History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 71

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

USA > Minnesota > Olmsted County > History of Olmsted County, Minnesota > Part 71

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digitized by Google

655

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

local schools where his parents resided. He finished by graduating at the high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the age of twenty- two years he married, at Ann Arbor, Miss Mary E. O'Hara, daugh- ter of John and Mary, November 5, 1878, and at once brought his bride to his father's residence in Elmira township. He had learned the carpenter trade, and followed the same and managed to save considerable money. With this and with the help of his father he finally bought a farm in Rock county, but a year later sold the same and in 1881 went to Bismarck, North Dakota, and there worked at his trade for nine years, and part of the time was in part- nership with others, under the firm name of Keefe, Thomas & Hackett. In 1889 he came here and bought his present property, and since has been engaged in mixed farming and stock-raising. He is independent in politics, served as clerk of the board of educa- tion, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen and a member of the Catholic church. His children are: John A., a lieutenant of the Detroit fire department; George P., in college; Edward L .; Mary E .; Ellen Victoria, and Margaret Alice. John O'Hara was a well-known and prominent citizen of Ann Arbor.

AMBROSE KEEFE, who is now residing on a farm of 140 acres on section 21, Elmira township, is one of the successful and promi- nent farmers of this portion of the county. He is a son of John and Mary Keefe, the father coming from Ireland to America with his parents when a boy. Ambrose was born February 22, 1854, and in youth was educated in the district schools of his native county, and later in the district schools of Olmsted county. He continued to attend the local school until he reached the age of twenty-one years, and in the meantime assisted his father on the farm and con- tinued with him until he was twenty-seven years old. He then bought his present farm, which was then almost wholly in a wild state, and began to clear and grub and put it under cultivation. He has from time to time made all the improvements in buildings, fences and cultivation. This required many years of steady indus- try, but all obstacles were overcome as time passed. He first lived in a small shanty and suffered many hardships and inconveniences, but now is in comfortable circumstances and is well known and highly respected. He is a Democrat and is at present constable of Elmira township. He has also served as road master for two years. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Chatfield. In December, 1880, at Chatfield, he married Miss Kate Williams, daughter of Patrick and Mary Williams, who are prominent pioneer settlers of Fillmore county. To this marriage have been born one son and one daughter: Cecilia, who is attending high school at Chatfield, and John James, who is assisting his father on the farm.

Digitized by Google

656

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

Mr. Keefe deserves much credit for his industry, steadiness, honesty and good citizenship.

JOHN MACKEN has been a resident of Olmsted county since the year 1865. He was born in County Down, Ireland, December 19, 1847, and was there educated in the public schools, but early in life realized the advantages to be had in America and accordingly came to this country. He located on his present place in Marion town- ship, which he purchased from his uncle, Patrick Burns, about 1865, made all needed improvements thereon and has since been actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the present time he also owns 200 acres of fine farm land in Pleasant Grove township, all under cultivation. On January 8, 1877, Mr. Macken was united in marriage with Miss Julia St. George, daughter of the deceased pioneer, Michael St. George, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this publication. Her father came to Olmsted county in May, 1856, and for years was prominent in public affairs. To the above union a family of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, were born, as fol- lows: Daniel, Mary, Michael, Nellie, Celia, John, Peter, Julia, James, Gertrude, Leo and Sarah. In his political views Mr. Macken is a lifelong Democrat, and he and family are communicants of the Catholic church. He is regarded as one of the progressive and up-to- date farmers of the community, and takes an active interest in any movement that tends to the growth and development of the county.

JOSEPH BROGAN is a son of Anthony and Katherine Brogan and now resides on a farm of 160 acres in section 28, Elmira town- ship. The father, Anthony, came to this country from Ireland in 1865 and settled in Olmsted county, where he bought a farm of 160 acres and resided on the same until his death. For a time he worked in Milwaukee and while there saved enough money to enable him to buy the home in this county. He became generally known here and was regarded as one of the leaders in public spirit and progress. He cared little for politics, but usually could be found at work or attending to the duties of his farm. He died January 18, 1891, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife died November 23, 1909. Joseph Brogan was born on his father's farm August 16. 1867, and was given a fair education in the old-time schools of the neighborhood. He learned the art of agriculture on his father's farm and has ever since made that branch of industry his business. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then hired out on the neighboring farms for three years. He then rented farms and carried on operations on a much larger scale than he could while working out by the month. He thus continued to rent for twelve years and during that time saved enough to

Digitized b Google

657

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

enable him to purchase his present property. He not only cultivates his present farm, but rents 130 acres from his neighbors, and is one of the largest and most successful farmers of the county. He is progresive and up-to-date in all his operations. He raises all kinds of domestic animals and large quantities of small grain. He is a Democrat and a Roman Catholic. He married, in the town of For- est, Vernon county, Miss Maggie Cauccutt, daughter of Thomas and Margaret, prominent farmers of that county. They have had four daughters and three sons : Margaret, a school teacher at Rochester; William L., assisting his father; Lucille; Frances; Anthony; Annie Elizabeth, and Francis Joseph.

HARRY BROWN, who passed away on July 4, 1875, and now lies at rest in the cemetery at Chatfield, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 18, 1825, and was of English extraction. Early in life he removed to Michigan and from there went to Illi- nois, where he was married. He and wife then moved to Winne- bago county, Wisconsin. When gold was discovered in California, Mr. Brown crossed the plains by ox team, the trip occupying a period of three months, and for three years cast his lot with the fortune-seekers whose struggles for wealth have since become a matter of history. He then returned East and joined his family in Iowa, where they had removed during his absence. Shortly there- after the family came to Minnesota and settled on a farm near Albert Lea, one mile north of Bear Lake, remaining here until 1859. Mr. Brown then disposed of his farm and settled on a tract in Fillmore county, this state, about six miles west of Chatfield, where he farmed successfully for two years. In the spring of 1861 he went to Colorado, but in the fall of the same year returned home and resumed farming. In 1862 he enlisted with the "Boys in Blue" for the preservation of the Union, joining Company H, Sixth Min- nesota Volunteer Infantry, and after a three years' service was honorably discharged by the War Department of the United States Government. He then returned home and followed farming until his death. To him and wife a family of five children were born, named Leosa, Warren H., Emma, Hannah and Carrie, and of these Emma, Carrie and Warren are yet living.

Warren H. Brown, son of Harry Brown, was born in Winne- bago county, Wisconsin, February 27, 1851, and his boyhood days were spent in attending the public schools and assisting his parents with the work of the home farm. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself, working one year as a farm hand, and then engaged in farming in Fillmore county, Minnesota, for two years. At different times he was identified with the hardware, grocery, restaurant and livery lines, but in 1895 embarked in the hotel business, and has been thus engaged ever since. In this latter

Digitized by Google

658

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

line of endeavor he has been most successful, and is now the pro- prietor and owner of Brown's Hotel at Rochester. He also is the owner of 400 acres of farm land in Crow Wing county, this state. In 1873, when twenty-two years old, he married Miss Helen Doty, and to them these children have been born: Henry, Clara D., Idela and Elmer. In 1889 Mrs. Brown died and the year following Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Mary Drury. To this union Mabel, Josephine and Seymour have been born, all of whom are residing at home. Our subject is a member of the Universalist church, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic fraternity. He has been successful in his business dealings and takes an active interest and part in the growth and development of his county.

JOHN HYSLOP .- The death of John Hyslop in 1897 marked the passing of one of Olmsted county's earliest pioneers. He was a Scot by nativity, his birth occurring September 9, 1829, in Loch- ratton, and he was a son of Robert Hyslop, a farmer of that coun- try. He was educated in the public schools of his native country and there reared to early manhood, but at the age of twenty-one he decided that better chances for success could be had in America, and accordingly immigrated to this country. For a time after his arrival here he remained in New York and New Jersey, and then, in 1855, came West to the rough and unsettled fields of Minnesota, in search of home and fortune. He secured 160 acres of land from the gov- ernment in Marion township, and from that time he resided in Olmsted county. About one year previous to Mr. Hyslop's advent in this county, the first settlement had been made, and as yet little had been done in the way of cultivation, but he possessed the sturdy disposition characteristic of the Scotch race, and went to work with a will, clearing, grubbing and farming, and in time became one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Gradually, as his means permitted, he added to his real estate holdings, until, with 320 acres in Dodge county, he became one of the largest land- owners of southern Minnesota. On April 13, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy F. Kelly, who was born in New Hamp- shire, November 3, 1840, the daughter of Joshua Kelly, a deceased pioneer family of Marion township, and to them a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, were born, as follows: Rob- ert; Mary, now Mrs. Dr. McKittrick, of Burlington, Iowa; John; Jeanette, wife of J. B. Neel, of Minneapolis; George, deceased; Emma, wife of E. A. Erickson; Henry, deceased; James, deceased ; Lucy. In his political views Mr. Hyslop was originally a Repub- lican, later a Populist. He always took an active interest in public affairs, and served two terms as a member of the State Legislature. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and when death

Digitized by Google

659

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

halted his career at the age of sixty-eight years, he was greatly be- loved and respected by his fellowmen. His memory will long linger in the hearts of his many friends and relatives.

RODNEY RICHARDSON, one of the pioneer residents of Viola town- ship, was born in Topsham, Vermont, November 24, 1844, a son of Thomas and Orrilla (Fellows) Richardson. The father was born in the same place in 1805 and in 1844 was married, as above stated. In 1854 he and family came West to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin in 1858, and in 1863 located in Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. To him and wife six children were born, as follows: Rodney, subject of this memoir; Dollie J., died in 1863; Robert G., died at forty-eight years of age; Henry C., of Viola township; Willie H., died in 1863; and Charles F., of Viola town- ship. Of the above named children, Robert G. Richardson married Miss Charlotte Melissa Butterfield, daughter of Augustus Butter- field, of Farmington, Maine, who died February 3, 1898, and Sophia Melissa (Jenkins) Butterfield, a native of Boston, Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield had one other child, Howard Augustus, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Richardson were born four children : Bernice S. Adams, of Foley, Minnesota; Mabel O. Bryant, of Clarkston, Washing- ton; Nettie Dickerman, of Viola, and Thomas C., of Minneapolis. Succeeding Robert G. Richardson's death, his widow married, on December 27, 1897, Rodney Richardson, a brother of her former husband, and one child, Sarah G. Richardson, now at home, was born on January 15, 1900. The family now owns 310 acres of Viola township's choicest farm land, on sections 11, 12 and 13, and their home and outbuildings thereon are all of the finest. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Viola, and Mr. Richardson has served as justice of the peace, school clerk and chairman of the town board on different occasions. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited men of his community and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

TIMOTHY WABY is now residing on a farm of 240 acres in Elmira township. He is the son of Joseph, who passed his whole life in England, dying at the age of ninety years. Timothy was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 12, 1841, and there grew up, was educated and passed through the usual youthful experiences. In 1874 he immigrated to this country with his family, which con- sisted of his wife and three children. They came to this county and at first rented various farms in this and Fillmore county, continuing thus until he was enabled to buy his present farm. He is now in comfortable circumstances, having placed his farm in a fine state of cultivation and built many important improvements, such as houses,

Digitized by Google

660

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

barns, fences, etc. He is engaged in general farming, raising all the small grains and considerable live stock for market. He is a Republican and has served as a director of the board of education and in other positions of trust in this community. On October 18, 1866, in South Carlton, Lincolnshire, England, he married Miss Mary Coulson, the daughter of a neighbor, with whom he had grown up. She was the daughter of Henry and Mildred Coulson. To this marriage were born nine children: Charles Edward, a farmer in Dover township; Harriett, who married Dr. Eckles, of St. Charles; George Henry, who is a farmer at St. Charles; John William, a farmer of South Dakota; Rebecca, who married Thomas A. Barr, a retired farmer of St. Charles; Alice, who married George Barr, a farmer of South Dakota, the two sisters thus marrying brothers; Joseph S .; Robert F .; Mildred, who married Arthur Holm, a farmer at St. Charles. Joseph S. and Robert F. are still with their parents. This family is well known in this community and highly respected.

JOSEPH H. WAGONER .- The death of Joseph H. Wagoner on March 3, 1908, marked the passing of one of Olmsted county's earliest and best citizens. He was born in Pennsylvania, July 31, 1844, and from the time he was twelve years old until reaching manhood resided with his parents on the farm pre-empted by them in Haverhill township in 1856. When civil war was declared between the North and South, Mr. Wagoner was yet in his teens, but nevertheless, in 1862, he enlisted with the boys in blue, in Com- pany I, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Owing to disability, caused by a sunstroke at the battle of Corinth, his military career ended with nine months' service, and he was honorably discharged by the United States War Department. He immediately returned to Rochester, and his first venture in the business world was in the pump and well-drilling line, which he continued until 1868. At that time he embarked in the handling of organs, pianos and sewing machines, a business since developed largely by his two sons. For years his establishment grew and prospered and their business ex- tends many miles throughout the country. Mr. Wagoner was active in politics and as a Republican served as alderman of Roch- ester, mayor of the city two terms, one on the State Board for the Insane during Governor Lind's administration, and by appointment of President Arthur was postmaster of Rochester. He was an Odd Fellow and a man of sterling character. To his marriage with Miss Emma G. Aldrich, three children were born: Myra N., Carl H. and Roy M. He passed away on March 3, 1908, leaving many friends to mourn the loss of so good a citizen and neighbor. His widow still survives him and lives in Rochester. Myra Wagoner

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY 66

married Frank R. Edwards and, like her two brothers, resides in Rochester. Carl Wagoner was educated in the public schools of this city and on June 28, 1899, married Miss Nina C. Cook, daugh- ter of Horace Cook, and they have two sons: Carlton and Joseph. Mr. Wagoner is an Odd Fellow, an Elk, a Knight of Pythias and a Modern Woodman of America, and both he and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Roy Wagoner was born in Rochester, May 12, 1878, and on March 3, 1905, married Miss Hazel Porter, who died September 18, 1908. Since the death of the elder Wagoner the two sons have conducted the business, and under their able management it has grown and prospered. In 1909, at a cost of $10,000, they erected their present building, a two-story brick, at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, where they have commodious quarters and are conducting a large and successful business.

JOHN WATERS is a son of Thomas and Mary Waters, who emi- grated from Tipperary, Ireland, to the United States in 1865. The father at first worked out by the month and so continued until 1875, when he came to Minnesota and bought a farm of 160 acres east of Chatfield. He finally sold this place to Ed. Halloran, and in the fall of 1882 bought the farm upon which John is now residing. Though not among the earliest settlers, he has been here a long time and has seen the country changed from a wilderness to one filled with happy homes. He is a Democrat and a Roman Catholic and is well known and universally esteemed. His son John, the subject of this sketch, was born November 8, 1862, and received his school- ing at the local district schools. During his youth and early man- hood he was occupied at hard work on his father's farm. He remained with his father after attaining his majority until he was able to buy 120 acres of the old home farm, and was deeded forty acres by his father, thus giving him a total of 160 acres, all of which he has put under a fine state of cultivation along modern lines and improved with good houses, barns, fences, etc. He now grows the small grains and also raises annually many live stock for market. In addition to his own farm he rents eighty additional acres, which he also farms. He is industrious and prosperous. He is a Democrat and has been a director of the school board for five years. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. On January 7, 1896, he married Miss Mary C. Sharpe, daughter of Philip and Mathilda Sharpe, prominent people of this community. His sister Mary married Peter Forestall; his brother Frank is a carpenter and lives in Montana; his brother Edward is a farmer; his brother Augustin James is an agent of the Deering Harvester Company; and his brother Patrick Henry is a farmer in Eyota township.

Digitized by Google

662

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

REUBEN BRUCE WHEELER is now residing on a farm of 160 acres on section 24, Dover township, and is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. He is the son of James and Mary Wheeler, the family originally coming to this country from England and settling in Jefferson county, New York, where James followed the occupation of farming. He died there in the prime of life, but his widow lived many years, finally passing away in 1904 at the age of eighty-three years. Reuben B. was born at Lima, Jefferson county, New York, December 9, 1847, and was educated at the Lima schools and in those of Clayton, same State. After his father's death he assisted his mother on the farm for some time, but finally, in 1868, went to Argyle and worked in the woods for some time during the winter seasons and in the mills during the summer seasons. Two years later he came to Winona county, Min- nesota, and there worked as a hired man for two years. He then went to Jackson county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead of 160 acres and lived thereon for four years, but after he was eaten out by grasshoppers returned to Winona county. He then rented and worked out for three years, after which he bought a forty-acre tract of wild school land, which he cleared and grubbed and made his home. Gradually he added to this tract until he owned 170 acres and was well off financially. At a later date he bought a farm of 160 acres, whereupon he sold the old farm and moved to St. Charles and remained there one winter. He then bought his present prop- erty, which was then in a dilapidated condition and very much run down and in need of repair. All has been put in excellent condition by him-new buildings, fences, barns, sheds, machinery, etc. He is now carrying on mixed farming. He owns 160 acres in Tennes- see. He is a school director and a member of the Royal Arch Masons at St. Charles. On March 17, 1871, he married, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Miss Judith, daughter of John and Martha Tait. They have three sons and three daughters: Bert Eugene, a farmer in South Dakota; Eva, who married William Vroman, superintendent of the State Farm; Alfred B., in the railroad busi- ness; Hazel Isabelle, at school; Russell Merl, with his parents; and Gladys E., at school.

Digitized by Google

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.

T HE UNION NATIONAL BANK OF ROCHESTER was organized as the Union Savings Bank, on January 2, 1858, by J. V. Daniels, M. J. Daniels, J. B. Clark, T. T. Olds and Asahel Smith. The first officers were: J. V. Daniels, president; J. B. Clark, vice-president, and M. J. Daniels, secretary and treasurer. On February 12, 1873, it was reorganized as the Union National Bank, with the following named incorporators: J. V. Daniels, Thomas Brooks, Huber Bastian, D. S. Hebbard. J. D. Blake, Aaron M. Osmun, M. J. Daniels, John M. Cole, F. J. Olds, T. L. Fishback, T. S. Slingerland and Charles Stewart. The bank was capitalized at $50,000, with J. V. Daniels as president, who continued as its head until his death in 1882. His son, M. J. Daniels, succeeded him as president, and he, in turn, was succeeded by E. A. Knowlton, one of Rochester's most substantial merchants. T. H. Titus was cashier until his death in January, 1899, when he was succeeded by A. C. Gooding, the pres- ent president of the First National Bank. In September, 1908, John Hall, who had risen from a clerkship in the bank to assistant cashier, was elected cashier, and is now occupying that position. E. A. Knowlton has served continuously as president since his elec- tion. The bank has been prosperous, as is evinced by its now hav- ing a surplus of $50,000. It is one of the solid financial institutions of southern Minnesota.

THE ROCHESTER NATIONAL BANK had its beginning as the Roch- ester Bank, in December, 1860. It was established as a private bank by Charles H. Chadbourn, and thus continued until November, 1862, when, in partnership with Rodney Whitney, the old name was .dropped and the new banking firm of Chadbourn & Whitney was established. It was during the continuation of this firm that the depreciation of legal-tender money was at its flood, and many State banks throughout the country were failing, thus entailing upon the public much distress. During this period Chadbourn & Whitney maintained their credit above par and continued actively in busi- ness until the death of Mr. Whitney in 1868. In this year Mr. Chadbourn reorganized the business under the firm name of Chad- bourn Brothers, his brother, R. W. Chadbourn, being the other member. They started with a cash capital of $100,000, and thus continued until January, 1876, when the present Rochester National

663

Digitized by Google

664

HISTORY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

Bank was organized, under the national banking laws, with a cash capital and surplus of $75,000. Charles H. Chadbourn was the first president and James A. Austin the first cashier. At the present time it has a capitalization of $50,000, surplus of $10,000, and is officered as follows: H. M. Nowell, president; Emil A. Boie, cashier.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 71

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

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