The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated, Part 76

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 1246

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GEORGE H. SUTTON.

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George H. Sutton, now deceased, is one of those men whose memory will ever be held foremost in the loving regard of the people of Mower county. llis life was an exemplification of per- sonal virtues and eivie righteousness, and his death caused wide- felt mourning, not only in this county but throughout the state, the newspapers vieing with each other in their encomiums.

Mr. Sutton was born at Plymouth, England, June 19, 1866, and died July 1, 1909. He grew to manhood amid the flowering hedges and green lanes of Old England, and at the age of eighteen years came to America with his uncle, Thomas Drew, for whom he kept books four years at Portage, Wis. Ile then entered the employ of the C., M. & St. P. Ry., for several years. During this period he married Margaret Gilvrey, who proved an able helpmeet in all his various lines of helpfulness. Together they moved to Chicago, and there resided until the C., M. & St. P. road disposed of its hotels and eating houses, at which time Mr. Sutton purchased the interests in the Depot hotel, at Austin, and removed here, making the hotel a favorite with the traveling public. From the first this couple made their impress on the life of the community. Their deeds of kindness and acts of charity became widely known. At once upon his arrival Mr. Sutton became interested in the municipal uplift of the city, and he believed in progress, but it was not until 1899 that he entered polities and became an alderman to fill the unexpired term of Alex Campbell, who had been elected mayor. The following year Mr. Sutton was practically unanimously elected alderman from his ward. In 1906 he was elected mayor. The following two years of his administration were years which placed Anstin on a high plane of law and order. Mayor Sutton personally investi- gated every violation of the city ordinances. He insisted that the law be obeyed, and the severest of punishment was meted ont to those who ignored his warnings. After two years of such a splendid example of law enforcement, the people reelected Mayor Sutton for another term, and one-half of that term had expired when his health began to fail. He attempted much and his nervous system did not stand the strain. April 9, 1909, he left the city for Sioux City, Iowa, to go under the care of a physician, who later sent him to a specialist in Omaha. All these efforts of love and skill were unavailing, however, and Mr. Sutton passed to the Great Beyond, July 1, 1909. The body was brought back from Omaha and rested in solemn state in the court house. The services were held from the Episcopal church and the procession of sorrowing friends and fraternal brothers which followed the remains to the grave was one of the largest in the history of Austin, in spite of the drizzling rain. Mr. Sutton was survived by his widow, three children, George F., Albert E.

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and Helen C .; a mother living in England and two brothers, Albert E., of Milwaukee, and Ernest F., of Madison, S. D.

The above is a brief sketch of the life and work of an excel- lent man : His character and influence are admirably summed up by the Austin Daily Herald, as follows: When want and dis- tress came, there George Sutton was to be found with succor. When death darkened a home, it was George Sutton who was the first to offer his assistance, and when the last sad rites were performed, Mayor Sutton was always to be seen among those taking the dead to their last resting place. All who knew Mr. Sutton realized the ardor, the intensity and the enthusiasm of the man. What he did, he did with his whole soul. As mayor of the city, he was more than an official, the affairs became to him personal. As president of the Chautauqua Association, he bent every energy and gave of time and effort freely that it might be a success. As a worker for the county fair he was efficient and zealous. In the Sunshine Society and the Elks' Christmas festivities he worked for the joy of the working. To the Driving Association he gave enthusiasm and push. To the school board he would have given valued service had his health not failed him on the eve of election. The ambulance fund was pushed and seconded by his efforts. And so one might continue to specify work for the public good to which he allied his name and gave of his time and money in its support. Generous almost to a fault, his own affairs and his own personal comfort were the last to receive attention. His philanthropy was a tonic to the whole city. Others refused to be mean or small when called to help out a cause led by this generous spirit. His sympathies were not bounded by the walls of creed or caste. It was to help those who needed help when they needed it most. In this he had the quality that vitalizes all religion. His heart was one of kindly impulses. To a hungry, ill-clad child he was tender as a woman. To the fatherless and widow he was a friend indeed.

No matter what differences he had with men, when sickness or sorrow touched their homes, George Sutton was the first to offer help and sympathy, A sick child, an accident, poverty and dis- tress appealed to him as to but few men. To Austin his death means the close of a life which has left its impress upon the city, and for its great personal force has but few equals. Chosen as mayor in 1906, he began his administration with absolute fear- lessness and rare courage. Austin liked his way of doing things, and in 1908 all law-loving citizens clamored for his reelection. Two years of fearless administration had swept away his detractors and political enemies. As mayor he adhered to his fixed policy of doing what he thought was right. He was a man of the people and his highest ambition was to serve the best inter-

MRS. GEO. H. SUTTON

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HISTORY OF MOWER COUNTY

ests of all the people. Mr. Sutton had a great capacity for friendship. His friends, not passing friends, but close proven friends, were many. The same qualities which made him the true friend, made him a loving and devoted husband and father. Measuring the man from these many standpoints, he stood for square honesty, a manly man, a rugged, virile character, whose like we do not often look upon.

An editorial published in the Austin Daily Herald, October 28, 1910, spoke of Mr. Sutton as follows: "Austin will not raise a relief fund for some time to come, that the memory of George Sutton will not revive afresh. First in all good work, eager to help the needy, and relieve the suffering, counting neither time nor money against he call for aid, Austin came to depend upon him. A score of people spoke his name in reference to the fire sufferers' relief fund just raised. His influence is with us today, in the town that he loved and helped. He lives in the hearts that he enriched by his friendship, in the minds to which he taught generosity, as well as scorn for the miserable alms that ends with self. Every town needs such as he to leaven its lump of selfishness. What he did is a precedent which we shall remember in times of need."

Burt E. Stimson, a retired farmer and veteran of the Civil war, now living in Austin, was born in Damby, Vt., October 21, 1844, son of Charles N. and Harriett A. (Pratt) Stimson, who brought him to Udolpho township, this county, in 1856. Here he received his early education, and was reared on a farm. Join- ing the Union army in 1864 and serving in Company K, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, until the fall of 1865, when the regiment was mustered out at Demopolis, Ala., and discharged at Fort Snelling. He took part in the battles of Nashville, Span- ish Forts and Fort Blakely, and was on the march to Montgom- cry when peace was declared. Returning to Mower county, he again took up farming on the home place, raising wheat at first and later changing into diversified farming, making a specialty of Norman horses and Poland-China hogs. At the time of his retirement in 1896 he owned 1,000 acres of rich land, all in this county. Mr. Stimson is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R., attends the Congregational church, and votes the Repub- liean ticket. He was married November 11, 1866, at the bride's home in Westfield, Dodge county, to Eliza Symes, and this union has resulted in nine children: Burt L., of Lansing, this county ; Charles W., of Winnebago; Alice O., wife of Miles McGowan; Winfred, of Winnebago; Emma, now Mrs. Guy Chaffee, of Free- born county ; George, of Sargeant, Minn .; Henry S., a Chicago dentist ; Fred, of Winnebago; Lule, of Austin, .wife of Leo Dun- fee, a cigar merchant.

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Charles N. Stimson was born in Vermont and there married Harriett A. Pratt, a native of the same state. They came west in 1856, located in Udolpho, Mower county, and took a home- stead of 160 aeres in seetion 24, township 104, range 18. They erected buildings, developed the land and carried on general farming, Charles N. passing away in Mareh, 1866, and his wife in August, 1864.

Herbert St. Ledger, manager of the Southern Minnesota Land Company, with headquarters at Austin, was born in Oak- land township, Freeborn county, September 24, 1876, son of Daniel and Anna Jane (Christie) St. Ledger. He received his edneation in the publie sehools of Austin, and after school farmed with his father until 1900, when he became salesman for a eloth- ing house in Austin. Two years later he entered into the real estate business as salesman, and in January, 1908, organized the company of which he is at present the manager. Mr. St. Ledger is a staunch Republican, and an earnest worker in the cause of that party, being a member of the Republican county committee. He helped to organize the Modern Samaritans in Austin, and is also a member of the C. T. A. U. Mr. St. Ledger is an attendant of the Catholic church.

Daniel St. Ledger was born in Vermont, and married Anna Jane Christie, a native of Illinois. He was engaged as a young man in managing a sawmill on a large southern plantation. Later he went to the gold fields and mined successfully in Wash- ington Gulch, Mont., for four years. Then he came to Freeborn county and took a elaim of 160 acres in Oakland township. He built one of the first houses in that loeality, hauling the lumber from Rochester. Later he added eighty acres to his land, and on his 240 acres followed farming until 1898, when he sold his farm and came to Austin, where he took up his residence.

Henry Stillman, a pioneer, was born in New York state, and married Amelia Stebbins, also a native of that state. In 1853 they came west to Wisconsin, and settled in Marquette county. There Henry Stillman engaged at his trade as plasterer, mason and contraetor, as well as at farming, until 1865, when he moved his family to Pepin county, in the same state, making the trip of 200 miles by ox team. In 1887 he came to Northfield, in this state, and died in 1889. His wife died in California, at the good old age of eighty-four.

Charles F. Stillman, an Austin contractor, was born in Mar- quette county, Wisconsin, April 8, 1857, son of Henry and Amelia (Stebbins) Stillman. He moved with his parents to Pepin county in the same state. There he grew to manhood, and after finishing his schooling worked on a farm. Then he learned the carpen- ter's trade, and worked for a time in Menominee, Wis., going

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in 1880 to Winona, working at the same trade. Subsequently he worked at railroading two years, then was employed a year in Minneapolis, and finally went to Northfield, Minn., where he started business as a builder and contractor and remained seven years. In the fall of 1893 he came to Anstin, and has since been engaged in contracting and building in this place, having a well equipped woodworking shop on Lansing avenue. Mr. Stillman is an independent voter, and in 1908 was elected alderman of Austin from the first ward. He has been through the chairs of the M. W. A. and the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Commercial Club, of Austin. The subject of this sketch was married October 19, 1880, to Margaret Bergmann, and to this union has been born one son, Marcus H.

Marcus H. Stillman, son of Charles F. and Margaret (Berg- mann) Stillman, was born in Northfield, Minn., September 10, 1887, and there received some of his early education, coming to Austin with his parents in 1893. Here he also attended school. He is now employed in the Government Bureau of Standards at Washington, D. C.

Lucius F. Snyder, the efficient and accommodating mail car- rier of rural route No. 1 out of Austin, was born in a pioneer log house in Red Rock township, this county, May 31. 1875, son of William J. and Hannah E. (Hurd) Snyder. He received his edu- eation in the district school of his neighborhood, Bridget P. Bar- rett being one of the teachers, and it is worthy of note that in after years, when Mr. Snyder had beeome a man of prominence in the community, and was elected elerk of this distriet, No. 68, he hired Nellie Barrett, a sister of one of his first teachers, to take charge of the sehool. At the age of seventeen he took up farming for himself and followed this occupation until 1902, when the old home farm was sold after his father's death, and then came to Austin, where for one year he eondueted a livery stable, which occupation he decided he wasn't cut out for. Then he took the civil service examination, and on September 22, 1903, was appointed a carrier on the route of which he was one of the petitioners to get started, and to his present position. Mr. Sny- der is a Republican in polities, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the C. of Il. and the M. W. A. Lodges. He has also served five years as a private in Company G, Second Regiment, M. N. G. The subject of this sketeh was married January 25, 1899, to Estella Parkins, and this union has been blessed with four children : Emma E., Burdette R., Fred A., Sterling E., all at home. On January 31 he resigned the position as rural mail earrier on Route No. 1, heretofore mentioned after - serving a little over seven years, and at all times on the best of terms with all the patrons. He then engaged in the real estate

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business with a private office on Main street, and is enjoying a good trade.

William J. Snyder and Hannah E. Hurd, his wife, came to Mower county in 1866, and took up a homestead of eighty acres in the Red Rock township, which they broke and improved, and followed farming until June 16, 1897, when William J. died. His widow moved to Austin and later to Albert Lea, where she still resides.

Elbert H. Smith, of Austin, president of the E. H. Smith Land and Loan Company, and secretary of the Austin Weed Exter- minator Manufacturing Company, is a native of this city, born October 2, 1868, son of Julius and Ada (Robbins) Smith. He attended the public and high schools of Austin, and in 1885 went to Iowa, where he learned the jewelers' trade. In 1897 he came back to Austin, and became traveling salesman for the Arnstine Bros. and Meier Co., wholesale jewelers, of Cleveland, Ohio, with which concern he remained for some years. Then he took up the real estate, loan and insurance business, making a specialty of farm lands, in Montana, the Dakotas and Minnesota, represent- ing also the twelve leading fire and tornado insurance companies in America. Mr. Smith votes independently, is a master Mason, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the United Commercial Travelers, and the Austin Commercial Club. He has been secre- tary of the Mower County Agricultural Society for several years. He is one of the board of trustees of the Congregational church. The subject of this sketch was married April 6, 1893, at Austin, to lda M. Barnes, daughter of Dr. R. A. Barnes, and to this union have been born three children: Verna M., born June 12, 1894; Marian A., born September 7, 1901; and Richard B .. born November 4, 1904.

Julius A. Smith was born in New York state, and there mar- ried Ada Robbins. They came west in 1864 and purchased 160 acres of wild land in Austin township, Mower county. This land they broke, improved, and cultivated, erecting the necessary buildings, and bringing the place to a high state of development. In the early days they raised grain, but later the farm was devoted largely to stock raising and dairying. Julius Smith died November 29, 1896, and his widow is still living.

Frank G. Sasse, of the firm of French & Sasse, leading attor- neys of Austin, was born in Utica, Winona county, Minnesota, July 1, 1871, son of John F. and Anna M. Sasse, natives of Ger- many. Frank G. received his early education in the schools of Winona county and graduated from the St. Charles high school in 1890. Then he taught school for two years, and with the money thus secured entered the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1902. Two years later lie again started teaching, and after

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three years had seenred sufficient funds to complete his course. In 1899 he graduated from the academic department of the Uni- versity of Minnesota, with the degree of B. A. A year later he graduated from the law department of the same university, and was at onee admitted to the bar. After practicing in St. Charles two years he went to Fairmont, Martin county, and there became a junior partner in the firm of Mathwig & Sasse. Mr. Sasse was elected county attorney of Martin county and served as city attor- ney of Fairmont. He resigned, however, to come to Austin in the fall of 1909. Here he became a partner of LaFayette French, the firm taking the name of French & Sasse. Since coming here Mr. Sasse has allied himself with the Austin Commercial Club. While at college he was admitted to Phi Beta Kappa, an honorary fra- ternity. He is a Democrat in politics, and has affiliated himself with the Masonic order, the K. of P., the M. W. A. and the Mod- ern Samaritans. The subject of this sketch was married July 14, 1904, at Vernon Center, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, to Elrose Howard, of that place. This union has been blessed with one child, Lucille M., born May 26, 1905.

John F. Sasse and Anna M. Sasse, his wife, were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1849, located in New York state, and in the early sixties removed to Wisconsin. A few years later they located at Winona county, Minnesota, and there ended their days, the father October 4, 1908, and the mother April 15, 1908.

John Slupe, who conducts the R. F. Shepherd farm of 450 well-tilled acres in Austin township, was born in Switzerland in February, 1849, son of Stephen Slupe. John came to America in 1868, located in New York state and engaged in teaming. In 1872 he came to MeHenry county, Illinois, and farmed there two years. Then he lived in Indiana for about a year and a half, and in 1876 came to Minnesota for a short period, going then to Iowa and farming until 1886, when he again came to Mower county. In 1902 he assumed his present responsibilities on the Shepherd farm. He was married January 16, 1878, to Emeline Shores, and they have two children : Albert and J. C.

Ulysses L. Stillwell, an energetic real estate dealer and insur- ance agent of LeRoy, was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, March 17, 1865, son of Thomas V. and Jane A. (Benedict) Still- well. He received his education in Osage, Iowa, and then took up farming, an occupation he continued until twenty-five years of age, when he engaged in the insurance and real estate business. He came to LeRoy in 1894 and two years later opened a fire insurance and real estate, handling considerable land, and acting as representative of eight different insurance companies. In addition to this he has written considerable life insurance for the

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Mutual Life Assurance Company, of New York. Mr. Stillwell is an independent voter, and affiliates with the I. C. M. A. and the I. O. O. F. The subject of this sketch was married June 26, 1895, at LeRoy, to Myrtie Wright, and to this union six children have been born: Vier B., May 28, 1896; Inez A., October 3, 1900; Elmo L., February 17, 1904; Pearl L. and Ruby J., twins, February 3, 1906; and Carroll M., March 25, 1910.

Thomas V. Stillwell was born in New York state, November 3, 1824, and came to Ohio when very young, later going to Miehi- gan, where he married Jane A. Benedict, and engaged in farm- ing. Ile purchased timber land, which he cleared and cultivated until 1867, when he moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, and remained there until the fall of 1880, when he moved to Howard county, in the same state, and stayed until 1905, when he came to LeRoy and lived until his death, November 13, 1908. The widow is still living in LeRoy.

Mathias Schmit, manager of the Rose Creek Lumber Com- pany, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, February 24, 1874, son of J. P. and Margaret (Bartholmy) Schmit, natives of the same kingdom. The father was a shoemaker by trade, which profes- sion he followed until his death, in 1888, in Germany. His good wife preceded him to the grave about two years. Mathias received his education in Luxemburg, where he grew to manhood, after which in 1891, he crossed the briny deep and came to America, locating at once in Rose Creek. Here he engaged in farm work until 1902, when he accepted a position in the lumber yard of A. Vaux. Two years later, in 1904, Mr. Vaux sold to Mr. Crane of Austin, the concern taking the name of Rose Creek Lumber Company. At this time Mr. Schmit was made manager, which position he has since efficiently occupied. The subject of this sketch was married November 22, 1904, to Mary Schumaher, and this union has been blessed with two children: Mary and John P. Mr. Schmit voted independently and is serving his fourth year as assessor of Rose Creek. He belongs to the C. O. F. and the D. R. K. U. G. V. M. The family occupies a pleasant residence in the village, owned by Mr. Schmit. The family religion is that of the Catholic church.

Carlos O. Sleeper was born in Fairfax, Vt., June 18, 1852, son of A. L. and Elbertine (Church) Sleeper. Like his brothers and sister, he came to a farm near Brownsdale in 1864, his father having located on the place two years earlier. He entered his father's store at a suitable age, and was later received into part- nership. Ile now manages the establishment in partnership with his son, Jay M. The subject of this sketch married Hattie War- ren, born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, August 1, 1856, daughter of John and Helen R. Warren. They are the parents of four

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children : Mabel H .; Ruth, wife of R. B. Bailey; Claire M .; and Jay M. Mr. Sleeper has been engaged continuously in the mer- eantile business since twenty-four years of age. He has held a number of local offices of the Baptist church.

William B. Sleeper was born in Fairfax, Vt., June 16, 1856, son of A. L. and Elbertine (Church) Sleeper, and came with his parents to a farm near Brownsdale in 1864, his father having arrived two years earlier. He attended school in Brownsdale, entered his father's store and at the age of twenty-one was made a partner with his father and brothers. Since 1903 he has devoted his time entirely to the land business, having done a large and lucrative business. He owns and rents farms in various parts of the township of Red Rock, and has other business holdings. Mr. Sleeper married for his first wife, Edna Gillett, daughter of L. C. and Amelia (Dunlap) Gillett. She died January 18, 1881. October 16, 1884, Mr. Sleeper married Emma Rummings, danghter of John and Mary A. Rummings. The subject of this sketch is at present worthy master of Lafayette Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M., is also mayor of the village of Brownsdale and president of the Red Rock Creamery Association.

C. B. Sayles, chairman of Austin township, and an extensive landowner of Mower county, was born in LeRoy, Mower county, April 3, 1870, son of James K. and Lucinda B (Brown) Sayles. He was brought to Austin township as an infant, attended the schools of Austin township and the Austin high school, and then at the age of sixteen years took charge of the home farm, becom- ing one of the leading farmers of the township. He has added to the homestead from time to time until he now has 300 acres in the home place, and 200 acres in Windom. He has made many improvements, brought the place to a high degree of cultivation, purchased new machinery and equipment, and in every way has farmed along the latest approved lines. Of late years he has turned his attention to stock raising and grain cultivation exclu- sively, and breeds some excellent specimens of Hereford cattle. He has occupied his present township office two years, and previ- ous to that was a member of the board for many years. He has also given good service as a school officer. Mr. Sayles was mar- ried April 17, 1893, to Clara B. Ames, of Owatonna, and this union has resulted in eight children, seven of whom are living, and one of whom is dead. They are : Claude H., Walter A., Sarah E. (deceased), Loren L., David J., Carlton K., Leonard B., and Herbert A. The family faith is that of the Universalist church.

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The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated, Part 76

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co. Number of Pages: 1246

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 1246