USA > Minnesota > Wright County > History of Wright County, Minnesota > Part 41
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Samuel A. Gordon, now deceased, was for many years an honored resident of Corinna township. He was born in New York state, September 8, 1843, and died in Corinna township February 8, 1914. His father, Edward Gordon, devoted the greater part of his life to the lumber and sawmill business. Samuel A. Gorman lived a boyhood similar to other youngsters of his time and circumstances, and grew to sturdy manhood. May 20, 1861, when but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Co. K, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, under Captain E. R. Brady and Col. T. F. Gallagher. The regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomae. Among the battles in which he participated inay be mentioned : Malvern Hill, Antietam, South Mountain, Fred- erieksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, North Anna and Cold Harbor. He was wounded in the stomach at the battle of North Anna, Virginia, and was honorably discharged at Pittsburgh, Pa., June 14, 1864. After the war lie engaged in the lumbering busi- ness in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. It was in 1870 that he eame to Wright eounty and bought 200 aeres of land in seetion 27, Corinna township. He eleared all this land, erected buildings, and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. In the meantime he worked in the lumber regions, surveying and looking after euttings, and later lie helped to locate settlers on government land in the northern part of Minnesota. For twelve years Mr. Gordon was a justice of the peace, and for ten years he was supervisor. He was a member of the Masonie order, and served as Com- mander of Buzzell Post, No. 24, G. A. R. Ile was also Depart- ment Commander for two terms. In 1903 Mr. Gordon began to take a few boarders, and there soon eame a demand that he open a regular summer resort. The resort is still maintained, and has applications for more reservations than ean be granted. Three double cottages and two single cottages have been built, while
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MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL A. GORDON AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN
GEORGE E. WELLS' RESIDENCE AND LOG CABIN
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the meals are served at the main farm house. A new barn, 40x60, with an airy basement, has been ereeted, the lumber used being of the finest quality brought from Washington. A very good orchard graces the place, while there are extensive berry fields of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. The resort is located in a pretty spot on the banks of Cedar lake. The fishing is of the best, and everything possible is done in the way of fur- nishing rest and recreation for the guests. The place is still conducted by members of the family. Samuel A. Gordon was married September 21, 1865, to Matilda MeAninch, daughter of George and Mary (Hetrick) MeAninch, the former of whom was a farmer and lumberman. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had but one child, William, who as already mentioned is carrying on the home place in a capable manner.
George E. Wells, for several years popularly identified with the summer resort business on the picturesque banks of beautiful Cedar lake in Corinna township, was born in Roek county, Wis- consin, May 17, 1862, son of Joel and Charlotte (Terwilliger) Wells. The father was born in Vermont and died November 26, 1914, at the age of eighty-two. The mother was born in Ohio and died in December, 1912, at the age of seventy-six. They were married in Wisconsin, and their union resulted in five chil- dren, Annette, George E., William, John and Frank. George E. was reared to farm pursuits and farmed in Wisconsin for several years, going thence to Iowa, where he lived for a time in Palo Alto county. In 1900 he engaged in the hardware business in Cylinder, in that county. It was in 1902 that he came to Wright county and bought the old Emmanuel Smith farm, in section 15, Corinna township. This tract of 138 acres was one of the first to be secured from the government in the pioneer days. When Mr. Wells took possession of the place he moved into the old original log cabin. This interesting structure, built without nails or screws, erected in the most primitive fashion from trees ent on the place, is still standing, and forms a valuable historic relic. After living a little over a year on this farm, Mr. Wells pur- chased the Van Dyke place of thirty-eight acres on the same sec- tion, just west of the Smith farm and located on the north bank of Cedar lake. Here Mr. Wells established the famous Cottage Grove resort. The desirability of the location, the beauty of the scenery, the advantages of the lake and its surroundings, the excellence of the cuisine, and the warmth and comfort of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, soon began to attract guests in larger numbers than could be accommodated. On the sightly and spacious grounds of the place there now stand a large house, seven cottages and a pavilion, all most admirably adapted to their purpose. In April, 1908, Mr. Wells sold this place to F. S. Mears, and moved back to the Emmanuel Smith farm. The knowl-
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edge he had gained gave him a thorough appreciation of just what was desired by the people who frequent this region, and he set about building up an ideal summer home. He laid out beautiful lawns, parked the woodlands, and erected a large sub- stantial dwelling and five roomy cottages. One of these cottages they sold to Mr. Fry of Minneapolis, who has remodeled it into a beautiful summer home. Mr. Wells also laid out a pleasant bathing beach and secured an excellent fleet of boats for rowing and fishing. People flocked here in large numbers, and the suc- eess which attended his efforts more than justified his faith and energy. His farming operations were likewise important. He erected a modern barn 132 by 34 feet, a swine barn 12 by 100 feet, and other farming buildings, thus making a total length of about 300 feet. He also manufactured considerable maple syrup, having a syrup building and a patented evaporator. Ilis stock was of the best, and all the butter used on the table was made on the place. At the height of his popularity and success, Mr. Wells died, November 14, 1914, and his death was a sad blow to his devoted family. Through all his endeavors, Mr. Wells was sus- tained by the companionship and help of his devoted wife. With her he planned, and many of the suggestions which eounted for his success came from her, while her excellent housekeeping, her management of the kitchen and dining room, and her amiable temperament were important factors in bringing guests to the place. Since the death of her husband she has carried on the farm, and she will also continue the resort. Mr. Wells was mar- ried as a young man to Nettie Rockwell, of Wisconsin, who died March 13, 1889, leaving two children : Jay, a farmer of Corinna, and Maude, who lives in Kensett, Iowa. The present Mrs. Wells was Lizzie Hughes, of Iowa. Their children are : Aleathe, Velma, Nellie, Genevieve, Melvin, Homer, Herbert and Hazel, all at home.
George M. Scheyer, a well-known resident of Corinna town- ship, was born on the old homestead in this township, May 3, 1879, son of J. P. Scheyer, the pioneer. J. P. Scheyer came to seetion 14, in the early days, and secured a tract of eighty acres, entirely covered with trees. He erected a log cabin, made a small clearing, and started life in the wilderness. Ile was fortunate in owning a yoke of oxen which were of great assistance to him. For supplies he went to St. Cloud or Clearwater, walking with the oxen the entire distance. As time passed he developed a good farm, erected good buildings, and became a prosperous eiti- zen. George M. Scheyer was educated in the district schools and was reared on the home place. At the age of twenty-one, he purchased the homestead, and continued its development. Later he sold forty acres, so that he now owns 120 acres. Start- ing with limited means, he has beeome a successful man of means. Ile earries on general farming, raises good stock, and does some
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dairying. Mr. Scheyer has been sehool treasurer for the past seven years. In 1911 he was elected town assessor, a position he is still faithfully filling, giving general satisfaction to the people of the township. Mr. Scheyer was married in 1902 to Adaline Ilenneman, born in Corinna township, daughter of Anthony and Margaret Henneman, now of Annandale. Mr. and Mrs. Scheyer have had four children : Harold, born October 9, 1903; Vivian, born April 22, 1907; George, who died in infancy; Lorine, born August 10, 1913.
Frank Schneider, a prominent citizen of Corinna township, was born in Carver county, Minnesota, April 23, 1866, son of Engelbert and Anna (Maures) Schneider. Engelbert Schneider was born in Germany and came to America in 1852. He lived three months in New York, then went to Michigan, remained there a year, was married, and came to the vicinity of Chaska, in Carver county, this state, where he took a claim in section 19, Chanhassen township. In 1862, when news came of the Indian uprising, he fled with his family to the village of Chaska. Toward the elose of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery and served a year. He successfully operated his farm until 1885, when he retired and moved to the village of Chaska, where he died May 19, 1904, at the age of seventy-three years. Frank Schneider was reared on the home farm and received a good education in the district schools. In 1885 he went to work for his brother, Joseph Schneider. For his services he received $5 a month in winter and $12 a month in the summer. In about a year and a half he earned $140, and ont of this saved $65. During the next year and a half he worked as a clerk for the Judge of Probate, at Long Prairie, Minn. After this he returned home and operated the home farm in Carver county. While there he was married. It was in 1893 that he came to Corinna township and purchased 120 acres in section 14, Wright county. On this tract he has since resided. When he came here, a house stood on the property and about twenty-five acres had been cleared. He cleared some seventy-five aeres more, and brought the place to a good stage of cultivation. Ile now successfully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding full-blooded Holstein cattle. In the affairs of the com- munity, Mr. Schneider has taken an especially active part. He helped to organize the Annandale Co-operative Creamery Asso- ciation, and still owns stock in that organization, as well as in the Citizens' State Bank, of Annandale. For the past ten years he has done efficient work as agent for the Middleville Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Corinna, Clearwater and the west half of Silver Creek. From 1896 to 1913, he ably served the town as supervisor, being chairman of that board a greater part of the time. For twelve years he was elerk of the school board of dis-
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HISTORY OF WRIGHIT COUNTY
trict 57. Mr. Schneider was married June 10, 1890, to Catherine Kohman, born in Carver county, Minnesota, April 14, 1864, dangh- ter of William and Helena (Mulken) Kohman. There are seven children : Lena, born November 6, 1891, is a dressmaker. Ben, born November 18, 1892, is a graduate of the National Business College, of Crookston. Mary was born October 21, 1893. Frances was born May 12, 1895. She is a teacher, having graduated from the Maple Lake high school. Catherine, born March 22, 1897, and Blanche, born August 14, 1899, are graduates of the Annan- dale high school. Margaret was born May 16, 1904.
Henry M. Tuelle, proprietor of the Longworth Summer Resort, on the picturesque banks of beautiful Clearwater Lake in section 8, Corinna township, was born in Rochester, N. Y., January 5, 1850, son of Henry M. Tuelle, Sr., and Hulda M. (Burroughs) Tuelle. Henry M. Tuelle, Sr., was a railroad engineer on the New York Central Railroad. In 1850 he moved the family to Chicago, and there IIenry M., the subject of this sketch, was reared. He went to school, played ball on the vacant lots, and at the age of nineteen started out in life for himself. It was in 1877 that he came to Minnesota as second baseman for the Min- neapolis "Browns." The same year he went to work in the auditing department of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad, where he remained for six years. In 1883 he entered the employ of Noyes Brothers & Cutler, wholesale druggists, as traffic man- ager, until October, 1903. On February 11, 1904, he purchased his present place of 41 acres in section 8, Corinna township. Mr. Tuelle is a member of the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter, Com- mandery and Shrine, of the Masonic body. He was married, October 21, 1879, to Katherine Ilateh, daughter of Homer and Fidelia P. (Howes) Hateh. Mr. Hatch died in 1864, and his widow married, in 1868, Hon. Seagrave Smith, of Minneapolis, judge of the Fourth Minnesota Judicial District from 1891 to 1900. Mrs. Tuelle graduated from the Minneapolis high school in 1879.
The Longworth Resort, the oldest summer resort in the North- west, established in 1860, is situated on the banks of Clearwater Lake, in section 8, Corinna township, eight and a half miles south of Clearwater, six and a half miles north of Annandale, and fifty- six miles by antomobile west of Minneapolis. The grounds are beautifully laid out and shaded with towering trees, while in front of the place is one of the best beaches in the state, adequate for the strongest swimmer but safe for the smallest child. There are also tennis grounds, croquet grounds, and an athletic field. The main building is 72 by 60 feet, with a sereened porch, 120 by 12 feet. The sixteen cottages accommodate 100 people and have screened porches twelve feet wide. The rooms are large, each has a closet, the furnishings are modern, the sanitation is
MR. AND MRS. JAMES O'LAUGHLIN
MARTIN MeALPINE
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HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
of the best, light is furnished by a modern gas plant, and every- thing possible is done for the comfort, convenienee and happiness of the guests. The large garage, with modern equipment, has a eapaeity of fifteen ears. The fleet consists of fifteen row boats and one large launch. Fishing is especially good, black bass, rock bass, erappies, pike, piekerel and roach being caught in abundance. With all these many advantages, however, one of the chief attractions is the excellent euisine. The food is plenti- ful, well-cooked and of the best quality. All the vegetables are raised on the place, a specialty being made of the Golden Bantam green eorn. The genial and able proprietors have had long ex- perienee, and their personality and enterprise have been valuable in building up this splendid resort.
Michael McAlpine, a leading farmer of Corinna township, and proprietor of a well-patronized summer resort, was born near Toronto, Canada, March 27, 1853, son of John and Naney (MeCune) MeAlpine. The parents came from Canada in 1856, and lived in Saginaw, Mich., seven years, and in St. Paul, Minn., three years. In 1866 they came to Maple Lake township in this county and purchased eighty aeres of land. They built a log house, 16 by 22 feet, with a slab roof and a board floor. Seven- teen aeres were eleared the first winter. This was done by hand, for it was two years before they were able to purchase a yoke of oxen and a eow. They made a wooden-toothed harrow from poles and brush. The wheat was reaped with a seythe and a eradle, and marketed in Monticello. The first winter they had no meat, and they had no means of killing wild game. The next summer the deer proved to be a great nuisance. Sometimes twelve or fifteen at onee would come into the elearing to eat turnips. The children of the family eaught the fawns and raised them as pets. Thus the family passed through the joys and sor- rows of pioneer life, and as the years passed prosperity eame to them. The father died in August, 1894; the mother in February, 1892. Michael MeAlpine was reared on the farm, and lived at home until 1883, when he bought eighty acres in section 25, Corinna township. Like his father before him, he became a pioneer. He ereeted a log house, 16 by 20, with a shingled roof and a board floor, and started farming with two eows and a span of three-year-old colts. By hard work and diligent endeavor, he has achieved prosperity in unusual measure. He now owns 204 aeres of good land, with a sightly home, and roomy buildings. He has just completed a modern barn, 32 by 74 feet, with eement floor and patent stanehions, the structure having a capacity of thirty eows, twelve horses and 100 tons of hay. Aside from his extensive operations along the lines of general farming, he raises graded Shorthorn eattle, Poland China swine and Plymouth Roek ehiekens. The farm lies on the shores of Summer lake, and the
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160-rod gravel beach is one of the best in the county. This beach has caused a demand for summer accommodations by people who come to visit it, and Mr. McAlpine has accordingly opened a resort. He has more applications than he can accommodate, but usually cares for about twenty-five guests throughout the summer. The rooms are cool and airy, and the food is of the best. Four boats are provided, and the lake abounds in all the best game fish. Mr. McAlpine is a popular man in the commu- nity, and has served seven years as a member of the school board of district 119. The family attends the Catholic church in Maple Lake. Mr. McAlpine was married November 11, 1879, to Mar- garet Welton, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dacy) Welton. In the family there are ten children: Martin D. was born No- vember 9, 1880, was married June 7, 1904, to Elizabeth O'Rourke, and lives in Maple Lake. Samuel P. was born November 25, 1882, and was married April 8, 1913, to Mary Murphy. Ile lives in Butte, Mont. Mary Loretta was born December 2, 1884. Anna Ethel was born December 28, 1886, and was married June 8, 1910, to Albert Miller, of Maple Lake. Michael F. was born October 17, 1888, was married August 16, 1911, to Minnie Enghauser, and lives two and a half miles west of Maple Lake. John Joseph was born April 1, 1890. Elizabeth Agnes was born June 30, 1893, and died April 25, 1894. Margaret Evelyn was born July 4, 1895; Grace Marie was born January 15, 1901 ; and Edward Jerald was born September 17, 1904.
Martin J. McAlpine, for many years a substantial and repre- sentative farmer of Corinna township, exercised a wholesome in- fluence upon the life of his community, set a splendid example of industry and thrift to the younger generations, and left behind a memory which will long be cherished. He was born in Kings- ton, Canada, June 15, 1861, son of James and Nancy (Collins) Me Alpine, natives of that province. Ile received a good educa- tion in the land of his birth, and in 1885 came to the United States and located in Minneapolis, where he engaged in business for four years. From there he came to Wright county and purchased eighty acres of timberland in Corinna township. Only three and a half acres had at that time been cleared. Ile cut off the heavy timber, cleared and "grubbed" the land, added eighty acres more, and by industry and hard work developed a splendid place and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. His sterling worth at once won favor with his new neighbors, and he became one of the prominent and successful men of the community. In 1912 he erected a beautiful modern residence. But he did not live long to enjoy it as his life was soon brought to a close. Mr. McAlpine was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Timothy's Church, at Maple Lake. He belonged to the A. O. U. W. Mr. McAlpine was married November 3, 1891, to Agnes O'Loughlin,
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a most estimable woman, who survives him. Throughout their married life she was a most capable helpmeet. To their union there was born one child, Marke. Ile married Katie Brooms and lives in Albion township.
Nelson W. Barrett, farmer and stockraiser, owner of the Prairie View farm, Clearwater township, was born in Franklin county, New York, February 13, 1851, son of Chester and Olive (Holland) Barrett, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ver- mont. The father died in Wisconsin, and the mother in Clear- water. In the family there were eleven children: Harvey (de- ceased ; Sarah (deceased) ; Susan (deceased) ; Whitmore (de- ceased) : Horace, of Malone, N. Y .; Lovisa (deceased) ; Charles (deceased) ; Nelson W .; Eva (deceased) ; Eugene, of Clearwater ; and Nelson (deceased). Nelson W. Barrett was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. In 1868 he came to Wright county and for several years he was engaged as a teamster. Then he purchased forty aeres of land and began operations as a farmer. He now owns the Prairie View Farm of 160 acres on section 15, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. His place is well improved and is a model of its kind in every respect. Mr. Bar- rett is a Republican and has served in numerous local offices, such as highway overseer and school clerk. He is a member of the M. W. A. of Clearwater. Mr. Barrett was married December 20, ISSO, to Elnora Adelle Bentley, a native of Michigan, and they have had six children : Jennie, wife of William Ackerson, of Clearwater township; Edwin, of St. Cloud; Etta, twin to Edwin, wife of David Sibert, of Clearwater; William, of Clear- water; Ida, wife of Earl Jones, of Clearwater; and Ray, at home.
Orange Hyatt, one of the pioneer settlers of Minnesota, was born in Canada, January 8, 1828, and married Cynthia E. Pease February 21, 1855, at Sherbrook, Canada. He came to Clear- water in the fall of 1856 and settled on a claim three miles south of the village. Six years later he moved to Minneapolis, where he worked at the millwright trade and helped build the great flour mills of that city. Ilere he became a member of "All Saints" Episcopal church. In 1883 he removed to the farm in Clearwater where he resided until the time of his death, which came at the good old age of eighty-one years. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding at the old homestead in 1905. Cynthia E. Pease was born in Sherbrook November 30, 1828. In her younger days she was one of the school teachers of Sher- brook and was a member of the Episcopal church for forty-five years. Mrs. Hyatt died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. B. Davis, at Clear Lake, June 23, 1912, just two years after her husband. The children are as follows: Joseph O., Clearwater, married Melissa Taylor, of Minneapolis; Fred W., Clearwater, married Mary Bently, Clearwater; Clara M. (deceased) married
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Frank Wallace, Minneapolis ; Eugene G. Washington married Effie Ridley, Clearwater; Hattie M., Clear Lake, married L. B. Davis (deceased). The following paragraph from an obituary will show the esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt were held: "They were highly respected and loved by everybody who came in contact with them either in a business or social way, and besides their immediate relatives were mourned by a host of true friends. Their remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of old settlers who had known them in life as true friends and sturdy pioneers during the primitive stage of early settle- ment."
William C. Knickerbocker, a leading farmer of Clearwater township, was born on the homestead, where he still resides, February 25, 1877, son of Herman E. and Jennie L. (IIutehinson) Knickerbocker. He received a good education in the district schools, learned farm pursuits from his father, and in 1899 took entire charge of the place. Ile carries on general farming, mak- ing a specialty of stock breeding and horticulture. The prin- cipal crops are big four oats and blue stem wheat. His swine are of the Duroc-Jersey breed. His two acres of orchard are devoted to 400 apple trees-Patten's Greenings, Northwest Greenings and Wealthys; thirty compass variety cherry trees and 30 De Soto variety of plum trees. Mr. Knickerbocker is a friend of education and has served ten years as a member of the school board of district 120. Hle attends the Episcopal church. Mr. Knickerbocker was married December 25, 1901, to Etta Smith, daughter of Edward B. and Emma (Griffing) Smith. Mr. Smith has been a merchant in Howard Lake for some twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Knickerbocker have two children: Edward, born December 28, 1903, and Elwin, born May 16, 1908.
Herman K. Knickerbocker, a pioneer, now deceased, was born in Ramsey county, New York, May 6, 1828, the son of Herman and Sarah (Buel) Knickerbocker. Herman Knickerbocker was a distinguished jurist. For many years he served as judge of the Supreme Court of New York. Herman K. Knickerbocker was reared in a home of culture and education. Ile received a good education and while still a boy went to sea. For about a year he was in the hardware business in Davenport Iowa. It was in 1857 that he came to Minnesota and took a elaim in sec- tion 32, Clearwater township. He erected a log cabin, cleared the land, and gradually developed the tract into a first-class farm with modern buildings, good equipment and splendid stock. In the early days he had many interesting experiences. Ile was friendly with the Indians and received many presents from them. They gave him a fawn, which he raised, and which proved to be a great pet. They also gave him some wild geese eggs, which he hatched out and used as decoys. During the height of the
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