USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 70
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WILLIAM TENNANT was born in Ireland on the 2d of April, 1847, and while he was still an infant the family came to St. Lawrence county, New
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CITY OF FARIBAULT.
York, and William lived on his father's farm until seventeen years old. He attended school at Rossie and Hammond and then learned the millers's trade, working at in New York until 1869, then went to St. Louis, Missouri, and six months later came to Minneapolis, where he remained till 1871. Until 1874, he was head miller for the firm of Green & Carnfel in this city, and was then employed in the Polar Star Mill until it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt, and Mr. Tennant became a stock- holder in it, and is now a member of the firm of Bean & Tennant, lessees of the present Polar Star Mill. Our subject was married on the 20th of June, 1874, to Miss Sarah E. Leamons. They have had five children, four of whom are living.
F. A. THEOPOLD, one of the active business men of this place, is a native of the province of Prussia, born in Lippe, on the 22d of June, 1833. His father was a minister, being a govern- ment church official. The subject of our sketch graduated from the college at Lemgo in 1849, and intending to fit himself for a merchant, en- tered and graduated from a commercial college at Bremen in 1852. He emigrated to America, and arrived in Baltimore on the 4th of July, 1852. Was engaged principally in a manufacturing bus- iness, and in 1854-55, had charge of a tobacco packing establishment in Ohio. In 1856, he came to Osage, Iowa, and engaged in real estate busi- ness, and later carried a stock of general merchandise. On the 12th of September, 1860, he was married to Miss Eunice J. Cotton, at Athens, Pennsylvania, and shortly afterwards he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and engaged in the grocery and commission trade. In 1867, his health demanded a change of climate, and he came to Faribault, where he opened his present fine and extensive grocery business, building his store block in 1871. In 1869, he assisted in start- ing and directing the First National Bank, and also, in 1873, became one of the stock owners of the Faribault Gas Company. Mr. and Mrs. Theopold have had four children, three of whom are living.
GEORGE TILESTON, a native of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, was born on the 8th of October, 1858. When he was ten years old the family re- moved to Hyde Park, and six years later to Hing- ham, where George attended the High School. In 1877, he went to Boston and entered a dry goods commission house, then was connected
with a mercantile brokerage firm, and in 1879, commenced the same business for himself. In 1882, he removed to Faribault and formed a part- nership under the firm name of Hillyer & Tiles- ton, and they have since carried on a successful milling business, owning the only strictly roller custom mill in the State.
W. L. TURNER, proprietor of the Crown Point flouring mill, was born in Windham county, Ver- mont, on the 13th of February, 1824, and lived on his father's farm until twenty-one years old. He then went to Boston, Massachusetts, and engaged in what was known for twenty years as the Cheney & Co. express line, from there weut to Fredonia, New York, and in 1866, came to Minnesota, stopped at St. Paul a few weeks, and came to Faribault. He was married on the 18th of August, 1852, Miss Selina J. Comstock becoming his wife. Mr. Tur- ner was in the lumber business three years, then leased the Crown Point mill, and soon purchased it. He was one of the first Aldermen of the city, He is the father of three children, two of whom are living.
L. TUTTLE was born in New Haven, Connecti- cut, on the 23d of August, 1837. When seventeen years old he was employed in a mercantile house. and remained until 1856, when he came to Fari- bault and engaged to work in a meat market. In 1858, he went into the same business for himself, with a partner, and they have now a fine, well kept shop. Mr. Tuttle was married on the 14th of October, 1869, to Miss B. Boynton, who has borne him one child.
REV. J. VAN LEENT, a man of superior educa- tion and one who is much respected by all his ac- quaintances, was born in Holland on the 21st of January, 1839. He received his early education at an Episcopal college in his native country, and finished his Latin course after six years of study ; then becoming a Jesuit by teaching three years, studying theology four years, and philosophy three years. In 1869, he went to Belgium, where he met Father De Smet, the American missionary, and came with him to St. Louis, Missouri, teaching in the University there one year. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and was professor of languages at St. Francis for two years, and subsequently filled the same position in St. Ignatius College, of Chicago, four years. He theu went to Europe for his health, and in 1879, came to Faribault, where he has since had charge of the French and German Catholic churches.
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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.
JOHN GEORGE VEEH, deceased, one of the pio- neers of this place, was born in Germany on the 15th of November, 1799. He learned the stone- cutter'a trade, at which he was employed in the summer and worked in a factory in the winter. In 1830, he married Miss Elizabeth Kahler, and in 1843, they came to America and located ir Cook county, Illinois, where he worked a farm on shares. Mrs. Veeh died one week after her arrival from a disease contracted on the boat. She left two children; Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. J. Blank, living in Faribault; and Delia, now Mrs. F. Hel- friest, living in Wisconsin. Mr. Veeli removed to Wheeling, Minnesota, in 1854, and staked a claim in section twenty-two, where he lived three years, then made his home with his son-in-law, J. J. Blank, until his death, which occurred on the 22d of February, 1873.
MATHEW WALL, deceased, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in West Meath county, Ireland. He received an education in his native country and became a teacher. He came to America, and in Dubuque, Iowa, continued to teach school a few years coming to this place in 18 -. He was one of the first teachers at Shieldsville and also in the Catholic school in this place. In 1870, he went to California for his health, but died three weeks after hia return in 1875. His son, S. P. Wall, was born in Ireland on the 8th of May, 1848, and came to this place with his father. In 1862, he commenced to learn the tinner's trade, and four years later went into business for himself for two years. At the end of that time he went to Mankato and three years later to Mason City, Iowa, thence to California, and in 1873, returned here, where he has since been engaged in the hard- ware business. He was married in October, 1867, to Miss Johanna Conners. They have had seven children, six of whom are living.
J. B. WHEELER, one of the pioneer merchants of the city, was born in Northbridge, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on the 8th of May, 1822. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits and edu- cated at the Friends' school in Providence, Rhode Island, and tanght during the winter months. He was a member of the school board and also Asses- sor in his native town for several years. In 1850, he visited Illinois, taught school near Chicago dur- ing the winter and in the western part of the State the following summer, then returned to his home in Massachusetts. He was married in 1853, to
Miss Clara L. Slocomb. In 1856, being in poor health, he was induced. to again come west and the following year opened a drug store in this city. He located on the corner of Main and Second streets where he has been in business twenty-five years and now carries a fine stock of drugs, medi- cines, and fancy goods in one department, and a large stock of groceries, crockery, etc., in the other. He was County Commissioner for several years and has filled many local offices. He is the father of three children, two of whom are living.
ADAM WEYER was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 28th of February, 1838, and came to America in 1847, locating in Kenosha, Wisconsin. When eighteen years old he commenced learning the wagonmaker's trade, and the following year went to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was engaged at his trade three years. He then removed to Chi- cago and in 1868, came here and began to manu- facture wagons, baving now a commodious stone building and doing an extensive business. Mr. Weyer was married on the 2d of Fehrnary, 1870, to Miss Lilhla Roell. They have had five children, four of whom are living.
REV. GERGE B. WHIPPLE, a brother of Bishop Whipple, was born in Adams, Jefferson county, New York, on the 26th of June, 1830. After at- tending the schools of his native place he entered Hamilton College from which he graduated in June, 1852. He was then employed in a banking house in New York until 1860, when business called him to the Sandwich Islands where he re- mained a short time, then came to Faribault and taught in the Seabury Divinity School. He was ordained in 1862, and three years later went as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands. In 1873, he returned and became pastor of the Cathedral of our merciful Saviour, and is also acting Chaplain of St. Mary's Hall. Misa Mary J. Mills, of Wash- ington county, New York, hecame his wife on the 15th of August, 1861.
REV. E. S. WILSON, professor of Exegesis and Hebrew in the Seabury Divinity School at Fari- bault, was formerly a Presbyterian minister of the Old School. He is a native of Ohio, born in 1834, educated at the college and the theologica] seminary at Danville, Kentucky, and was admitted to the Presbyterian ministry by the Presbytery of west Lexington, Kentucky. He remained in that State as a minister of the Gospel until the war was half over, when he went to Vincennes, Indiana,
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CITY OF FARIBAULT.
where he remained three years. From thence he went to New York, where he remained twelve years. During his residence in that State he be- came a minister of the Protestant Episcopal church and was Rector, first at Brockport' and afterward at Corning. He was then called to the professor- ship at Faribault, where he is at present.
C. A. WOOD was born in Shefford, Canada, on the 11th of May, 1836. When fourteen years old he entered a store as clerk, and after five years in that employment was in the civil engineering corps of the Stansted, Shefford, and Chamble Railroad Company, and was soon made station agent and telegraph operator. For a time, in company with his father, he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber, then again was employed by the above railroad company. He was married on the 12th of March, 1856, to Miss Helen W. Cummings. In 1866, they came to Wisconsin and farmed a year, then to Fond du Lac, where Mr. Wood conducted a saw-mill for the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- road Company for over four years. After coming to Faribault he engaged with his brother in the sale of Agricultural implements for a few years, then was employed by C. Aultman & Co. as travel- ing salesman and collector. In 1880, he bought out his brother's agricultural machinery business and now has a good trade. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had five children, four of whom are living.
W. J. WILSON is a native of Upper Canada, born in the township of Darlington, Durham county, district of Newcastle, on the 1st of May, 1820. He was raised on a farm and in 1837, went to New York and worked at farming and on the rivers. In 1844, he came to Dodge county, Wis- consin, where he opened a store, ten years later moved to Iowa and was employed on the Missis- sippi steamers several years. In 1861, he moved to Waseca county, where he carried on a farm and hotel, tbence to Wabasha and remained about nine years. He came to Faribault in 1879, and has since been proprietor of the hotel known as Wil- son's Exchange, located near the depot.
C. F. WENDT was born in Prussia, near Berlin, on the 13th of March, 1848. He learned the cab- inet makers' trade in his native country, and when nineteen years old emigrated to America. He came directly to this place and was engaged in different occupations until entering the Barron House as clerk, where, he remained three years. In 1873, he opened a restaurant and confectionery
store and also has groceries. He was married on the 7th of October, 1873, to Miss Mary Melott. They have three children.
RIGHT-REV. HENRY B. WHIPPLE, D. D., Protest- aud Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Minnesota, was born in the town of Adams, Jefferson county, New York, on the 15th of February, 1822. His parents were John H. and Elizabeth Wagner Whip- ple. The Whipples were early seetlers in Massa- chusetts. Benjamin Whipple, the father of John H., was in the revolutionary war, and taken priso- ner, put on board a British ship, and held a long time. The subject of this sketch gave his early years to study, designing to go directly through college, but while making preparation his health failed, and he devoted several years to mercantile business at Adams. In 1847, his health being im- proved, he relinquished trade, became a candidate for orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church; pursued his studies with Rev. W. D. Wilson, D. D. since professor in Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and in August, 1849, was ordained deacon in Trinity Church, Geneva, New York, by Right- Rev. W. H. DeLancy, D. D. On Advent Sunday of the same year Mr. Whipple took charge of Zion Church, Rome, New York. He was ordained priest by the Bishop just mentioned, on the 16th of July, 1850; had calls to Grace Church, Chi- cago, and St. Paul's Church, Milwaukee, in the winter of 1856-57, but declined. In the early part of 1857, at the solicitations of persons interested in free churches, he went to Chicago, and on Easter Sunday organized the Church of the Holy Com- munion, a free-seated church, one of the first Episcopal churches of the kind in the West. He was elected bishop of the diocese of Minnesota, on the 30th of June, 1859; was consecrated on the 13th of the following October, at Ricmond, Vir- ginia, and spent the following winter in visiting his diocese, holding his first service at Wabasha. In the spring of 1860, Bishop Whipple, with his family settled in Faribault, he having been mar- ried on the 5th of October, 1842, his wife being Miss Cornelia Wright, daughter of Hon. Benjamin Wright, of Adams, New York. He brought with him six children, all yet living but the youngest son. Prior to the Bishop's settling in Faribault, Revs. J. L. Breck and S. W. Manney had com- menced an associate mission here, designing to establish denominational schools; and one of the very first steps of the Bishop was to organize
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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.
Bishop Seabury Mission, under which corporation are the Seabury Divinity College and Shattuck School. St. Mary's Hall, also located at Fari- bault, and devoted exclusively to the education of young ladies, has a separate hoard of trustces. These schools are all popular and well patronized, and are annually sending out large numbers of young men and young women equipped for use- fulness in the world. From the Divinity College have gone out between forty and fifty clergymen, most of them now in fields of much usefulness. Under the direction of Bishop Whipple church schools have been established at St. Paul, Minne apolis, Shakopee, Red Wing, ard Hastings. At White Earth, Polk county, is a Chippewa Indian mission, with a church of between three and four hundred members, and schools, and a hospital. Since the Bishop settled in Minnesota more than thirty Episcopal churches have been formed, and the denomination has been very largely strength-
ened. The churches in his diocese, numbering in all not far from sixty, are all free but four or five. G. WESTON WOOD, M. D., one of the leading physicians of the city, was born in Canada, in Sheffield county, Quebec, on the 8th of May, 1842. His father was a cavalry officer of some prominence during the Canada insurrection in 1837, and was also engaged in manufacturing. G. Weston attended the Bishop's College, at Lenox- ville until sixteen years old, and one year later went to McGill College, where he graduated from the medical department on the 4th of May, 1863. He was united in marriage on the 4th of July, 1868, with Miss Ella M. Fox. In 1873, they re- moved to Faribault, and one year later formed the present partnership of Rose & Wood. He has been County Coroner three terms and is now County Commissioner. He was mayor of the city in 1881, and is now Surgeon of Shattuck School. They have three children, two boys and one girl.
CITY OF NORTHFIELD.
CHAHTER LIL.
INTRODUCTION-EARLY SETTLEMENT-INTERESTING EVENTS-BANDITS ATTACK THE BANK AND KILL THE CASHIER-INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS ENTER- PRISES-ST. OLAF'S SCHOOL-CARLETON COLLEGE -OBSERVATORY-RELIGIOUS-ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES-OLD TOWN HALL-WATERFORD.
This beautiful and enterprising city originated more than a quarter of a century ago, when the beau- tiful valley of the Cannon River was the hunting grounds of some savage tribe, and when much of the surroundings were as free and wild as the time when the stars of the morning sang anthems of joy at nature's dawn.
The changes from the primitive to the devel- oped state have been constant and rapid. It has been one continual change from the moment of its origin until Northfield of to-day stands forth one of the brightest jewels tn the diadem of a noble State. While there may have been nothing really remarkable in the development of the past, or no- thing peculiarly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to be of interest to those
who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched its progress from its earliest origin --- when Rice county was a wilderness-until the present time, the accomplishment of bygone years seem like a herculean task; but are in reality the sure and legitimate results of an advanced state of civilization. Endowed with many natural ad- vantages, aided by the strong arm of an enterpris- ing husbandry, Rice county has assumed a posi- tion among the best and wealthier of her sister counties throughout the State; and Northfield, as the second town within her boundaries, has kept pace with the improvements and advancement of the country by which it is surrounded.
Northfield, with its three thousand inhabitants, is located in the extreme northeastern portion of Rice county, with Dakota county on the north, and beautifully situated on both sides of the river. Cannon River is one of the most beautiful streams in the State. The ground upon either side of the stream ascends gradually as it recedes from the river, and the city, resting gracefully upon the -
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CITY OF NORTHFIELD.
gently sloping boundaries, presents an appear- ance highly pleasing in its character.
A substantial iron bridge spans the river, unit- ing the eastern and western divisions of the town, the business interests of which are also divided. There are numerous good substantial brick and stone blocks to be seen upon the business thor- oughfares, and a stroll through the town discloses many handsome and costly dwellings. There are several fine church edifices and elegant school buildings. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which in summer add greatly to the beauty of the place. Northfield is surrounded by one of the finest agricultural districts in the state of Minnesota. The location is exceedingly healthy, the inhabitants are possessed of intelligence, and the society is of the most refined and desirable character.
Here is also one of the best water powers in the State, with a capacity inexhaustable, and already improved and partially utilized.
We know of no locality presenting a more favor- able opportunity for the employment of capital in industrial or manufacturing enterprises. Situated upon a division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad -- one of the most important thor- oughfares in the country-the town is possessed of the most desirable shipping facilities.
Northfield reminds one of the stories of New England life, and as we view the many white robed cottages resting so gracefully upon the slo- ping hillside, we can almost imagine ourselves in some hamlet of the Eastern States.
The real originator of the town, or the man to whom the community is indebted for its growthı and prosperity at that early day, is John W .. North, from Utica, New York, although when he came here there were a few other settlers into whom he at once infused a new life. Among these may be mentioned Jonathan Alexander, John Hoyt, and Mr. Kirkendahl, the latter of whom was per- haps the first man here. His place covered a part of the town plat, and he raised the first crop here- abouts.
In 1857, J. D. Hoskins laid out thirty acres on the south side of the town, and this became Hos- kin's addition. About the same time Albert Drake laid out thirty acres, and Myron Wheaton added several blocks on the east side. It can thus be seen that all men were patriotic and no one was leaving any obstruction to the growth of the city. In
1860, the school section became an addition, and was cut up into blocks and lots, extending down near the bridge. The year previous Mr. North purchased a strip of land that had been pre-empted by Daniel B. Turner, and he also pur- chased the farm of Mr. Kirkendahl which took in the northern part of the town. This farm had a log house, erected in 1855 by the former proprie- tor, who left the country, and it was then occupied by Herman Jenkins. These lots embraced the original town plat, about 320 acres in all. The surveying for the plat was done by a Minneapolis man, and it was recorded by John W. North.
At a very early day a stage line was run within a half mile of the place, through "White's cor- ners," by a Mr. Hackett, and the old stage barn where the horses were changed still stands. There were several other lines through the village until after the railroad got in operation.
Jenkins had filed a part of what became the vil- lage plat, and Mr. North purchased Mr. Jenkins' plaee and also the claim of Mr. Kirkendahl, and moved into the house which had been erected by the latter.
The following letter from Hon. J. W. North to J. W. Thompson is printed entire because it is from the real founder of the town, and because of its historical value:
SAN FRANCISCO, April 5th, 1880.
J. W. THOMPSON, Esq .-- Dear Sir: Yours of March 27th is received. In answer to your ques- tions I have to say-and I answer simply from recollection-that I first came to the spot now known as Northfield about the 1st of January, 1855, or it may have been in December, 1854. I took measures to secure that location soon after I first saw it. In the summer of 1855, I commenced work on the dam and mill, which was completed so as to commence sawing lumber about the 1st of December of that year. During that month we sawed lumber and built with it the dwelling house we moved into on the 3d of January, 1856. There were settlers around there before I made my claim. The first time I saw that place I stopped at the house of Mr. Alexander. He called my attention to the water-power in the river at that point. Mr. Stewart, Mr. Olin, Mr. Drake, Mr. Turner, and sev- eral other families were living in the vicinity at that time. When we moved down there, there were the Whites, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Hoskins, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Coburn, Mr. Pease, Mr. Trawle, and
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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.
several other families. Mr. Jenkins acted as my agent until I moved there. Mr. Coburn, Mr. Pease, Mr. Collett, and others worked for me. No one was associated with me in the enterprise. I was not one of the men of whom you speak who stopped over night at Felton's log house in Hastings with you in June 1854. The incidents of the early set- tlement will be remembered by the early settlers I have named. I did not at first contemplate start- ing a town, much less a city ; I only thought of a mill. There was then no road running through the place, but I got one laid out from Waterford, crossing the river just below the mills at North- field. I then thought of a Post-office, school- house, blacksmith shop, store, town site, and finally a railroad, and by energetic work got them all. The people who remain can tell you all the rest. I never so much as thought that I was making history; and so the work done is the only record of my acts. Yours, very truly,
J. W. NORTH.
The following account of Northfield was pub- lished in 1857, in a Faribault paper :
"The site of this town was pre-empted by Dan- iel Kirkendahl, Daniel B. Turner, and Herman Jenkins, Mr. Kirkendahl settling on his claim in June, 1854, Mr. Turner in December following, and Mr. Jenkins in May, 1855. J. W. North, for- merly of Utica, New York, purchased of these pre- emptors, and surveyed and platted the town site in October, 1855, soon selling one-half interest in it to GeorgeLoomis,and they two were the sole pro- prietors for some time. In December, 1855, a saw- mill was put in operation arranged with an upright saw, and a siding mill, which cost when complete over $4,000. The first frame house was completed and occupied by Mr. North about the first of January, 1856, and he then commenced the con- struction of a flouring mill, which was completed in September at a cost of over $10,000. The mill, when in running order, contained three run of stones, and was one of the best in the Territory at that time, and did a thriving business. Messrs Cox and Fleming erected a steam saw-mill with a forty-horse-power engine, which cost from eight to ten thousand dollars.
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