History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 65

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota from 1858 to 1881
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis : North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 662

USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 65

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George R. Crippen was born in Saratoga coun- ty, New York, 1838. He removed to Wisconsin with his parents, where heremained until the age of sixteen. He then removed to Cottage Grove, where he has, the greater portion of his time, re- sided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He en- listed in August, 1862, in Company I, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served though the Indian campaign under General Sib- ley. In 1864 his command went to the front; he participated in many prominent engagements, and was mustered out of service at Fort Snelling, August, 1865. He married Miss Sophia Ludloff, of Prescott, Wisconsin, in 1861. They have eight children living.

Jeremiah Daly, is a native of Ireland, born in 1829, where he received his education. In 1850, he crossed the ocean to the United States, and at once started for the far west. Many inconveni- ences were met with in crossing the continent at that early date, he having expended all but two dollars and twenty-five cents when he reached St. Paul, Minnesota. He remained only two days, paying one dollar per day for board. He then shouldered his baggage and walked until he found work, which happened to be as a farm- hand. He changed about from place to place en- gaging in different pursuits. After several ex- periences in lumbering, he finally settled at Cot- tage Grove, where he now resides, owning a beautiful farm of five hundred and twenty acres. He is an honored and respected citizen, and has done much in forwarding the local interests. Mr. Daly has been twice married. His present wife was Miss Mary Mortimer, whom he married in 1876. They have three children, Elizabeth, Thomas M. and William.

Edward Doyle, is a native of the "Emerald Isle," born in 1829 .. He came to America in 1852, and settled in Massachusetts, where he worked at various trades and at farming. He came west in 1867, locating in Washington county, Minnesota; he now owns a nice farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Cottage Grove. His marriage to Miss Mary Leary, a native of Ireland, took place 1856. They have eight children.

William Fowler, whose name is familiar among the agricultural classes of Minnesota, was born in Hampden county, of the old "Bay State," Sep- tember 8th, 1826. At the age of nine, he moved with his parents to Geauga county, Ohio, where- he passed his youth and received his education, completing his studies by a course in tbe fine arts and sciences at Twinsburg Academy. When twenty-two years of age he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1852, came to Minnesota, locating in New- port township; he engaged in agricultural pur- suits. In 1862, he enlisted in Company "F," Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. His com- mand first served under Gen Sibley in the Indian campaign, then were ordered to front. Mr. Fowler was severely wounded at the battle of "The Ce- dars," on account of which be received a pension. In 1862 he was commissioned second lieutenant, which position he held until mustered out of ser-

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vice at Fort Snelling, July, 1865. In 1870 he purchased a farm in Cottage Grove, where he now lives, and is the owner of 544 acres. Mr. Fowler was president of the State Agricultural society in 1873-74; was for seven years president of the Washington County Agricultural Association,also of the State Dairymen's Association, and the State Wool Growers' Association. He represented his district in the legislature in 1877. He has held other high and responsible positions, in which he has given satisfaction. In 1857 his marriage to Miss Caroline Lane occurred. Frank L., Mary, Nellie, Eugene and Willie, are their children.

George M. Furber is a native of Cottage Grove, born November 17th, 1855. He attended the public school in boyhood and completed his edu- cation at Carlton College, Northfield, where he ook a classical course. On returning home he was clerk in his father's store three years, and in January, 1880, he purchased it. He is now doing a good mercantile business. In 1877, he married Miss Annie B. Hind, of St. Paul. They have wo children: Jennie F. and Angier G.

Gen. Joseph W. Furber is a native of New Hampshire, born at Farmington, Strafford county. He is of very old, prominent stock, dating as far back as the locating of the New England colonies in 1640. His father, Major Pierce P. Furber, was an officer in the war of 1812. Gen. Furber re- ceived his education at the public school, except one year at Foxcraft Academy, Penobscot county, Maine. His early manhood was passed in the pursuit of lumber surveying. In 1838, he started for the then remote Mississippi valley; on ar- riving at Alton, Illinois, he made that his home until 1840, when he went to St. Croix Falls, Wis- consin, and engaged in business until 1846. He then came to Washington county, Minnesota, and located at his present, beautiful home at Cottage Grove; there he still remains an honored citizen. In 1846, he was elected to represent the counties of Crawford and St. Croix, which then included the whole north-west in the territorial legislature of Wisconsin. In order to reach the capitol at Madison, he started Christmas and walked the whole distance to Prairie du Chien, that being the only mode of travel at that early date. In 1857, he was chosen speaker of the first Minne- sota legislature. . In 1851, he was appointed and commissioned major-general of militia of Min-

nesota territory. The same year he was appointed by President Fillmore and confirmed by the senate as United States marshal of Minnesota, which he held until his resignation in June, 1853. He has also been honored by the local offices among which are justice of the peace, notary public, postmaster, etc. His marriage with Miss Sarah Minkler occurred in 1843. They have three children: Estella M., Arvilla and William W.

Samuel W. Furber, like his brother, Gen. J. W. Furber, has played a prominent part in the history of St. Croix Valley and the state of Minnesota. He was born in Farmington, Straf- ford county, New Hampshire, in 1819. In 1833 he moved with his parents to Milo, Maine, where he obtained an education which he completed at Foxcraft Academy. In 1846 he went to Bangor, engaging in lumbering, until the spring of 1857, when he came west. He located at Cottage Grove in 1860 where he has since lived. Mr. Furber represented Washington county in the state legislature in 1862, and as chairman of the committee on public lands, he was the most prominent in the framing of the public school land-laws of Minnesota. At the organization of the internal revenue service in 1862, he was appointed assistant assessor of the fifth district, embracing the counties of Washington, Chisago, Carlton, Kanabec and Lake. In this capacity he served until 1870, when the districts were con- solidated by an act of congress. At the organi- zation of the Farmers' Board of Trade, in 1879, he was chosen president by the board of directors and filled the office until expiration of term. Mr. Furber took the United States census of 1880, in Cottage Grove, Denmark and Newport townships. He has also held local offices, such as justice of the peace, notary public, etc. His family con- sists of wife and three children.

Theodore Furber was born at Farmington, Strafford county, New Hampshire, in 1817. When ten years of age, his parents removed to Dover, and four years subsequently to Maine. At this place and at Dover he received a common school and academic education. He left Milo in 1845, with his young wife, for the St. Croix Valley, arriving at St. Croix Falls after a journey of seven weeks. The following spring he located on un- surveyed lands, which after the survey was made, he purchased, it being in Cottage Grove town-

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ship. In 1871 Mr. Furber and wife spent the winter in California, then returned, remaining two years. They then passed a few years in Colorado and Ohio, finally returning to Cottage Grove, where they have since lived. He was commissioned by Governor Dodge of Wiscon- sin territory as colonel of militia; he was also justice of the peace in early days. He was ap- pointed comissioner in company with Bronson of St. Paul, by the legislature to survey and locate® the first territorial road from Point Douglas to St. Paul, which commission he fulfilled. He wedded Miss Sarah J. Hale in 1843.

Aaron G. Gillett is a native of Connecticut, born in New London county, 1817. Here he was educated and lived until 1837. He then went to Steuben county, New York, and engaged in mer- cantile business until 1855, a portion of the time being devoted to traveling. The same year he removed to Belle Plaine, Scott county, where he tarried until 1862. After engaging in hotel-keep- ing at Bloomington about three years, he located at St. Paul, thence to Belle Plaine, and in 1870 became a resident of Langdon. He was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company as station agent nine years. He is now occupying the positions of postmaster and town clerk; has also held the office of justice of the peace eight years. His wife was Miss Hannah Baldwin, whom he married in 1840. They have two children, Martha and Mary, also one adopted son, Charles E.

Henry Gilmore was born in Washington coun- ty, New York, October 1st, 1824, and is of Scotch descent. His ancestors were the original settlers of that section at a very early date. He received his education at his native place, completing it by a course at Cambridge College. At the age of twenty one he came west, locating on a farm in Iowa. After remaining two years, he removed to Galena, Illinois, and gave his attention to boot and shoe trade many years. About twenty-three years ago he came to Minnesota, spending a num- ber of years in Richfield, Minneapolis and Minne- tonka in various pursuits. He finally purchased his present extensive estate of six hundred and fifty-eight acres, at Cottage Grove, to which he moved, and where he now lives with his family. His marriage occurred at Galena, Illinois, in

1855. His wife was Sarah A. Mathews, who has borne him nine children.

William Glenn was born in Canada West, 1830. Here he was educated and learned a trade. He came to Minnesota in 1866, and after tarrying a short time in St. Paul, he pur- chased and opened a farm in Cottage Grove town- ship. He is now owner and proprietor of the hotel of that village; is also town official and dealer in stock. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary Campbell, who died in 1863, leaving two children. He re-married in 1868 to Miss A. J. Everts. Emma and Frank are their children, and Mary an adopted daughter.

Arthur B. Harris was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1856, where he passed his childhood days. His father entered the service of his country at the beginning of the civil war, and fell mortally wounded, at one of the battles of the Potomac; his mother died the next year. Thus early in life he was left an orphan, and in 1868 he came west with his grand-father, Mr. C. D. Strong, senior partner of the well-known firm of Strong, Hackett and Company, of St. Paul. In 1878 Mr. Harris purchased a farm of four hundred acres, in Todd county, Minnesota. He has spent some time in Red River valley, near Fargo, but makes his home at Cottage Grove.

John L. Heselton was born in Canada, near St. Lawrence river, in 1837. He came to St. Paul in 1860, making it his home four years, then located at Cottage Grove, where he has since lived, a prominent farmer, owning a farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres. He married in 1861, Miss Anna Fitzgerald. They have seven children: George A., Martha A., John H., Mary I., Luella, Nora M., and Harvey.

George Heselton, father of J. L. Heselton, late of Cottage Grove, and a prominent citizen, was born in England, and emigrated to Canada, thence to Minnesota in 1858. He died September 13th, 1878.

Lewis Hill is one of the early pioneers of Washington county. He was born at Hollis, York county, Maine, 1822. When he attained his majority he started for the Falls of St. Croix. During the tedious journey he was laid low with fever and ague. He found many kind and gener- ous friends who cared for him and assisted him

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in procuring work after recovering. In 1844 he went to Cottage Grove, and engaged in farming some years, then sold and removed to Dakota county, in 1855. A few years later he returned to Cottage Grove, and located at his present resi- dence at the Corners. He married Miss Abbie Welch in 1854. Emma C .. Jessie L., and Fred- erick E. G., are their living children.

John R. Hutchinson was born at sea, under the American flag, October 18th, 1822. His father was an officer in the merchant marine service of the United States. Mr. Hutchinson lived principally in the state of New York until the age of twenty-three, when he located at Cal- umet, Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in 1857, living in Hastings and Newport a number of years. At Fort Snelling, in 1861, he enlisted in Company "K," Fifth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, and after serving two years re-enlisted. He served in two Indian campaigns under Gen. Sibley, and May 14th, 1865, was discharged. The same year he located on a farm in Cottage Grove township, where he has since made his home. Mrs. Charlotte C. Hutchinson, nee Ladd. of Vermont, is his devoted wife. They were married March 20th, 1844, and are the parents of seven children.

Wallace Kelsey was born in Jefferson county, New York, July 22d, 1836. At the age of nine- teen he emigrated westward, reaching Cottage Grove, Christmas day, 1855. This he made his home until 1861, when he enlisted at Prescott, Wisconsin, in Company "A," Twelfth Wiscon- sin Volunteer Infantry. He served faithfully in many noted conflicts; was commissioned first lieutenant in 1864. In 1866 he located on his present farm at Cottage Grove, where he now resides. His wife was Miss L. Crippen, whom he married in 1861. Ada A., Mabel and Wallace E. are their children.

Joseph Le Borius was born at Hesse-Darm- stadt, in 1848. His parents died during his in- fancy, and when a child of four years his grand- parents came to America, bringing him with them, and located at St. Paul, Minnesota. He first located at Cottage Grove in 1871, and at the village school completed his education. He is chiefly engaged in gardening with much success. Although a mere boy his patriotism impelled him to enlist, which he did in Company "B," Fourth

Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was mus- tered out at Fort Snelling, July 1865. He wedded Miss Nellie Stevens, in 1873; she was one of the first white children born at Cottage Grove. They have two children, John J. and Margaret.

Uriah Ladd was born in New London county, Connecticut, 1819. His father, Uriah Ladd, Sr., was captain in the war of 1812, and had reached the age of eighty-nine when he died. Mr. Ladd lived at the place of his birth until fifteen years old, then removed to Windham county. He com- pleted his education at the Suffolk Literary In- stitute, and at the age of eighteen began teach- ing. He served as clerk of a bank at Windham, Connecticut, and was there at the time of the historic robbery of the "Bull Frog Bank." He settled in 1872 at Cottage Grove, and has since lived there; he is now town assessor. His wife was Miss Mary Burdick, whom he married in 1848. They have five children living: J. Howard, George, Mary, Uriah and Catherine.

John H. Laramy, a native of the "North Star State," was born at St. Paul, June 7th, 1858, where passed his early boyhood. In 1868 he went with his parents to Cottage Grove where he at- tended the public schools and then entered the State University and took a scientific and classi- cal course, completing it with the class of 1875- '76. After spending a few months at Beloit, Wisconsin, he returned to Cottage Grove and took charge of the mercantile house of Wood- ward and Son. at Langdon, where he still remains with success.

Hartley Mars was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, May 29th, 1829. He received his education and learned the trade of tanner in his native place. At the age of twenty-four he emi- grated to Crawford county, Wisconsin, where he followed his trade and farming. He enlisted in Company "C," Twentieth Wisconsin volunteer infantry. He experienced a severe illness which confined him to the hospital six months. On his convalescence he re-enlisted in Company "D," Mississippi Marine Brigade, and served along the waters of that stream." In 1863 he was com- pelled to retire from military service on account of failing health. Purchasing a farm at Cottage Grove, he located on it with his family in the fall of 1865. His marriage with Elizabeth Myers took place in 1850. Margaret L., Elizabeth P.,

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John H. and Henrietta are the living children, two having died.

John G. McChesney is a native of Ireland, born in 1836. He is of Scotch lineage, and was reared and educated in the country of his nativity. In 1857 he crossed the Atlantic, and proceeded directly westward, reaching St. Paul, Minnesota, the same year. After being a resident of that city three years he removed to Cottage Grove. He began farming in Denmark township in 1862, but purchased his present farm at Cottage Grove, and located in 1866. His farm is a most desirable one, being highly improved and embracing two hundred and forty acres. Mr. McChesney was married in 1862 to Miss Harriet Wallace, who is also a native of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. They are the parents of four children: Herbert W., John W., Thomas R. and Herman F., one of whom, Thomas, died February 13th, 1878.

Theodore F. Miller was born at the village of Cross River, Westchester county, New York, 1847. His parents removed to Prescott, Wiscon- sin, where they still reside. At Prescott, he grew to manhood and received a liberal educa- tion. After having farmed near Prescott five years, he removed to Point Douglas, Minnesota in 1872, and began the grain trade. In 1876, he and his partner, Mr. Dill purchased the elevator at Langdon. The firm of Dill and Miller, own and operate four elevators. Mr. Miller was mar- ried in 1868 to Miss Annie Teare, who has borne him three children: Carrie, Maud and Patsey.

Jocob Mosher, one of the oldest settlers in Washington county, and one of the first in Cot_ tage Grove, is a native of Nova Scotia, born 1820 He came with his parents to Canada West when nine years old, his father being a mill-wright, he learned that, and the carpenter's trade. In 1839, he visited Illinois and remained 1843, when he went to St. Croix Falls. Here he remained at work two years, and took a claim in what is now Cottage Grove. IIe has been promi- nent in his trade, and has built many residences and school-houses in that county. He sold his farm years ago, preparing to follow his profession, and now has a fine residence and grounds. He was married in 1854 to Mrs. Maria Shatto. Anna F., Mahala, William, Addie, Grant, Laura and George, are their childien.

Joel M. Munger, the elder of the two Munger

brothers at Cottage Grove, was born at Orwell, Rutland county, Vermont, March 3d, 1818. Strangely enough, he and his brother were born the same day and month of the year, were mar- ried the same day and month of the year, at the same place, and to sisters. Mr. Munger lived at the place of his birth nearly forty years. In 1857, he came westward and located at the Cor- ners, in Cottage Grove township, where he has since lived and prospered. He has been extensively engaged in sheep raising, having kept a large flock of Spanish Merinos for a number of years. Owing to the large number of wolves which came to that vicinity in later years, he was compelled to dispose of his valuable stock and give his attention to the improvement of his very desirable farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres. In Johnstown, Wisconsin, December 31st, 1843, he married Miss Lucinda Belden: Antoinette A., Julia A., Orlow B., Noble L., Roxsa, Walter A. and Ned W. are their children.

William R. Munger was born at the old family homestead, at Orwell, Rutland county, Vermont, March 3d, 1822, exactly five years later than the birth of his brother Joel M. He was reared and educated by his parents, and when he attained his majority, he emigrated to Johnstwon, Wiscon- sin. He remained nine years, and while there, built a large hotel which was afterward bought by the county and converted into a county poor house, and is still used as such. In 1852, he ar- rived at the Corners, where he purchased a farm and located, having since then lived there. He has at all times been a prominent member of the community having often held town offices. He was married at Johnstown, Wisconsin, December 31st, 1843 to Miss Julia Belden: Elbridge G., Myrtle, Ahyatt S. and Carlton W. are their children.

Elbridge G. Munger, eldest son of W. R. Mun- ger, was born at Johnstown, Wisconsin, Decem- ber 30, 1851. He was brought to Minnesota by his parents. the next year. He has a good edu- cation, having graduated from the St. Paul Busi- ness College and school of telegraphy. He lo- cated a claim in Murray county in 1877, which he sold two years later. Mr. Munger now gives his attention to raising and training fine horses, some of which are probably the finest in the state. James S. Norris, deceased, was born in Kenne-

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bec county, Maine, 1810. He emigrated to the westin 1839, and first located in what is now Afton township. In 1842 he opened a farm on what is at present section four, Cottage Grove. Here he lived until his death, which occurred March 5tb, 1874. During his life he held various public of- fices, and was justice of the peace in Wisconsin territory ; was a member of the first territorial legislature of Minnesota, and was re-elected to the legislature in 1855, '56 and '70; was town clerk twelve years. He died, respected and re- gretted by all.

Sophia Jane Norris, widow of the late James S. Norris, born in Somerset county, Maine, 1815. She came to Washington county, Minnesota, in 1845, to live with her brother Joseph Haskell. The same year she and Mr. James Norris were married. They had no children of their own but have an adopted son, George H., who lives with his foster-mother.

Louis T. Poitras was born in Montreal, 1846, and was reared and educated in the Canadian metropolis. When seventeen years old he came to the states, settling at Muskegon, Michigan, and worked at bis trade, that of blacksmithing. On account of ill health he returned in 1871, to Cana- da, and remained until 1879, when he came to Stillwater, Minnesota. Here he worked until June, 1880, then went to Cottage Grove and opened a shop. where he now carries on a general blacksmithing business, in connection with wagon making and repairing. In 1867 he was married to Lisa Bassett, who died in 1871, leaving one child. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Richard, of Canada. Rosina, Lisa, Sarah and Lida are their children.

David L. Smith, A. B. and M. B., was born March 30th, 1851, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Here he was raised by his parents and received the ground work of his education. Removing to Toronto, Canada, he pursued his studies at the University of Toronto, from which he graduated with the degree of A. B., in the class of 1873-4. He then took a course at the Trinity Medical School, receiving M. B. with the class of 1875-6. Early in the spring of the next year, he came westward to Duluth, Minnesota; thence to Fargo, Dakota territory, and on to Manitoba, and en- gaged during the summer and fall on the survey of the proposed line of Canadian Pacific railroad,

as far west as the Wood mountains. In 1878 he returned, going to Stillwater, where he was a teacher in the public school until 1880; he then took charge of the Cottage Grove school, having about eighty scholars, and one assistant.

Thomas Spoor is a native of the Empire state, born in Delaware county, 1825. He remained at bis childhood home until 1855, then taking the advice Horace Greeley has given, turned his face westward. He tarried a brief time at Belle Plaine, Minnesota, then returned and located at his present home, Cottage Grove, where he is an industrious and respected citizen. His wife was Miss Theresa Brock, of Delaware county, New York; they were married in 1845. They have two children.

Arthur H. Steen, M. D., is the son of Arthur H. Steen, Sr., a prominent farmer of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he was born June 16th, 1850. After receiving a public school education he began reading medicine, in 1868, at Oakfield, Wisconsin, and pursued his studies under Drs. William Moore and J. W. Burns. In September, 1872, he entered Rush Medical College, from which he graduated with high honors two years later. The same year he located at Cottage Grove, in the practice of his profession, where he still remains, a very popular and highly esteemed physician. Dr. Steen has a large and well selected medical library, and is still much devoted to his studies.

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