & Graham and is thus occupied at the present time.

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SELOM Fox is the son of Seth and Emeline Fox, and at present is residing on a farm of 110 acres on section 27, Orion township. The family originally came from England to Vermont, where . Seth was a veterinary surgeon and also a thoroughbred stock raiser. He came West about the year 1837, and after a few years spent in Ohio he located at Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, where he finally died at the age of about fifty years, his widow following him to the grave a week later. They were well-to-do people and lived useful and in- dustrious lives. They had a family of eight sons and two daughters : Marvin W., who is now 71 years old; Henry, who died in 1909, aged 70 years; Austin, who served through the Rebellion in the Union army and is now living at Clarion, Iowa; Joseph, who also served in the Union army and is a gardener at Clarion, Iowa; Orris, a farmer at Dunlap, Iowa; Myron, a prospector; Tilly, who married Harlow Mathews and is now a widow at Rockford, Illinois; Albert, a painter at Rochester; Emma, who died about 1878, and the sub- ject of this sketch. Selom was born in Belvidere, Illinois, on Jan- uary 29, 1850, and in youth attended the local public schools and finally entered Beloit College. He left before graduation, owing to the death of his parents, and in 1870 came to Minnesota and settled in Nobles county, where in due time he became well and favorably known and was elected register of deeds and held the position for one term. He then established a stock range and raised cattle for market for thirteen years, but quit in 1885. He then came to Olm- sted county and settled on his present farm, but remained at that time only one year and then moved to the adjoining farm of 120 acres and continued there until 1891. He then returned to his pres- ent farm and here he has since resided. This farm is now owned by his father-in-law. Mr. Fox is the owner of eighty acres in Anoka county, same State. He is now heavily engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a Republican and has served as clerk of the board of education. He is an elder of the Presbyterian church and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for twenty-five years. On March 18, 1874, he married in Nobles county Miss Ida Chap- man, daughter of Orange H. and Eliza Chapman. Her parents were farmers and are now living retired from life's duties in the town of Chatfield. They settled in this county in 1855 and were pioneers and prominent citizens. Her father served in the Union army dur- ing the Rebellion and has an excellent war record. Selom and his wife have had ten children, of whom three are dead. The seven living are as follows: Frank L .; Emma, who married Charles Mc- Keely, a farmer of Rice county ; Minnie, who married Frank Tesky, a farmer of Eyota township; Ella, who married A. Cravath and is a graduate of the Winona Normal School; Bernice, Blanche and Pearl, who married Floyd Burke, a farmer of Orion township.

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CHARLES ELWIN CALLAGHAN, one of the successful lawyers and prominent citizens of Olmsted county, was born May 20, 1863, in Livingston county, New York, and was brought by his parents to Minnesota in September, 1865. His parents were Charles A. and Catherine L. Callaghan, who were successful farmers and useful and respected citizens. Soon after the Civil war broke out and while yet a resident of Livingston county, New York, the father enlisted in the Union army and served with much credit for three years as a member of Company A, First New York Dragoons, in the famous Army of the Potomac. He participated in many hard campaigns and sharp engagements, and was mustered out with honor at the expiration of his period of enlistment.

Charles E. Callaghan was educated in the common schools of this county and in Darling's Business College, graduating from the lat- ter in the spring of 1886. As a boy he took great interest in his studies and invariably stood well in his classes. After leaving school he worked at home during the summers and pursued his legal studies during the winters. He lived in Fillmore county from 1867 to 1876; since the latter date he has lived in Olmsted county. He studied law in the office of H. A. Eckholdt and having completed the required course, was duly admitted to the bar in June, 1889. On October I following he opened a law office in Rochester and on April 1, 1890, formed a partnership with Thomas Spillane under the firm name of Spillane & Callaghan. From January 1, 1893, to Jan- uary 1, 1898, he practiced alone; but at the latter date formed a partnership with George W. Granger, which association still exists with a large practice. During the years 1890, 1891, 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897 Mr. Callaghan served with the highest credit as city attorney. He has served as postmaster of Rochester since April I. 1898. He is a Republican and one of the most active and prominent members of that party in the county. He has taken great interest in every campaign since 1888 and has been one of the leading speakers always to be relied on by the party organization of the county. He is one of the leading public men of this portion of the State.

He is a member of the charter commission of Rochester. He is a member and past master of Rochester Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M .; a member of Halcyon Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M., and is the present eminent commander of Home Commandery, No. 5, K. T., and a member of Osman Temple of St. Paul and Winona Con- sistory, thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Masons; he is also a mem- ber and past chancellor of Rochester Lodge, No. 54, K. of P .; also a member of the A. O. U. W .. the Modern Woodmen, the Court of Honor and the Universalist church. He is a member of the board of directors of the Masonic Temple Association.

On November 27, 1890, he married at Racine, Minnesota, Clara B. Sanborn, the daughter of a prominent farmer. Their children

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are as follows : Howard, born August 4, 1892 ; Lola, born December 3, 1893; Helen, born March 23, 1897, and Gertrude, born February 25, 1900. Everybody in the county knows Mr. Callaghan and re- spects him for his varied capabilities, his reliability, his trustworth- iness and his high mindedness.

ARTHUR ELMORE CRAINE has resided on his present farm of 165 acres in section 36, Orion township, Olmsted county, Minne- sota, since 1903. He was born August 22, 1850, in Marengo county, Illinois, the son of Giles W. and Eliza A. Craine, and the family, insofar as the records show, hail primarily from the State of Ohio. Early in life the father, who was a farmer and blacksmith by oc- cupation, left his native State and went to Illinois, where he re- mained until 1855. He then came West to Winona county, Minne- sota, but shortly thereafter came to Chatfield, Olmsted county, Min- nesota, and here he and wife spent their remaining days. After receiving his early education in the district schools Arthur E. Craine, the immediate subject of this review, entered the Utica High School and completed his education in his eighteenth year. For two years thereafter he remained with his father, learning the blacksmith's trade, and then started out in life for himself, working at his trade five years. In 1875 he purchased a farm in Lyon county, Iowa, but was forced to dispose of same, owing to the ravages of grasshoppers. He worked for a time at his trade in Mankato, Minnesota, and then spent a year at Saratoga. For the succeeding twelve years he con- ducted a woodworking and blacksmith shop at Fremont, and was also interested largely in well drilling. From 1890 to 1894 he fur- ther engaged at Fremont in the manufacture of self-feeders for threshers. In the latter year he came to Chatfield, Olmsted county, and established himself in the machine repairing business, continuing thus two years. Until 1903 he engaged in farming near Sara- toga, Minnesota, and then bought his present property in Orion township, Olmsted county, where he has since been successfully engaged at farming and milling. On his property is a mill which has stood there for over fifty years, and this Mr. Craine also conducts. In 1874 he was married to Nellie M., daughter of James and Han- nah Jackson, of Fremont. Winona county, and to them have been born Charles, a veteran of the Philippine war, and Maud. In poli- tics Mr. Craine is a Republican, and he is one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers and citizens of Olmsted county.

RICHARD DIXON SHEARER, who is now residing in Chatfield, Elmira township, and is the owner of 280 acres of land in that town- ship, and also a farm of 465 acres in Fillmore county, is one of the prominent figures in the southeastern part of the county. He is the son of Samuel and Rebecca Shearer, the former of whom died

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September 15, 1903, but the latter is yet living at an advanced age with her son. The father was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, and settled in Olmsted county in 1864, and was thus among the first settlers. When a young man and still a resident of Penn- sylvania, he enlisted in the American army for the Mexican war and saw hard and dangerous service. After that war and when the Cali- fornia gold excitement first broke out, he started for the Pacific slope. taking passage in a sailing vessel that had to go entirely around Cape Horn. It required six months to make the voyage, to which time another month was added by reason of the Captain's leaving the ship at Valparaiso and remaining away for a whole month, forcing all passengers to remain at that point against their wishes and interests for that time. The hardships of this trip were ever afterward an unpleasant memory of Mr. Shearer. After some time spent in the gold fields, Mr. Shearer returned to Pennsylvania and finally as above stated came in 1864 to this county and settled on section 35, Elmira township, where he in time built up a farm of 520 acres and passed the remainder of his days, acquiring a large property and an excellent name and reputation.

Richard D., his son, was educated in the district schools and at the Chatfield high school, where he finished his literary training at the age of 18 years. Previously during the summers he assisted his father on the farm. Here he remained until his retirement in 1905. While on the farm he was one of the best farmers of the county, raising large quantities of mixed products and large numbers of live stock. He made vast improvements on the various tracts which he owned. His residence in Chatfield cost about $6.000 and is an orna- ment .to the town. He is a Roman Catholic and has served eight years as treasurer of the board of education. On October 20, 1886, he wedded Miss Margaret, daughter of Michael and Rosanna Brady, prominent farmers of Winona county. To this union five children were born : Pearl Rebecca, who is a graduate of the Normal School and of the Winona Ladies' Seminary ; James Walter, who is a grad- uate of St. Thomas College, St. Paul; Reuben Leo, Francis Paul and John Samuel, the latter three being yet at home with their par- ents. The family is prominent in this portion of the county.

A. G. ROBINSON was born in Wilton, Franklin county, Maine, August 25. 1831, and there grew to manhood and was educated at the common schools. In his early manhood he learned the trade of machinist and when he left Maine at the age of nineteen years to begin the battle of life on his own account, he first worked at his trade in various locations, but in 1864 came to Olmsted county and located in Viola township. At that time the county was very now, settlers were few and roads few and without bridges. The township was mostly a broad prairie, interspersed with small

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groves and brush thickets. He took up 160 acres from the gov- ernment and this has been his property ever since. The place is now occupied by his son. It required a great deal of hard work to put the land under suitable tillage, but in time the farm became one of the best in the township. At the present time Mr. Robinson reserves only a small tract of ground for his own use in his de- clining years. His father was Addison Robinson, who was born on Martha's Vinyard Island April 3, 1810; and his mother was Abigail Webster. This branch of the Robinson family have traced their origin far back in English history and to a very early period in this country. The children of Addison and Abigail were A. G., the eldest; Abigail Dilana, wife of Wilson Gray, died aged 24 years ; Marilla M., died aged two years; Betsey B., married James Thomas, resides in New Mexico; Estelle M., married William D. Seamans, she is deceased. A. G. Robinson married Katherine Melissa Harriman February 26, 1855, she being the daughter of Benjamin and Katherine (Emerson ) Harriman. Eight sons and three daughters were born to this union as follows: George Will- iam, born February 28, 1856, a resident of St. Paul; Russell Gil- man, born October 26, 1857, residing in St. Paul; Slayton K., born July 30, 1859, in Montana; Charles W., born April 15, 1861 ; Etta L., born March 2, 1864, died 1889; Arthur L., born February 13, 1867, at Warren, Minnesota; Webster H., born Seutember 26, 1868, at Taylor's Falls ; Abbie M., born April 14, 1871, died 1898; Myrtle E., born October 6, 1875, died 1889; Lester A., born October 18, 1877, residing on the old homestead; Guy B. H., born October 7, 1879, residing with his parents. The old homestead has splendid improvements. In politics Mr. Robinson is a Prohibition- ist. He and wife and 'members of the Methodist church at Viola. He has served as town treasurer and supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Elgin. He has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

DR. R. C. DUGAN, who, by reason of many years spent in the conscientious practice of medicine, is regarded as one of Olmsted county's foremost medical practitioners, was born in Eyota, this county, February 12, 1865, a son of Elija S. and Calista (Griffis) Dugan. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of New York state, and after their marriage in Ohio they moved to Illinois in 1857, and five years later came to Olmsted county. The father was a successful farmer and passed away in 1901, greatly respected in the community where he resided. Three children were born to him and wife, as follows: Charles Dugan, who married Elvira Richardson; Nathan Dugan, who married Agnes Styles, resides in Eyota; and Dr. R. C. Dugan, our subject.

The latter received his early education in the common schools

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of his community, and later attended the Rochester High School. Early in life he decided that he would be most successful in the field of medical practice, and accordingly entered the University of Min- nesota, from which institution he was graduated in 1890. He immediately began the general practice of his profession at Eyota, was successful from the beginning, and has since been actively engaged at that place. Dr. Dugan has served as postmaster of Eyota since receiving his first commission in 1903, and has been health officer for some time. He has charge of the Eyota hospital and is recognized as a skillful surgeon and medical practitioner. He is highly esteemed by all who know him as a broad, liberal and progressive citizen. February 20, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabelle Styles, daughter of William and Elizabeth Styles, who came to Minnesota at an early period in her growth and development. To this union the following children have been born : Rollo C., Catherine, Nathan and Melvin, at home with their par- ents. Socially Dr. Dugan is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Orient Chapter, 19, R. A. M., at St. Charles, Minnesota, Ashler Lodge, No. 61, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Scottish Rite branch at Winona.

JAMES FITZPATRICK, well remembered by many as a worthy and estimable citizen of this county, was a native of County Tip- perary, Ireland. his birth occurring in 1835. When a lad he at- tended the schools of his native country, but in 1853 immigrated to America and for a time lived in Winona county, Minnesota. He came to Olmsted county in 1859 and located on a farm in Section 27, High Forest township, at which time the county was new and much of it in a wild state. He later bought land and lived in Rochester township, and also, for a time, conducted the Pierce Hotel, in Rochester. Mr. Fitzpatrick was twice married; first, to Charlotte Omelue, who died in 1878, and second to Miss Mary Ann Condron, on July 11, 1880. To his first marriage John and Mary were born. To his second marriage were born James, Francis, Edward, Stephen, Julia and Mary. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Olmsted county, the Condrons having come here at an early date and becoming prominent in the early and subsequent growth and development of the county. Mr. Fitzpatrick started out in life for himself a poor boy, but by industry and good management he laid the foundation for the competency that has since come to his family. Mrs. Fitz- patrick lives on the old home place in Rochester township, which is one of the best farming properties in the county.

JAMES P. WITHROW, one of the most successful of Oronoco township's retired farmers, was born in Uniontown, Fayette county,

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Pennsylvania, December 11, 1839, a son of Daniel C. and Sarah (Devore) Withrow. The Withrow and Devore families are of old Pennsylvania stock, locating in that state before the Revolutionary war, and were loyal defenders of the cause of independence. The father was originally a merchant of Uniontown, but when he came west to McGregor, Iowa, in 1852, he engaged in farming, which he continued until his death in November, 1876. His wife passed away in 1890.

James P. Withrow received his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and Iowa, and until August 14, 1862, remained with his parents on the home farm in Iowa. When war was declared between the North and the South he enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company G., Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He first saw active service at Hartsville, Missouri, and thereafter his regiment was "always at the front." Mr. Withrow's partici- pation in that memorable struggle may be briefly outlined as fol- lows: Siege of Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, Jackson, Port Raymond, with Sherman in second battle at Jackson, New Orleans, Fort Spanish, Mobile, Red River Campaign, and through the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. After seeing the above active service he was honorably discharged at Clinton, Iowa, in July, 1865. He immediately returned to McGregor, Iowa, and engaged in farm- ing, continuing until 1885, when he came to Oronoco Township, Olmsted County, and followed the same line of endeavor. Mr. Withrow was unusually successful in his business dealings and now owns 750 acres of Oronoco farm land, divided into seven tracts. which he rents on the share plan. Although a good share of his time is spent in a general supervision over his farms, Mr. Withrow has really retired from the active duties of life, and is at present en- joying the fruits of his past years work. In his political views he has always been a Republican, but has been an "Insurgent" for the past few years. He has never sought public positions of any nature and has always refused to fill them. While residing at McGregor he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, but has not been active in its affairs since coming to Olmsted County owing to the distance to the Posts. In 1896 he was united in marriage with Miss Ada Schramm, daughter of Chauncey and Jerusha (Viall) Schramm. Mr. Withrow has spent some portions of his winters in travel, is a man of considerable ability and personal force and is genial and popular with all who know him.

JOHN HAWKINS, a prominent farmer and old settler of New Haven Township, was born in Ireland, March 24, 1835. He came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, a young man in 1865 and has owned and resided on his present farm for over forty years. For some time after coming here he worked as a farm hand, and, saving some

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of his wages, was enabled to make his first payment on his property. His life here has been even and uneventful, filled with plenty of hard work, and thoroughly enjoyable in the love of family and the companionship of his fellowmen. He now owns 170 acres of land, 145 acres of which are under cultivation. In 1876 he wedded Mary Hesting, a native of Virginia and the daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Furey ) Hesting, who were natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are the parents of three sons and two daughters, as follows: John E., born June 23, 1878; Catherine, born Decem- ber 3, 1879; now Mrs. Catherine Fredericks; Thomas, born April 23, 1881 ; Patrick J., born July 1, 1883; and Mary E., born Feb- ruary 25, 1890. The family are devout adherents of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, at Pine Island. Of late years Mr. Haw- kins has turned over the harder work of the home farm to his sons.

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History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 33

Author: Joseph A. Leonard Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Number of Pages: 736

Author: Joseph A. Leonard
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 736