History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 35

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

USA > Minnesota > Olmsted County > History of Olmsted County, Minnesota > Part 35

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to the bar, December 5, 1879, and began the practice of his profes- sion with Frank B. Kellogg under the firm name of Kellogg & Eaton. October 1, 1887, this association was dissolved by the removal of Mr. Kellogg to St. Paul, and since that time Mr. Eaton has continued the practice alone. In politics he is a Democrat, and, although he has occupied official positions, is in no sense a politician. He has served as county attorney, city recorder, mayor of Rochester and his incumbency of those positions was characterized by ability and thoroughness. He ranks among the ablest lawyers of the State of Minnesota. On January 15, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella B. Butler, daughter of George H. and Emma Butler, of Medford, Minnesota, and they are the parents of one daughter, Elsie Butler Eaton. Mr. Eaton is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine and a Knight of Pythias, and is also prominently identified with other commercial and benevolent organi- zations of Rochester.

CURTIS E. BURKE is the owner of 160 acres on Section 26, Orion Township, postoffice, Chatfield. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected settlers and citizens of the county, and a sketch of his life is well worth reading. He is the son of Franklin B. and Lucie Burke, the latter dying in 1839 and the former in 1896. The father was a pioneer settler and for many years was a justice of the peace and a supervisor. He was born in Vermont and after several years spent in Canada he came to this county and remained until his death. After the death of his first wife he married again and the subject of this sketch was reared by her.

Curtis E. was born in Cornish, New Hampshire, October 10, 1835. His mother died when he was about four years old, but he was given a fair education in youth, continuing until he was about seventeen years old. During all this time he was assisting his father at the home place. When his father and stepmother went to Can- ada he accompanied them and all remained there about three years. In 1856 they came to this county and settled in Orion township, where father and stepmother passed the remainder of their days. Upon their arrival here they were at first unable to get lumber with which to build a house ; they accordingly built a "dugout" of earth and covered it with rough plank and here they resided until they could build a better structure of stone which was covered with boards. In the course of time the boards warped and rain and snow came in, so that they were again forced to build. The new struc- ture was a frame and in this they lived for many happy years.

Curtis F., in 1859, rented a farm and conducted it until 1861, when he enlisted in one of the Minnesota regiments destined for the Union army and participated in all the movements and battles in which it was engaged. His regiment was one of the best from

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this state and was engaged in many hazardous and exhausting cam- paigns. Mr. Burke participated in the bloody battles of Resaca, Atlanta, Savannah, Evansboro and others. He escaped without serious wound or sickness. After serving for six months Mr. Burke was promoted to corporal. In all regards he was a faithful soldier, doing his whole duty. and at the end of the war was honorably mus- tered out and returned home. He rented a farm, but at the same time bought a farm of 160 acres in Rock county, but when the grasshoppers came by the millions he became disheartened and left the place and returned to the rented place, which he conducted for three years. He then bought his present farm and here he has resided ever since. When he bought the place there were only sev- enteen acres broken and the buildings were poor, but he went to work in earnest and in time made one of the best farms in this part of the county. He is engaged in mixed farming and has on hand a large number of live stock.

On March 31, 1859, he married Miss Ellen M., daughter of Ly- man and Mary Case, and they had three children, two of whom died while their father was in the war. His first wife, Ellen M., dying in 1874, he chose for his second wife Miss Mary A. Loomis, daughter of Harris and Mary Jane Loomis. His.son Perry is a farmer at Watertown, South Dakota. Floyd is a farmer on Sec- tion 26. Lena married Lawrence Herrick. Linus is yet with his father. Curtis E. is a Republican and has served as assessor, con- stable, justice of the peace and chairman of the board of super- visors. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been commander of his local lodge. His military career was excellent and his whole life has been one free from blame. The county has no better citizen.

MARTIN V. ROWLEY, a native of Steuben county, New York, came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1864, and, for many years was here engaged in blacksmithing and farming. He was born March 8, 1838, a son of John S. and Nancy (Van Houten) Rowley. His grand father, also named John S. Rowley, espoused the cause of the Colonies and was an officer in the War of Independence. He was an expert swordsman and after the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, taught the art of fencing to nul- merous pupils. The junior John S. Rowley, the father of Martin V., passed the greater part of his life engaged in the lumber and saw mill business, and his death occurred in Steuben county, New York, at the age of sixty-five years. Martin V. Rowley was the third child in a family of fourteen, thirteen of whom lived to ma- turity. After attending the public schools in boyhood he worked in his father's mill until about 1856, then resided in Ohio one year, succeeding which he moved to Wisconsin. There he lived until

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his removal to Rochester. For many years he was the foremost blacksmith in Rochester, and in conjunction with this work was extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. July 4, 1856, he mar- ried Nancy Wilson, daughter of Hawley Wilson, of New York state, and they lived happily together for more than fifty years. They were the parents of six children as follows: Charles M., John M., William H., Julia A., Sadie B. and Norman G.

John M. Rowley, son of Martin V. Rowley, was born December 18. 1859, at Baraboo, Wisconsin, and when five years old was brought to Rochester by his parents. He was educated in the public schools of this city and began his business career as an er- rand boy and later as a clerk in the store of J. D. Blake & Com- pany. In 1892 he associated himself with the firm of Leet & Knowlton, which had succeeded the firm of J. D. Blake & Company. and was thus employed about five years. In 1897, in partnership with Henry E. Gerry, he embarked in the clothing and furnishing business, and this firm has since continued as one of the substantial, up-to-date mercantile establishments of Rochester. Mr. Rowley is an Episcopalian in religion and a Republican in politics, and has served his party as a member of the National, State, County and City committees. He early identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained distinction. He is a past wor- shipful master of Rochester Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., is a member of Halcyon Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., is past commander of Home Commandery No. 5, K. T., and member of Winona Con- sistory No. 4, and is the present eminent grand senior warden of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of the State of Minne- sota, and a member of Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also · is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Rowley was one of the first to advocate the erection of a Masonic temple at Rochester, and since its com- pletion has been active in its management. To his marriage with Miss Nora M. Nelson, solemnized January 8, 1890 two children have been born, Walter Nelson and John Martin. Mrs. Rowley is the daughter of Andrew Nelson, a native of Norway, who came to America in 1854 and to Rochester in 1859; was one of the pioneer merchants of this city and one of its most respected citizens.

JAMES E. REID, engaged in the jewelry business in Rochester since the spring of 1894, is a son of James A. and Isabella Reid, natives of Belfast, Ireland. Shortly after coming to America James A. Reid located in Wisconsin, but in 1866 came to Elgin, Wabasha county, Minnesota. James E. Reid was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, July 8, 1865, and was educated in the public schools and a semi- mary at Rochester, Minnesota, and at Darling's Business College He learned his trade of watchmaker and jeweler at St. Paul, then

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spent two years at Spokane, Washington, and subsequently resided for a time at St. Paul and Minneapolis. The spring of 1894 he returned to Rochester and established himself in business in the Ramsey Block, but in the year 1897 he moved to Horton Block, cor- ner Broadway and Zumbro streets. He was here located five years, then removed to the Metropolitan Theatre, a brick and stone build- ing, 140x66 feet, which he erected. For over sixteen years Mr. Reid has been engaged in the jewelry business at Rochester. His personality and the square methods with which he has conducted his business have brought him the legitimate reward of prosperity. With the exception of about three years, from 1899 to 1902, when L. A. Orr was his partner, Mr. Reid has been in business alone. In addition to his regular line he carries a well selected stock of musical instruments, and his patrons are numerous throughout all of Olmsted county. To his marriage with Miss Birdie E., daugh- ter of William Kruger, solemnized in 1894, five children have been born, named, Norman J., Roland A., Harold W., James E., Archi- bald H. In addition to his business as above described, Mr. Reid conducts the Metropolitan and Majestic. Theatres, the billboard advertising in Rochester, the old home farm of 260 acres, near Elgin, Minnesota, which he rents, and is also heavily interested in Rochester realty.

JOSEPH DVORAK, who now resides on a farm of 145 acres on Section 22, Orion Township, came to this location in 1875. He is a son of Charles and Fanny Dvorak, the father being a carpenter by trade. Unfortunately, he died in 1848, when the subject of this review was but four years old. His widow continued to reside in this county until her death in 1902.

Joseph Dvorak was born in Politzka, Bohemia, in November, 1844, and attended the public schools of his native town. Owing to his father's early death he was compelled to leave school at the age of twelve years in order to assist in making his own living and in order to help his mother and the other children, there being three others. He remained in the old country aiding his mother and his brothers and sisters until in 1869, when he immigrated to New York and came direct to Minnesota and Olmsted county and here he has resided ever since. He first went to work here by hiring out by the month, and continued thus engaged for several years. He carefully saved a portion of his earnings while thus engaged until he was finally enabled to first rent a farm, which he ocupied for three years, making in the meantime more money and saving a considerable part of it. He then bought his present farm, at which time there were only eighteen acres broke up, but he went to work clearing the place of brush and other obstacles and at the present time has under culti-

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vation about 100 acres. When he began here he first built him- self a small one-room cabin, quite a different structure from the present fine residence now occupied by him and his family. All his farm buildings are a credit to his industry and to the township. He is prosperous and in a situation to enjoy life, after his long struggles here and in the old country in boyhood days. At present he is engaged in mixed farming and generally keeps on hand about twenty head of cattle and four working horses. Starting out in life in boyhood with nothing but his own head and hands to put him forward, handicapped with having to help his mother and his brothers and sisters, he deserves the greatest praise for his steady industry, his honest conduct, his excellent citizenship and his fine success. He has been naturalized for nearly forty years, though he is still unable to speak the English language perfectly. He has brought up his family in refinement, though all are accus- tomed to hard work and all know how to spend money for the best and wisest purposes. He loves his adopted country, is a Democrat, has served as road master, is a member of the Presby- terian church and of the A. O. U. W. On November 19, 1877, he married at Rochester, Miss Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Fanny Mondill, the former of whom died in 1900 at the age of eighty-one years, while the latter is yet living in Chatfield with her son at the age of eighty-four years. Joseph Dvorak and wife have three children, as follows: Anna, living at home with her parents : Archie, assisting on the farm, and William, also at home. It should be stated that when Mr. Dvorak first bought land here in 1875, the purchase consisted of only forty-five acres. In 1892 he bought the other 100 acres. The family has the highest respect of all who know them. They are up with the times and the world is better for their having lived.

LATHAM A. ORR was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1861, his parents being Alexander and Isabella (Gamble) Orr. His mother was twice married, her second husband being James A. Reid, the father of James E. Reid, of Rochester. One of her brothers is Robert J. Gamble, who was the United States senator from South Dakota. John and Martha Orr, the grandparents of Latham A. Orr, were natives of Scotland and England respectively. The youth and early manhood of the subject of this sketch were passed on the home farm in Wisconsin and in attending the dis- trict schools. When twenty-one years old he went to South Dakota, where he acquired three quarter sections of land in Spink county. During this time he worked on his property during the summer months and in the winters was learning the jewelry busi- ness and watchmaker's trade in Rochester, Minnesota, of John Hedenstadt, an expert workman, who learned the trade of his

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father in Norway. This continued three successive years; he then went to St. Paul, where he completed the learning of his trade, succeeding which he came to Rochester and has since made his home in this city. For a time after coming here he was in part- nership with his half brother, James E. Reid, but in 1893 he pur- chased the interest of Mr. Reid and has since conducted a large and constantly increasing business under the firm name of L. A. Orr Company. The retail end of the business is now carried on near the corner of Broadway, on Zumbro street, while the manu- facturing is being done in the three-story and basement building, 71x140 feet, on Zumbro street, which was built in 1902. Mr. Orr is one of the best known, substantial business men of Roches- ter. In February, 1877, he married Miss Flora C. Bultman, daughter of Frederick Bultman, now a retired farmer of Spink county, South Dakota, and they are the parents of three children: Vera B., Frieda, deceased. and Robert A. Mr. Orr is a member of the B. P. O. E. fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was member of the city council for four years as alderman of the Second ward.

KNUTE L. BRAKKE was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, April 3, 1861. (For his parentage see sketch of D. B. Brakke, his brother.) He grew up on his father's farm and was given a common school education and remained there until his marriage June 1. 1885, to Gurine Larson, daughter of John and Guro Lar- son, both of whom are deceased and are buried in St. Olaf's cemetery. In their lifetime they were prominent settlers and citi- zens of Rock Dell township. To Knute L. Brakke and wife the following children have been born: Julia, Lawrence, Cora, John, Albert, Grant, Leander and Gurine. Unfortunately the mother of these children passed away September 6, 1906, and now sleeps her last sleep in St. Olaf's cemetery. Mr. Brakke when he first began business for himself bought the Larson farm of 200 acres, and afterward added to the tract until now he is the owner of 400 acres in Rock Dell township and 160 acres in North Dakota. He is farming extensively and is making money. He raises the small grains and considerable live stock for market. He has excellent short horn cattle. In March, 1909, he married Mrs. Agatha Lee Nelson, second daughter of Helge and Anna Lee. Mr. Brakke is one of the leading farmers of this portion of the county. He is progressive and his character is above reproach.

Helge N. Lee was born in Norway December 15, 1828, and was there reared on his father's farm and educated. In 1857 he came to Rock Dell township, where he bought 160 acres in section 6. There he continued farming until his death in 1907, shortly after celebrating his golden wedding. His wife, formerly Anna

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Horvei, is still living and resides in their old house with Mr. and Mrs. K. L. Brakke. To Mr. Lee and wife the following children were born: Anna, Agatha, Nels, John, Louise, Martha, now Mrs. D. B. Brakke, and Ole. Mr. Lee was a man of more than ordinary ability and uprightness, and his death was a serious loss to the church which he attended and to the community where he had lived so long and had become so prominent.

GEORGE J. STEVENS, for fifteen years one of the active and progressive business men of Rochester, was born at Sparta, Wis- consin, February 11, 1866, and is one of three children born to the marriage of O. D. Stevens, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and Mary Folger, who was born in Vermont. Benjamin Stevens, his grandfather, was one of the early pioneers near Sparta, Wis- consin, where for many years he followed his trade of carpenter and builder. O. D. Stevens, his father, was a cooper by trade. but was later engaged in the meat and provision business; he moved to 'Watertown, South Dakota, in 1884, where he resided until his death June 20, 1908. George J. Stevens had a varied career during his early manhood. When a boy he attended the public schools of Sparta, Wisconsin, and was there graduated from the high school in 1884. He learned the jewelry business and watch- making, and for four years resided at Watertown, South Dakota, then was employed as a commercial traveler on the road for the Rockford Silver Plate Company, of Rockford, Illinois. In 1895, he came to Rochester, Minnesota, and bought the book and sta- tionery business of H. J. Richardson, which he conducted until 1891, when he sold out to H. S. Adams. In this year he pur- chased the large carpet business carried on by A. D. Leet, and this line of occupation, together with window hangings, he has since built up until it has become recognized as one of the large retail business establishments of Rochester. As his trade increased and developed Mr. Stevens has found it expedient to carry on a jobbing trade in connection with his retail business. June 25, 1895, he was united in marriage with Stella, the daughter of Stephen Crouch, who for many years was one of Rochester's leading business men.

WILLIAM HENRY HATFIELD is one of the few remaining old pioneers of Olmsted county. For fifty-five years he has resided here, and when the final summons comes his best epitaph in the hearts of his neighbors and numerous friends will be that he has lived a well-spent life, that he was honest, law-abiding, a good neighbor and a man among men. To such men as Mr. Hatfield is Olmsted county indebted for its present high state of moral, civic and material development. He was born in Wyoming county,

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OLE SAETTRE

H. HATFIELD

BERT CROWELL

Pioneer Log Cabin, yet standing, Rochester.

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New York, February 24, 1830, a son of William and Paula Hat- field, of Scottish ancestry, but for many generations Americans. The father was a farmer and he died in 1854 when sixty-five years old ; the mother died in 1880 at the age of eighty-eight years and was buried in the Dover cemetery. William Henry Hatfield had but very limited educational advantages in youth. When eighteen years of age he emigrated west and settled in Clinton county, Iowa, but in 1855 removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, pre-empting forty acres of land on section 34, in Quincy town- ship, his mother at the same time pre-empting 160 acres for him. This location was one year after the first settlement was made in Quincy township, and the country for miles around was practically unchanged from the fashioning hand of the Creator. Mr. Hat- field is generally known as Henry Hatfield, his first name being usually omitted. He passed through the many hardships of those pioneer times, but with patience and perseverance prospered and won the universal respect of his fellow men. From time to time he added to his real estate holdings until he now owns 316 acres. The original 160 acres pre-empted for him by his mother he has always retained. On this, with his own hands and by his direc- tion, all the buildings were erected. He is also a stockholder of the First State bank of Dover. Mr. Hatfield freely accords to the wife of his youth and latter age much of the success that has come to him through life. In Clinton county, Iowa, on Sep- tember 11, 1855, he married Martha E. Thompson, a native of Ohio, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Thompson, of English and German ancestry, respectively. This lady has indeed been his helpmate, in all that the term implies, through life. In 1905 they celebrated their golden wedding, at which time they were presented a beautiful gold loving cup by their numerous friends and neighbors. Two daughters have been born to this marriage: Maggie C., who died March 24, 1898, the wife of William Hart, and Amelia T., the wife of Dr. H. H. Witherstine, of Rochester, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

SCHUSTER BROTHERS, prominent business men of Rochester, Minnesota, deserve more than passing notice for their industry and success. They are Henry, who was born at Fox Lake, Wis- consin, May 29, 1862. and Fred W., born at Rochester, August 15, 1863. They are the sons of Henry Schuster, who was born at Frankfort on the Rhine, Germany, November 28, 1835. The father was educated in the public schools of the old country and in early manhood learned the trade of blacksmithing. His father having died when he was only five years old and his mother two years later, he was thus thrown upon his own resources at an early age. Upon attaining manhood he married Josephine Hohler

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and soon afterward came to America, arriving in 1858, accom- panied by a younger brother.

They first located in Milwaukee, where the brother learned the trade of carriage building. A little later they moved to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where they conducted a blacksmith and carriage shop. In 1863, Henry. Sr., came to Rochester by team and formed a partnership with a Mr. Olsen in the blacksmithing and wagon- making business. In 1869 Mr. Schuster bought the interest of his partner. In 1866, he became interested in a small brewery which had been established in 1858 by a Mr. Dreshcer. This plant was conducted until 1871, when it was totally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of over $8,000. A new building of brick was immediately built and was at the time considered one of the best brewery structures in the state. Mr. Schuster conducted this brewery successfully until his death, after which his two sons, Henry and Fred W., assumed charge, though scarcely out of their teens. The father in his lifetime here built up an excellent reputa- tion as a sound business man and a citizen who at all times had the public welfare at heart, especially the growth and prosperity of Rochester. His kindness of heart made him hosts of friends, and his generosity did not a little to advance the public institu- tions at Rochester and elsewhere. His death occurred in August, 1885. His wife passed away in May, 1897.

Henry and Fred W. continued the business where their father dropped it. Both sons were educated in the public schools of Rochester, and immediately thereafter Henry entered his father's office as a clerk and Fred W. began work in the plant to fit him- self for the practical management of brewing. Three years later Fred W. accepted a position with the France-Folk Brewing Coin- pany, of Milwaukee, which later was consolidated with the Pabst establishment. After three years spent there he returned to Rochester and took charge of the brewing department of the plant, while Henry remained in charge of the office. Under their good management the business grew and prospered. In 1897 they were forced to enlarge and rebuild the plant in order to meet the demands of trade. They began by adding a new bottling house, two stories and 36x120 feet. Soon afterward they erected a brick power and machine house; a cold storage and stock house of brick, two stories and 40x80 feet; a brewery and wash house of brick, 80x110 feet, the brew house being five stories and the additional stock house three stories. The rehabilitation of the plant was completed by the erection of an elegant and commodious office building, 40x80 feet. The original capacity of the brewery was but 1,000 barrels per annum; now the capacity is 75,000 barrels per annum. In order still further to perfect himself in the science of brewing, Fred W. took a course in the American

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History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 35

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

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