USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 52
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 52
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lican party. He has served for several years on the town board of supervisors and also as a director on the school board. llc is one of the stockholders of the Cannon City Creamery.
H. H. Crossett, retired farmer, living on First street, in Fari- bault, was born in Enosburg, Franklin county, Vermont, Decem- ber 4, 1836. Hle received his carlier education in the schools of his native state, came to Wisconsin as a youth, farmed with his parents for a time, and in 1867 took up farming for himself near Owatonna. From 1879 to 1888 he engaged in farming in Wal- cott township, Rice county, and then went to Mower county, remaining until 1904, when he purchased a farm in Cannon City township. One year later he retired. Mr. Crossett is an estimable citizen in every respect and has done his share in promoting the agricultural interests of southern Minnesota. At one time he served on the school board. Mr. Crossett was married in Oc- tober, 1860, at Juneau, Wis., to Jane Ely, daughter of Calvin Ely, of that place. Four children crowned this union: Mrs. Victoria Lukens lives with her father ; Charles lives in Cannon City township; John lives in West Concord. Minn., and Julia is a stenographer in Spokane. The family religion is that of the Congregational church. The parents of H. H. Crossett were Samuel and Eunice (Barber) Crossett, the father a native of New York state and the mother of Vermont. The father was a hotel man and farmer in Canada about twenty-five years, but later followed dairy farming in Vermont until 1853, when he brought his family to Juneau, Wis., where he engaged in farming until 1868, when he moved to Du Page county, Illinois. Later he came to Faribault and here ended his days. His wife died in 1905.
John Craven, pioneer, was born in Jefferson county, Penn- sylvania, and was reared in that state. He came to Minnesota in 1854 and lived in Black Dog valley, not far from St. Paul, being employed by a Mr. Griggs. Two years later, in 1856, he came to Rice county and pre-empted 160 acres of land in Forest township, which he cleared and improved, being the first man to raise a crop of wheat in his vicinity. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted as a private in the Second Minnesota Battery, Light Artillery, and served three years, participating in all the cam- paigns and battles of his regiment except that of Lookout Mountain, when he was confined in a hospital, as the result of injuries which nearly ended his life. He was shot in both ankles, thus making him helpless, while an entire battery of artillery swept over the ground where he lay. He was discharged in 1865, returned home ind was married to Mrs. Mary Smith Greener June 21, 1865. To this union were born five children : Julia is now Mrs. E. J. Vaux. of Faribault ; Mary is now Mrs.
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La Mott. of Dennison, Rice county: Jennie is a school teacher in Pembina. N. D .: John W .: George L. lives in Spokane, Wash. In 1807 John Craven disposed of his farm in Forest township and removed to Waseca county, farming one year. Then he dis- posed of his farm and returned to Forest township. Rice county, again coming into possession of his original farm. In 1872 he sold the farm, moved to Faribault, purchased thirty-seven acres near the city limits and engaged in truck gardening. He twice added to his land, until he owned sixty acres, the place being located just off from Hulett avenue. In 1894. on account of declining years, he gave up his labors and retired in favor of his son, John W. John Craven was a Prohibitionist in politics and belonged to the Methodist church. He died October 14, 1900.
John W. Craven, market gardener and dairyman, has been interested for many years in the advancement of agricultural and dairying conditions in Rice county and southern Minnesota. He was born in Faribault November 9. 1876, and received his carly education in the public schools of his native city. He then took up truck gardening with his father until 1894, when he succeeded his father and carried on the business for himself. HIe is now gradually converting his place into a dairy farm, keeping thoroughbred Holstein cattle. He is still single and his mother keeps house for him. Mr. Craven is an independent voter and, like his father, attends the Methodist church. Mr. Craven was one of the men instrumental in starting the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at Faribault, in which he has been a stockholder and director since its incorporation.
C. L. Clover was born in New York state September 2, 1848. He is a son of R. B. and Abbegil ( Reid) Clover, who were natives of New York. The father was a farmer by occupation and came west in 1858, locating in Chisago county, where he farmed up to 1881. Ile then moved to Pine county and died there. The mother is also dead. Mr. Clover attended the public schools in New York state and also in Minnesota. After leav- ing school he worked on the farm, later in the pineries and in the stave factory in Pine county. In 1878 he came to Forest township, where he bought a farm in section 15, where he has farmed up to the present time. He was married in 1877 to Hannah Backlund, a daughter of John and Lena Backlund. They were natives of Sweden, who emigrated to America and settled in Minnesota, where they both died. Three children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clover: Lena, now Mrs. Louis E. Larson. living in Minneapolis: Simon, a carpenter, living at home, and Charles, also at home. Mr. Clover is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is an independent voter. At the
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present time he is the treasurer of the school board in district No. 20.
J. E. Clifford, a prominent and thrifty farmer in Northfield township, is a native son of Minnesota. He was born in Good- hue county January 3, 1874, to C. F. and Janette (Whitson) Clifford, natives of Maine and Canada respectively. The father came to Minnesota in 1855, located in Goodhue county, where he carried on general farming until 1895, and then moved to Northfield, where he still lives. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in district schools of Goodhue county, which was supplemented by high school training at Cannon Falls and a business course at Red Wing. Leaving school, he returned to his father's farm, where he worked until 1895, and then took charge of the old homestead, where he carried on general and diversified farming until 1901. He then came to Rice county, located in Northfield township, where he bought 160 acres in section 10. on which he has done a general farming up to the present time. Mr. Clifford married Ada, daughter of Joseph and Emma Foster, of Northfield. In political sentiment Mr. Clifford favors the Republican party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has served in various local offices in his community, viz .. town clerk, supervisor and school director.
Charles F. Cushman was born in Monticello, la., January 30, 1867. He is the son of Samuel and Lucinda (Gilbert) Cush- man. The mother was a native of New York and the father a native of Connecticut : by occupation he was a veterinary sur- geon. He came to Minnesota in 1855 and located in Greenville township. Dakota county, where he pre-empted land and farmed for two years. He then went to Iowa, where he engaged in the butcher business for one year. He then returned to Minnesota, going first to Waseca, where he remained for five years, and then came to Millersburg, Forest township, where he farmed and conducted a hotel until his death. July 4, 1890. The mother still lives on the old place at Millersburg. Mr. Cushman attended the district school in Forest. and in 1885 graduated from the Northfield high school. After leaving school he learned the car- penter's trade, which he still follows, running a threshing machine during the harvest season. Mr. Cushman slept in the same room with the Younger brothers at his father's hotel the night before the Northfield bank robbery. He was married in 1888 to Annie Taylor, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Taylor, natives of Connecticut, who later located in Forest township. Mr. Taylor died in 1909. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cush- man, Frank and Sadie, both living at home. Mr. Cushman is
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a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the follow- ing fraternal societies: Independent Order Odd Fellows, Mod- ern Woodmen of America, Modern Brotherhood of America, Re- becca Lodge. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He has served on the town board and on the school board for fifteen years. He has been assessor for six years, also took the United States census and was postmaster of Millersburg for nine years.
A. E. Cleland was born in Canada May 28, 1867. He is a son of John and Julia (Bowen) Cleland, both natives of Canada. The father was a farmer. He came to Minnesota in 1871 and located in Forest township, Rice country, where he farmed up to the time of his death in 1890. The mother is also dead. Mr. Cleland attended the public schools in Forest and Dundas and spent one year at the Northfield high school. After leaving school he worked with his father on the farm, with the excep- tion of one year, which was spent in the state of Washington. In 1890 he took charge of the old homestead, and in 1894 bought it from his father and has done general farming up to the present time. He was married in 1891 to Esther Taylor, a daughter of Gilbert N. and Lucy (Chase) Taylor, of Webster township. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clel- and: Elliott. Myrtle. Kenneth, Rachel, Beatrice, Andrew, Jr., Hugh, Donald Lincoln, and Carman. They are all living at home. In his political views Mr. Cleland is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Episcopal church and of the Modern Wood- men of America. He has served for seven years on the town board of supervisors and also on the school board. He is a director in the Northfield Telephone Company and a stockholder in the Dakota county co-operative store.
J. T. Cheney, a successful farmer, son of Luke and Elizabeth (Fritter) Cheney, natives of England, was born in Michigan September 2, 1854. The father came to America in 1846 and located at Long Island, N. Y., where he carried on his occupa- tion as a sailor for two years, thence went to Ohio, where he was married. He then removed to Michigan, where he remained two years, when he again returned to Ohio, where he lived nine years. Going to Michigan once more, he lived there one winter, and then (1865) came to Minnesota and located on a farm in Bridgewater township, Rice county, where he farmed until his death, which occurred July 1, 1908. The mother died in 1878. Our subject attained his education in the district school of Bridgewater. Leaving school, he worked one year for his father and then rented his father's farm, which contract continued until the latter's death, when he became possessor of the farm, where he still resides. In 1877 Mr. Cheney married Miss Eliza A.,
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daughter of Edward and Alice Jones. Of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cheney, Melvin L. farms in Bridgewater town- ship; Phoebe, now Mrs. W. A. Rose, lives in Bridgewater town- ship, and Jesse L. lives at home.
Mr. Cheney takes an active interest in public affairs, now serving on the board of supervisors in Bridgewater township. He has served as clerk on the school board for thirty-one years. In political sentiment Mr. Cheney is a Republican. He, with his family, adheres to the Episcopal faith. He is also interested in fraternal orders, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Workmen.
Frank Degros, one of the well-to-do citizens of Northfield. Minn .. was born December 29, 1839, at Luxemburg, Germany, but is of French lineage. He learned the blacksmith's trade in France and followed it there, and after coming to this coun- try, in October, 1868, worked at it some three years at North- field. Ile then formed a partnership with Mr. Lewis Tscham under the firm name of Lewis Tscham & Co., and for twenty- one years conducted a prosperous meat business. His business took him throughout Rice and adjoining counties, and he came to be an expert in judging and buying stock for the market. In 1902 Mr. Degros retired from active business and lives in the enjoyment of his well-earned competence. He has a hand- some brick residence on Union avenue, surrounded by spacious and beautiful grounds with many fine shade trees and orna- mented shrubs of his own planting and training, and here he spends much of his time. In political matters Mr. Degros ties himself to no party, but in voting casts his ballot for the candi- date whom he thinks best qualified to fill the office sought, regardless of party affiliations. In religious belief he is a Catholic.
Mr. Degros married Josephine Tscham. They have no chil- dren of their own, but have reared and educated a niece, who has had her home with them many years.
Charles Degen, a well known and highly honored resident of Faribault, has taken his part in the business activities of the city, and the well established firm of Charles Degen & Co .. "Shoe Hustlers," stands as a monument to his untiring energy and unswerving honesty. Mr. Degen was born in Elsass, Ger- many, April 4, 1830, being one of the ten children of Adam and Solomney (Steinback) Degen. He came to America with his parents in 1844, and settled in Naperville, Ill., where he learned the shoemaker's trade. Subsequently, after moving to Long Grove, Ill., he worked at his trade in connection with conducting farming operations for ten years. During this period he was married to Elizabeth Smutz, who died in 1878, leav-
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ing two children, Emma-who is now Mrs. P. J. Hummel- and Josephine-who is now Mrs. J. J. Hummel,-both living with their families in Los Angeles, Cal. Later Mr. Degen opened a general store at Arlington Heights, Ill., and in 1874 came to Faribault, where he engaged in the general mercan- tile business at 120 Third street. On account of poor health, caused by a too close application to business, he sold out, in 1884, and made two trips to California to recuperate. Not con- tent to be long absent from business, however, Mr. Degen, in 1886, associated himself with Mr. Bredekoft, and purchased a shoe business at 120 West Third street, in Faribault, from Daniel O'Brien. After a short time Mr. Degen purchased his partner's interest. The business is now conducted under the firm name of Charles Degen & Co., with C. W. Degen as man- ager. The store enjoys a large patronage and carries a large stock of first class goods. Mr. Degen was married in 1880 to Mrs. Juliana (Stark) Geckler, a native of Holstein, Germany, who had settled in Winona. where her husband. D. Geckler, died. Mr. and Mrs. Degen have one child, Charles W .. who efficiently looks after his father's interest in the store, and is one of the rising young business men of the city. The family faith is that of the German Methodist church.
James Dobbin, D. D. In every generation, since the great school system of England was first inaugurated, there have been a few men, seemingly especially prepared by birth, and assuredly prepared by education, training and character, to im- press the stamp of true and noble manhood upon budding youth. To occupy a worthy place among such men one must needs be of engaging. kindly and spotless character, firm and just when necessary, of ripe scholarship and experience, yet with the freshness of spirit which enters into the joys of boy- hood. His must be a life worthy of emulation, and an inspira- tion to highest and best effort. Such a man was Dr. Arnold. immortalized in the classic "Tom Brown's School Days." And such a man also is Dr. James Dobbin, who has been called the "Arnold of America." His work is written in the lives of those who have passed under his fostering care for more than four decades past, and the influence which has emanated from his life will be felt for generations to come.
The story of his career is the history of the Shattuck school of Faribault. at the head of which he has been since 1867. James Dobbin was born in Salem, Washington county, New York, June 29, 1833, and was reared on the farm, receiving his earlier education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he left home and prepared for college by studying at the Salem and Argyle academies, working his way up by his own energy
JAMES DOBBIN, D. D.
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and industry. In 1855 he took charge of the school at Argyle, where he remained until 1857; then entered Union College, graduating in 1859. He came to Faribault in 1859 and assisted Dr. J. L. Breck in a mission day school for one year. Then he returned to New York and once more conducted the Argyle Academy, one year later taking charge of the academy at Greenwick. In 1864 he came back to Minnesota and took up the study of theology at the Seabury Divinity School. Just before taking holy orders, in the spring of 1867, he was pre- vailed upon by Bishop Whipple and the Rev. Breck to attempt the founding of Shattuck School. He was ordained that year, was made rector of Shattuck School, and has since remained in charge.
Dr. Dobbin was married December 12, 1860, to Fannie 1. Leigh, who died December 27. 1865, leaving one daughter, Jessie L. She married George C. Davis, then of Red Wing, now of Billings, Mont., and to this union were born two sons : James Leigh, now in the insurance and real estate business at Billings, and George D .. who died in Red Wing at the age of eight years. Dr. Dobbin was married April 7, 1874, at Faribault, to Elizabethi L. Ames, and to this union were born two sons: Edward S., now manager of the St. Paul Envelope Company, of St. Paul, and John E., business manager of Shattuck School.
Samuel F. Donaldson is an active man of affairs at Fari- bault, Minn., a native of Rice county. He was born November 22, 1868, and is a son of Isaac N. and Sarah A. (Decker) Don- aldson, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1862 the father settled at Bridgewater, in Rice county, where he bought land and car- ried on farming till 1871. He then engaged in a general mer- cantile trade at Dundas, which he sold some six years later. lle was elected registrar of deeds for Rice county in 1877, and also served as county auditor. On April 1, 1899, he organized the Morristown State Bank and is still-1910-connected with it as its president. The mother also resides at Morristown. Samuel F. acquired a good English education in the public schools of Dundas and Faribault, and supplemented this with a two years' course of study at Carleton College. From Feb- ruary 1, 1887, to February 1, 1898, Mr. Donaldson served as deputy county auditor of Rice county, and from the last named date to September 1, 1898, he served by appointment, first as assistant cashier and then as cashier of the Security Bank of Faribault. in which he was financially interested. Selling this interest. he, on April 1, 1906, assumed the duties of receiver of the First National Bank of Faribault, and now-1910-holds that office, and also. since October 28. 1907, has held the office
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of cashier of the Citizens' National Bank. On November 3, 1891. Mr. Donaldson married Miss Gertrude, a daughter of Myron A. and Gertrude ( Major) Fredenburg, who moved from New York, their native state, and settled at Owatonna, where the father carried on general merchandising until his decease. in 1888. The mother now resides at Faribault. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson have one child. Janet. by name.
James J. Dow, who has been superintendent of the Minne- sota State School for the Blind ever since that school was organ- ized as a separate institution, was born in India, on the con- tinent of Asia. in a mission station, February 15. 1848. He was brought to America as an infant and was reared in Maine, the home of his ancestors. In 1863, filled with the same patriotism that had animated his forebears, he enlisted in Company F. Second Maine Cavalry, serving two years. In 1866 he came to Olmstead county, Minnesota, to which place his parents had previously moved. and three years later entered Carleton Col- lege. at Northfield. from which he graduated in 1874, receiving the degree of B. A. He and Myra .\. Brown, who afterward became his wife, composed the first graduating class from that college. After graduation he became superintendent of public schools in Austin, Minn .. and in August, 1875. he accepted the situation as principal of the blind department in the deaf. dumb and blind institution at Faribault. In 1881, with the reorgan- ization of the institution. he was made superintendent of the school for the blind, a position he still retains to the honor of his reputation. to the credit of the city, and to the usefulness of the state. In 1878 Mr. Dow received the degree of M. A .. and in 1899 he was still further honored by the conferring of the honorary degree of L. H. D. Mr. Dow has attained particu- lar distinction throughout the state as an expert in his particu- lar branch. He has been president of the state conference of corrections and charities, president of the American Associa- tion of Instructors to the Blind, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a past commander of Michael Cook Post. G. A. R .. of Faribault. lle is a high degree Mason, has affiliated himself with the Commercial Club and has been one of the earnest workers in the Travelers' Club. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and a member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Dow was married December 25, 1874. to Myra A. Brown, daughter of George Brown, of Monticello, Minn. To this union were born eight children: Charles. Henry, Mary. George and Myra are dead ; James C. now lives in Butte, Mont., where he is in charge of the Butte substation of the Great Falls Power Company : Margaret is a student at Carleton and William G. attends the Faribault high school. Mrs. Dow died
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January 22, 1908. J. C. Dow, father of James J., was a Free- will Baptist clergyman and missionary to India, going from East Livermore, Me., to Midnapore, India, and returning to Buckfield, Me., when James J. was an infant. The mother was Hannah G. Bacon, also a devout missionary. The colonial ancestor of J. J. Dow was Silas Gould, of Dunstable, Mass. He served at Bunker Hill, was in the battle of Long Island and crossed the Delaware with Washington. At the time of the battle of Bunker Hill he was but fifteen years of age. Later he was at one time one of Washington's body guard.
P. H. J. M. Donkers is a well known educator, of Faribault, Minn. lle is a native of Huisseling, Holland, and was born May 13. 1878. the son of John and Theodora van den Bogaard Donkers, also natives of Holland, who came to this country in March, 1889, and settled first at Faribault. Minn., whence they moved to Walcott, Rice county, where the father was engaged in general farming until his decease, June 15, 1904. The mother still survives and lives on the family homestead.
Our subject attended the public schools in Holland six years, and after coming to Minnesota attended the public schools of Rice county, after which he pursued Normal work at Brown's business college in Faribault. In 1896, at the age of eighteen. he began teaching in his home county. At twenty he entered the scientific department of the Valparaiso University. Return- ing home in 1899, he spent another year teaching, after which he again pursued his course at the university and was graduated from that institution with the degree of bachelor of science in 1901. The two years following Mr. Donkers taught school in Rice county, and in 1903. in partnership with Mr. A. A. Erblang. bought what was then called Brown's business college, but which has since become known as the Faribault Business and Normal College.
In 1906 Mr. Donkers purchased his partner's interest and since that time has been sole proprietor of this institution. Since his connection with the college its curriculum has been greatly extended. and now embraces commercial, stenographic, normal and civil service courses. The attendance has steadily increased and the college now enrolls from 100 to 125 students. Besides day sessions during ten months of the year, night sessions are also held in winter, giving those who are employed during the day an opportunity to improve themselves along the various lines of work that are being offered there. As president of this col- lege Mr. Donkers has done much in the way of getting young people to realize the importance of a practical education, and his influence has been far-reaching. And this, together with the
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