Illustrated album of biography of Southwestern Minnesota : containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers...:History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early exploration...and a concise history of the Indian outbreak of 1862, Part 70

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : Occidental Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Minnesota > Illustrated album of biography of Southwestern Minnesota : containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers...:History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early exploration...and a concise history of the Indian outbreak of 1862 > Part 70

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

- -

OSEA J. HUMPHREY, one of the leading and reliable farmers of Pipe- stone county, Minnesota, is a resident of section 34, Grange township. He settled in Grange township on a homestead in 1882, and has ever since been identified with the interests of that locality. He was born in Richmond, Chittenden county, Vermont, July 2, 1823. He was the son of James and Orpha (Dow) Humphrey, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire. The father was the son of James and Emma (Hardy) Humphrey, natives of Rhode Island, James Humphrey being the son of John Humphrey, a descendant of English an- cestry. The Humphreys throughout their generations have been men of ample means and much influence in the Eastern States, in which the majority of them lived. The mother of the subject of our sketch was the daughter of Isaiah and Abigail (Messer) Dow, who were of French descent. Hosea's mother died in 1861, and his father in 1864, and they were both buried in the town in which our subject was born.

Hosea Humphrey remained with his par- ents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, up to which time he had for the most part been assisting his father at work on the home farm. He had also been given good educational advantages, and by profiting

thereby, he had acquired a good common- school education. When he reached the age above mentioned he went, to Massa- chusetts and commenced learning the car- penter's trade, and, remaining in the State until 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, serving as a private for about nine months. He then went to work for the government at the carpenter's trade, being employed on government contracts in differ- ent places in South Carolina and Tennessee, a portion of the time being spent in Chatta- nooga, of the latter State. Completing his engagement with the government he re- turned to Massachusetts, where he continued working at his trade until in 1865, in which year he removed to Steele county, Minnesota. On coming to Minnesota he turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, and, buying a farm, continued this until 1882, when, as has already been stated, he came to Grange township, Pipestone county, and settled on a homestead.

December 4, 1843, is the date of the mar- riage of our subject to Miss Rosamond Sher- man, a native of Waitsfield, Vermont, and daughter of William and Lucy (Wilder) Sherman. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have been blessed with two children, both of whom are living-Leslie J., of Dakota, and Emma I., of Grange township.

The subject of our sketch has at all times in his career been an active participant in matters of a public nature. To see this we have but to notice that while in Steele coun- ty he held the office of justice of the peace and assessor, and since coming to Pipestone county has been treasurer of the township for four years, and justice of the peace for one term. He is a man of high character and excellent judgment, and is respected by all who know him. He is thrifty and energetic, and has fitted up for himself a comfortable home and an excellent farm. In politics he

547

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

affiliates with the democratic party, and is a leading member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Simon Mix Post, No. 95, of Pipe- stone, Minnesota.

- RS. EMELINE GARDNER, widow of the late Allen Gardner, resides on a fine farm on section 8 of Great Bend township, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. She was born in Franklin county, Maine, May 25, 1856, and was the daughter of David and Rosina (Winslow) Moore, natives of Maine. Her father was a ship-builder by occupation during the early part of his life and finally engaged in agricultural pursuits. His parents were John and Emeline (Jack- son) Moore, the former being a sailor by oc- cupation. Mrs. Gardner's mother was the daughter of Howard and Mary Winslow, the former's parents being Ezra and Rachel Winslow. Howard Winslow was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family on both sides were prominent and influential people in the East.

Mrs. Gardner was married to Allen Gard- ner April 9, 1877, and came directly to her home in Cottonwood county. Her husband had located his claim the year before. In all Mrs. Gardner has now four hundred acres of excellent land and one of the finest resi- dences in the county. It is located on the Des Moines river and is one of the most pleasant locations for a home in the town- ship.

Allen Gardner was born in the northern part of Maine, February 28, 1838. He was the son of Allen and Elzina (Doyne) Gard- ner, natives of Vermont. Allen Gardner engaged in the lumber trade until 1874, when he came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he met the lady whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He was one of the first settlers of the vicinity, and was one of the county's most prominent citizens. He

was one of the first county commissioners, and had always been prominent in township affairs. He died September 8, 1887, his death being the result of an accident. He was injured by a horse falling on him the last day of August. He lingered until September Sth, when he died. In politics Mr. Gardner was a republican; he was a man of strong will and of sound and decided opinions. He was energetic and systematic, and although when he came to the county he had but little cap- . ital, he weathered all the disheartening cir- cumstances, grasshopper raids, etc., and by hard work and perseverance became one of the wealthiest citizens of the township. Mr. Gardner was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having enlisted in 1862. He served his country faithfully and gallantly, entitling him to the honorable membership in the Grand Army of the Republic which he held. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, by which society and the former one just named he was cared for to a large extent during his last illness. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had nine children, of whom the following named are living-Charles W., George W., Laura E., Ethel V. and Emma R. Mrs. Gardner's parents live on an adjoining farm.

- LFRED TERRY is one of the leading citizens of Slayton, Murray county, Minnesota. He is a son of Robert and Amelia Therold (Parsons) Terry, the former a native of England and the latter born in France. The father, Colonel Terry, was a prominent man in the English military ser- vice. He was in the English army for some forty-five years, seventeen years of that time being spent in active war. He had command of the English troops that captured the island of St. Martins, and for his gallant and honorable conduct in the battles in connec- tion with this campaign was made governor

548

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

of the island. Late in life he was retired on . full pay and resided in England.

Alfred Terry was born on the island of Malta, December 3, 1842. His education was received at Winchester, England, where he remained until he was nineteen years of age. He then entered the West of England Bank, England, and continued in that institu- tion for five years. At this time he came to America, locating in Lakefield, Canada, where shortly afterward he joined the Canadian volunteers in the Fenian movement. He did not participate in any active warfare, but for nine months was in constant drill pre- paring for the emergencies of war. After this period had expired he came to the United States, locating in Decoralı, Iowa. Here lie was employed in farming and various other occupations for about five years, when he removed to Nobles county, Minnesota, where he located on government land. He re- mained in Nobles county about seven years, during six of which his crops were entirely de- stroyed by grasshopper raids and hail-storms. On going to Nobles county our subject was in fair circumstances, but owning to these dis- astrous strokes of fortune, on leaving there at the end of seven years he was badly in debt, and in fact was so poor that he had to walk out of the country, leaving his family until he had earned enough to move them hence. Going to Fulda he opened a small flour and feed store. In connection with this he also engaged in the real estate business, and followed the same two years in Fulda. After two years he went to England on a brief visit, and returning in 1881 he settled in Slayton township, Murray county, making his location before there were any buildings put up on the site of the village. He at once engaged in handling real estate, which has been his principal business ever since. He has done very well in this line, and is now in good circumstances.

Mr. Terry was married in Mankato, Feb-

ruary 4, 1875, to Mary E. (Chase) Weston. Mr. and Mrs. Terry have been blessed with two children-Robert Weston and Selina Maria. By her former husband Mrs. Terry had two children-John E. and Andrew I.

Since coming to Slayton, and in fact throughout his entire life in the West, Mr. Terry has actively participated in all public affairs. He is a leading member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Independent Order of Good Templars and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is the president of the county Sunday- school association.

ILLIAM OKER is a thrifty farmer located on section 8, Verdi town- ship, Lincoln county, Minnesota. He was born in Prussia, Germany, March 7, 1834. He was the son of Anton and Anna (Konig) Oker. The father was a mechanic by occu- pation, and died in his native country when our subject was about four years old. The mother died in 1874, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.

William Oker remained with his parents, being given a common-school education until he was fifteen years of age. At that age he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked some three years. He then engaged as a journeyman cabinet- maker for two years, one year of which was spent in Holland. These various periods brought his life up to the year 1856, in his native land. He was then at the proper age to enter the army. Army life was not in ac- cordance with his tastes, however, and he concluded to emigrate, so, finding an excel- lent opportunity, he slipped on board a pri- vate sailing vessel bound for Brazil. He was on board forty days, and was then landed in New York City on the 15th of October, 1856. He passed through that city en route for De-

549

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

troit, Michigan, where he remained some three weeks, looking for work. He then hired out to work in a saw-mill on the shores of Lake Michigan. He continued this employ- ment for nine months, receiving $14 a month in the winter and $25 per month during the summer. At the end of these nine months he . returned to Detroit, and after one week's stay entered the employ of the Collins Iron Com- pany of Cleveland, Ohio. He went to their works near Marquette and was there em- ployed at the carpenter's trade for two years. At this time he was struck with the gold fever and started for California. In payment for his work for the iron company he received a check of $650. He went to Buffalo, New York, and found that the draft could not be cashed for sixty days, so he decided to go to St. Paul by steamer, but on account of the fact that Lake Pepin was not yet open he stopped at Dubuque, Iowa, for about six weeks. At the end of that time he took the first boat going up the river and landed at Winona. At that place he hired a team and went overland to Rochester, arriving in that city in 1857. Here he found employment at the carpenter's trade, and one year later, in 1858, was married. He purchased a lot and built a house and decided to make that place his home. He engaged in contracting and building for some time and made some money. His dwelling was burned in 1877 and he lost almost everything he possessed. Shortly after he started for Lincoln county, and in February located the claim where he now lives. He then returned to Rochester and the following spring started with his wife and two sons for his farm in Lincoln county. He chartered two cars, filling one with stock and household goods and the other with lumber. He came by railroad as far as Marshall and from thence came to his farm by team. The first two nights the family slept in a quickly-improvised hut made by leaning boards against their wagons.

Soon after he built a shanty and started his sons at breaking. He returned to Rochester, where he had a contract for putting up a building, remaining in that city until fall. He then returned to his farm and with his wife and sons went back to Rochester, where they staid during the winter. The next April the family returned to the farm, since which time they have been permanent resi- dents. Mr. Oker has been a hard working farmer and has labored hard to bring his farm up to a high state of cultivation. He has excellent land, well improved, and has a fine house and barns. In his early life he was given a good common-school education while living with his parents in his native land. In politics he affiliates with the demo- cratic party and has held several positions of trust and responsibility, among these being that of supervisor, which position he held for one year.

Mr. Oker was united in marriage Decem- ber 19, 1858, to Miss Julia Schmelzer, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Oker have nine living children-William J., George, Joseph, Julia, Lizzie B., Anna H., Laura K., Frank J. and Edward L.

OHN A. HYNES, one of the leading and most substantial residents of Dela- van township, Faribault county, Minnesota, owns a fine farm on sections 33 and 29. He located on his land on September 14, 1857, and is therefore one of the earliest settlers of his township. He assisted in its organiza- tion, which took place in the fall of 1858, the first meeting being held at Bass Lake, on section 16. Fourteen votes were cast at this meeting. The township was duly organ- ized and started on its existence as a civil division. Our subject took an active part in these matters leading up to the organization of his township, and was the first justice of the peace and held an office on the township

550

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

board. He has always actively engaged in public matters, and has held some official position nearly all the time since coming to the township. At present Mr. Hynes is chairman of the board of supervisors, to which position he was elected in 1889. He has been assessor for a year, clerk for two years, and has been pathmaster of road dis- trict No. 8. He has always worked hard for the interests of his township, and has strongly opposed anything which tended to destroy the property of the township or oppress his fellow-citizens. He is one of the most influ- ential men in the township, and was largely instrumental in defeating the project for raising a bonus for the railroad company. He opposed this on the ground that the railroad company would derive sufficient benefit from the freights received and traffic over the road from this township, so that it was not necessary to grant them a bonus for the construction of the road. The early times and the conditions of the settlers of Delavan township are well remembered by our subject, and he often relates how for the first few years he had to go to market in what was then the village of St. Paul. Sometimes he went to Hastings, where he purchased his flour. In that village he bought his first plow. The trip to these points occupied about ten days. Markets, how- ever, have been getting nearer and nearer, and now a crop of grain can be sold and provisions obtained within a very few miles.

The subject of this sketch was born in Ire- land, September 22, 1830. His father was Thomas Hynes, a native of Ireland and a farmer by occupation, who came to the United States in 1853, locating in Water- town, Wisconsin. He made that his home until his death, which occurred in 1866. The mother's name was Ann Hayes, who also died in 1866. The parents were ex- emplary citizens and were members of the Catholic church.

John H. Hynes came to America when he was about twenty years of age. In his native land he had been given a good educa- tion, and had assisted his father in various employments, especially in' work on the farm. Coming to America he landed in Quebec and from thence went to New York State and on through to Wisconsin. There he was engaged in lumbering on the Wis- consin river for several years, and made sev- eral trips down that river in this avocation, both before and after his settlement in Fari- bault county, Minnesota, in 1857. He found it necessary to go back to the pineries after coming here in order to obtain means of subsistence-and thus he continued making trips on the river " off and on " until 1866, which ended his rafting and river work.

On the 4th of April, 1864, Mr. Hynes was married to Miss Sarah A. Emerson. She was a native of Watertown, Wisconsin, and was the daughter of William Emerson, now a resi- dent of the village just named. Mr. and Mrs. Hynes have had nine children-Mary Ann, Francis, Theresa, Henrietta, Ada, Min- nie, Eldon, Joseph and Gracie. The four oldest children were educated in the Winne- bago City high schools and are now engaged in teaching. This is an estimable family and the parents are members of the Catholic church.

Mr. Hynes has always been among the first to advance in the improvement of his township and has the honor of building the first brick house in 1869. This is an excel- lent dwelling 20 x 30 feet with 16-foot posts and with a wing 16 x 26 feet and of the same height. Here the wayfarer finds a pleasant and commodious home and one of the hos- pitable families in the township. Our sub- ject affiliates with the democratic party in politics and for some years was a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Having been a careful, energetic and systematic farmer, he has accumulated large means and is one of

55I

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

the leading and most substantial men in the county. When he landed in Buffalo, New York, fresh from the old country, he had not even a shilling in his pocket. Coming West he took care of what money he earned, and, settling in Wisconsin and later in Minnesota, he engaged successfully in farming, having now over four hundred acres of land and a large amount of valuable stock.

HEODORE M. BROWN. This gen- tleman is the efficient and popular superintendent of the Pleasant View stock farm, located on section 16, Troy township, Pipestone county, Minnesota. The enterprise over which Mr. Brown exercises control is one of the largest of its kind in Southern Minnesota. The farm is composed of three thousand acres of land, given chiefly to the raising of blooded horses. The subject of our sketch was born November 8, 1841, in Syracuse, New York, and was the son of John E. and Angeline (Bassett) Brown. The father was a native of Scotland, and the mother a native of New York State. The father's father was Jolın A. Brown, an Englishman by birth ; the mother was a daughter of Urion D. Bassett, a native of New York and the son of an eminent local artist of Syracuse, New York.

The subject of our sketch had the sad mis- fortune of being left an orphan at a tender age. When he was but four years old his father died, and he remained with his mother until he was thirteen, when she too died, and he was obliged to rely upon his own slender resources for support and care. He concluded to learn the machinist's trade, and, entering a machine shop, for four years he followed that line of business, when he turned his at- tention to caring for and handling fine stock. He was at this time a resident of the State of Illinois, being located in Henry county, whith- er he had come at the age of twelve years.

At seventeen years of age he had attained to such excellence in the handling of blood- ed stock that he was given charge of a large stock farm in the county just men- tioned. He remained in this line of employ- ment until June 17, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Nineteenth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry. His service with that regi- ment extended over a period of three years, after which he re-enlisted, joining the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Being possessed of an excellent knowledge of military discipline he was de- tached as drill-master, in care of instructions, in the Army of the Cumberland. During his first enlistment he had charge of the working force of the Pioneer Brigade, Army of the Cumberland. He was mustered out of the service in April, 1865, after having been through all the engagements of his di- vision. He then returned to Illinois and took charge of the working forces of the government between Moline and Rock Isl- and, having in charge somewhat over 1,300 men and 125 teams. So profitable and sat- isfactory was this employment that he con- tinued his engagement with the government until late in 1871. In this year he again turned his attention to stock raising in Illi- nois, continuing at this line for some ten years. Then, in 1882, he became foreman of the work on the Northern Pacific railroad bridge at Bismarck, which employment was continued for about four months. He then entered the employ of the proprietors of the Canfield stock and grain farm in Northern Minnesota, one of the largest ranches in the Northwest, composed of about seven thou- sand acres of land. Continuing his position with this company for about four years, he then for six months took charge of the Barnes' farm, removing at the end of that time to Fargo, in which city he remained for two years. At the end of this period he removed to Pipestone county, and took

552

SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA.

charge of the large farm of which he is now superintendent, and on which he has since lived.

Mr. Brown was united in marriage, in 1881, in the month of August, to Miss Anna Lambert, a native of Geneseo, Illinois, and daughter of E. Lambert. This union has been blessed with two children-Arthur C. and Raymond R., both of whom are now liv- ing.

The executive abilities of Mr. Brown have had excellent opportunity for development and manifestation in the management of the large business in which he is engaged. In every respect he is giving satisfaction to his employers, and has risen in the respect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. In public matters he takes an active interest, and is able and willing to assist in all matters that further the advancement of the agricultural and financial interests of his township. Al- though having been given but a limited common school education in his early life, he has, by reading and careful home study, become thoroughly posted on the current events of the day and of the past history of the nation. In politics he affiliates with the republican party.

OHN Q. PICKET is one of the leading men of Dale township, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. He located in the county October 22, 1873, and has been engaged in farming and stock raising ever since. On coming to the county he commenced making improvements, and with the other early set- tlers experienced the difficulties which usually encompass pioneer settlements. He takes an active part in public affairs and has held various official positions, among them being constable, supervisor, and various school dis- trict offices.

The subject of our sketch was born in Morgan county, Ohio, October 19, 1832.

He was the son of Moses Picket, a farmer by occupation and a native of Virginia. The father moved to Ohio with his parents when he was but a small boy and was educated in Belmont county, where he lived until his death. Our subject's mother's maiden name was Hannah Healy, a native of New York State. When she was still young she came to Morgan county, Ohio, with her parents. She is now dead.

The subject of our sketch remained in his native State until he was twenty years of age, up to which time he had received a good common-school education. His early train- ing being received on a farm he acquired a taste for that occupation, and at forty years of age he came to Cottonwood county, Min- nesota, looking for land. He rode through from Ohio with a horse team, and camped out while the weather was pleasant. On coming to the county he located land and has been a permanent resident ever since.

Mr. Picket was married May 5, 1864, to Miss Jane E. Sears, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, where she was reared and edu- cated. This lady was a teacher in Ohio and was highly educated. Mr. and Mrs. Picket have three children-Mary H., Sadie E. and Thomas M. The family belong to the Prot- estant Methodist church.

The subject of our sketch is a man of strong temperance sentiments and affiliates with the prohibition party. He has always taken an active interest in public matters and has been postmaster of his township for some four years.

HRISTIAN J. RAMLO, a prosperous farmer, resides on section 10, Hen- dricks township, Lincoln county, Minnesota. He is a native of Norway, where he was born July 23, 1853. His parents were James Engan and Mary Ramlo, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was a farmer

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

Illustrated album of biography of Southwestern Minnesota : containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers...:History of Minnesota, embracing an account of early exploration...and a concise history of the Indian outbreak of 1862, Part 70

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago : Occidental Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 814

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : Occidental Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 814