USA > Mississippi > History of the upper Mississippi Valley, pt 1 > Part 50
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
1
284
HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
few years, and bought another in Nicollet county, which he made his home until coming to Anoka connty, in 1878. Ho first settled on n farm in Bethel township, but in April, 1881, removed to his present farm in Linwood. Mr. Buck was married in 1855, to Mrs. Rebeeea Probert. Of seven children born to them, six are living.
D. W. GREEN is a son of Benjamin Groen, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and n di- rect descendout of one of the "Pilgrim Fathors." The subject of our sketch was born on the 14thi of May, 1824, in Franklin county, Massachusetts. He lived on the old homestead where his father was born and his grandfather was reared, until he was twenty-one years old, when he was employed in different parts of the county until 1856, when he came to Dane county, Wisconsin, and was en- gaged in farming for four years. He then came to Minnesota and made a elaim in this township, then Bethel, and a few years later, removed to the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Green was the first Town Clerk of Linwood, and has held a member of town offiees sinee. He was married on the 13th of May, 1851, to Miss C. M. Stewart. They have one child.
SAMUEL RIDGE is a native of Nottinghamshire, England, and was born on the 25th of February, 1812. When but twelve years old, he eommeneed working on a farm in the neighborhood, and con- tinned that ocenpation with the exception of n year or two on a river bont, while he remained in England. In 1850, he came to America, remained a few years in New York State, thenee to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming, five years. He came to Minnesota in 1860, and settled on his present farm. Mr. Ridge was married in 1837, to Miss Am Walker, who died on the 2d of Septem- ber, 1868. Of nine children, tho result of this union, but six are living.
J. G. GREEN was born in Bernardston, Frank- lin county, Massachusetts, on the 11th of March, 1819; notiec of his honored ancestry appears in the sketch of his brother D. W. Green, on this page. His early duys were spent, except when attending school, on his father's farm. At tho ago of twenty-one years, he began to work for himself, and was employed as farmer, carpenter, and school-teacher, for a number of years. In 1846, he bought a farm near the old homestead, on which he lived a number of yoars. He came to Minnesota in 1863, and at once located on his present farm. Mr. Green is one of the leading
mon of this section of the country, having been County Commissioner, three years, and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors since the organi- zation of the township; he has also been Post- master sinee 1877. He was married on tho 13th of May, 1845, to Miss E. A. Moore. 'Of five children which they have had, but three are living.
JOHN GRANT is a native of Lincolnshire, Eng- land, and was born on the 13th of June, 1810. Ho emne to America with his parents, in 1850, they locating in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1861, Mr. Grant enlisted in Company B, of the First Ohio Light Artillery, serving three years ten months and fifteen days. Returning to Cleveland, he was engaged in teaming in that eity for a number of years, but in 1873, eame to Minnesota and settled on his present farm, which is located on the west shore of Linwood lake. He was married on the 11th of November, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Hor- ton. Their family has been increased by the birth of six ehildren.
G. W. HASKELL was born in Somerset county, Maine, on the 14th of June, 1842. He was reared on his father's farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, of the Seventh Maine Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. On receiving Inis discharge, he returned to his native State, but in 1866, eame to Minnesota and settled in Anoka, where he was employed in the mills and farming, for nine years. In 1875, he bought his present property in Linwood, which consists of a farm and saw-mill, both of which he has sinee operated. Mr. Haskell was married in 1869, to Miss L. A. Elder. They have three children.
SPENCER K. LYON dates his birth in Onondaga county, New York, on the 26th of May, 1831. When a young man, he learned the shoemaker's trade, being employed with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Michi- gan and opened a shoe shop, eondneting the bus- iness in that State for fifteen years. He then lived three years in Wisconsin, after which he came to Minnesota and settled at* Wyoming, Chi- sago county, which was his home until 1878 when ne removed to Staey, in the same county, where he was Postmaster and remained until com- ing to his present home in the spring of 1881.
MICHAEL M. RYAN, Town Clerk of Linwood, was born in Ireland, on the 7th of Angust, 1845. When ho was three years old, his parents removed to Canada, and in 1858, camo to Minnesota and setttled where the family now lives. During the
285
OAK GROVE TOWNSHIP.
war, two brothers were taken from the family eir- cle, one being killed at the battle of Antietam, and the other dying in a hospital in Maryland, and on the 30th of April, 1881, his father also de- parted this life. The subject of our sketch being the only remaining brother, now carries on the farm. He was married on the 17th of December, 1879, to Miss Hannah Servis. They have one child.
S. M. SHERMAN, a native of Aurora, Illinois, was born on the 27th of August, 1846. When but fifteen years of age, he enlisted in Company H, of the Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served about four years; he was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro' and discharged on the 14th of An- gust, 1865. Returning from the army, he came to Fillmore, Fillmore county, Minnesota, and en- gaged as a cooper, a trade which he had partially learned before entering the service. In 1873, he came to Minneapolis and six years later, to his present farm. Mr. Sherman was married on the 3d of October, 1866, to Miss Martha Durphey. Of six children born to them, five are living.
OAK GROVE.
CHAPTER LXI.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION - EARLY SETTLEMENT -- ORGANIZATION-RELIGIOUS-SCHOOLS - AGRICUL- TURAL STATISTICS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
Oak Grove is situated in the northwest portion of the county, and has an area of 23,040 aeres, of which 1,162 are under cultivation. According to the census of 1880, the population was 305.
The name is derived from the profuse growth of oak trees, which are abont equally distributed over the township. The surface is gently undu- lating, and the soil, a light sandy loam. There are a number of small lakes in the township, Lake George, near the center, being the Inrgest. Rum river runs in a sontherly direction through the western portion of the town, and Cedar creek crosses the southeastern part.
David Rogers made the first claim in Oak Grove, in the spring of 1855, and the same summer, Moses Seelye and James Nutter also arrived. The first erop was put in by Mr. Seelyo, who continued a prominent citizen of the town until his death. Gil- bert Leathers was also here in the summer of
1855, engaged in breaking land for the settlers, and in the fall of the same year, Franklin Whit- ney and family were added to the settlement. In the spring of 1856, the population was further angmented by the arrival of John C. Smith, John F. Clements, Alden W. Moores, Dennis E. Maho- ney, and others.
The town was organized in 1857, and the first officers were: Supervisors, A. W. Moores, Chair- man, Dennis E. Mahoney and Peter Brennan; Justices of the Peace, Moses Seelye and D. Maho- ney; Collector, John C. Smith; Assessor, Thomas Richards; Clerk, Frank Lane, and Constable, Jolm F. Clements.
Rev. Lyman Palmer, of Anoka, held religious services as early as 1857, and a Baptist church was organized some time after. During the ministra- tion of Rev. Mr. Mitehell, in 1871, a neat frame elnirch was erected, which is still in service.
The first school in the township was taught by Miss Nora Orton, in 1857. There are now five regularly organized distriets, in which school is held during the usual terms.
We gather from the agricultural reports, the following statisties of products for 1880: wheat, 5,687 bushels; oats, 2,782 bushels; eorn, 9,306 bushels; rye, 912 bushels; buekwheat, 39 bushels; potatoes, 4,146 bushels; beans, 106 bushels; sugar cane, 1,787 gallons; cultivated hay, 7 tons; wild hay, 981 tons; apples, 140 bushels; wool, 562 pounds; and butter, 12,325 pounds.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JOHN F. CLEMENTS, twenty-five years a resident of Anoka county, was born in Waldo county, Maine, on the 10th of April, 1826. He was raised in his native county, engaged in farming and lumm- bering. In 1855, he came to St. Anthony, Min- nesota, and the following year, to his present farm in Oak Grove township. Mr. Clements was the first Constable in the town, and he also has held the ollices of Supervisor and Clerk, and is now serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace. He was married in 1849, to Margaret Davis, of Maine. Of six chiklren which they have had, four nre living; Silas W., Engene P., Margaret W., and Flora J.
JAMES CORRIGAN is also an early settler, and was born in Kings county, Ireland, in the year 1816. He came to Amerien in 1849, and after re- maining on Long Island, New York, five years, where he operated as a contractor in stone work,
286
HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
came to Rock county, Wisconsin, and two years later, to Oak Grove, where he still resides. Mr. Corrigan was married in 1851, to Margaret MeDon- ald, who is also a native of Ireland. Of twelve children born to them, ten are living; Michael, Ellen, Hugh, Kate, Bridget, James, Margaret, Rose A., John, and Peter.
E. E. FULLER, son of Samuel W. Fuller, one of the early settlers of Wright county, Minnesota, was born in Hancock county, Illinois, on the 19th of Marchi, 1844. At the age of five years, he re- moved with the family to Harrison county, Iowa, and five years later, to Monticello, Wright county. Here he grew to manhood, being engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, umtil August, 1862, when he en- listed in Company A, of the Eighth Minnesota Vohmtcer Infantry, and served until discharged for disability, in Jime, 1865. He tlien engaged in steamboat and railroad work, until 1875, when he settled on the farm in Oak Grove where he still lives. Mr. Fuller was married in 1871, to Mary S. Moore, of New York State. Their chil- dren are, Mabel V., James E., Samuel C .. and Albert E.
JOSEP11 L. GASLIN, whose birthplace is Oxford county, Maine, was born on the 27th of Novem- ber, 1836. When he was four years old, the fam- ily removed to Kennebec county, where the sith- jeet of our sketch remained, engaged in farming, until coming to Minnesota, in the summer of 1856. He first located in Burns township, but in the spring of 1857, removed to his present place in Oak Grove. Mr. Gaslin was married in 1859, to Miss Celeste J. Stevens, of Rockingham county, New Hampshire. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living; Belle, Elma, George A., Ella A., Nettie H., Walter, Albert, and Jennie.
J. E. HERRICK is a native of Schenectady connty, New York, born on the 26th of October, 1814. He remainod in his native county until sixteen years of age, when he went to Herkimer county, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1844. He then came west, and after a short time spent in Elgin, Illinois; weut to Sheboy- gan, Wisconsin; was engaged in farming and hnuboring there nutil 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, of the Thirty sixth Ilinois Vohmteer Infantry, and after six months' service, was dis- charged for disability. He returned to Wisconsin, but in 1863, came to Oak Grove, and Ins resided here ever since. Has been Postmaster at Oak
Springs, ten years, and has also held the offices of Treasurer, Supervisor, and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Herriek has been twice married; first, in 1835, to Fannie Colwell, of New York State, who died, leaving three children; Albert, Mary J., and Ellen. His prosent wife was Mary Atwood, of England. Their children are, Eugene, Fannie, and Clara.
JAMES MAHONEY was born in Cork county, Irc- land, on the 25th of December, 1826. In 1849, he came to America, and after two years spent in Connecticut, went to New York City and remained four years. He then lived two years in New Jersey, after which he returned to New York, and thence to his native country. Coming again to America in 1858, he settled in this town- slip, and in April, 1861, enlisted in Company H, of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until discharged for disability, at the convalescent eamp, Virginia, in May, 1863. Returned to Oak Grove, and with the exception of two years in the employ of the late Governor Gorman, and Franklin Steele, at St. Paul, Ims resided here to the present tine.
DENNIS E. MAHONEY is also a native of Cork county, Ireland, and was born on the 19th of April, 1813. He came to America in 1847, and after remaining two years in Massachusetts, came to Connecticut, where he obtained a position as manager of an estate, remaining there until com- ing to Oak Grove, in May, 1856. He was one of the first Supervisors of the township, holding the office fourteen years; was also one of the first Jus- tices of the Peace, and has held the office ever since, with the exception of oue term. Mr. Ma- honey was married in 1843, to Catharine Malo- ney, of his native county. Of eight children born to them, six are living; Dennis W., Richard L., Ann, Joseph J., Mary L., and Catharine.
JOHN C. SMITH, whose birthplace is in New Brunswick, was born on the 26th of June, 1829. He remained in his native province, engaged in lumbering and farming, until 1855, when he came to St. Anthony, Minnesota, but the following spring removed to Oak Grove, and has resided here ever since. He was the first Collector of the town, and has since hold the office of Chairman of the board of Supervisors, six years. Mr. Smith was married in 1853, to Elzaid R. Nutter. of Now Brunswick. Their children are, Henry N., Mary J., said to be the first white child born in Oak Grove, Theodore J., Elzaid, Annie E., and Ross L.
287
RAMSEY TOWNSIIIP. .
RAMSEY.
CHAPTER LXII.
DESCRIPTIVE-INDIAN TRADING POST-EARLY SET- TLEMENT-ITASCA -WINNEBAGO FORTIFICATIONS CYCLONE -ORGANIZATION - AGRICULTURAL STA- TISTICS -BIOGRAPHICAL.
Ramsey is situated in the southwestern portion of the county, on the Mississippi river. It has an area of 21,000 acres, of which 2,234 are under cul- tivation. According to the last census, the popu- lation was 387.
The surface is somewhat rolling, and the soil, a dark sandy loam, except near the river, and some portions of the northern part, where clay is found. The western and southern part is prairie, and light timber elsewhere. There are a few small lakes, but they are mostly shallow, and gradually fail- ing. There is also a considerable acreage of marsh land, which yields an abundance of hay.
The eastern part of the town is watered by Rum River, and Trott brook flows in an easterly direc- tion across the northern part.
In 1849, T. A. Holmes and James Beatty opened a trading post on section nineteen, for traffic with the Winnebago Indians. Holmes was an active, energetic man, and famous for founding towns. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was the foun- der of Janesville, Wisconsin, and subsequently established a trading post on the St. Croix River. He was also the principal founder of Shakopee, Jordan, and Chaska, in this State. In 1862, he went to Montana, and was the principal founder of Bannock City. He returned soon after, but made other trips there in 1864-65, and was after- wards engaged in grape culture in Alabama, but is now living in Shakopee.
The old log cabin built by him and Beatty for a trading post, was afterwards removed to section thirty-one, Burns township, where it may yet be seen. They were succeeded by other traders, among whom were Isaac Marks, now of Mankato, and David Fuller. After the removal of the In- diaus, the post was discontinued.
The first permanent settlement in Anoka county, was made in this township by a colony from the eastern states, in the year 1850.
Prominent among these settlers were, P. Shum- way, senior, and his sons, John and Peter; Nathan and Benjamin Shumway, and Cornelius Pitman.
P. Shumway, senior, died at the old homestead on section thirty-five, on the 6th of January, 1876, aged ninety-nine years and six months; his wife died on the 17th of January, 1868, aged eighty- eight years. P. Shumway, junior, occupies the old place, but all the others are gone. Cornelins Pitman died at his residence on section twenty- five, on the 7th of April, 1881, aged seventy-six years.
About 1852-53, settlers began to arrive in the vicinity of the trading post, prominent among whom were, J. C. Bowers, William Vincent, and Thomas Miller. Mr. Bowers was the first Post- master at Itasca, and held the office twenty-five years; he was also the first station agent after the railroad was built, holding the position twelve years. He died at his home on the 4th of Octo- ber, 1879. Mr. Bowers still lives on the old home- stead with her son, and is a most estimable and intelligent lady.
In 1852, the town site of Itasca was laid out on sections nineteen and thirty, near the trading post, and not far from the present railroad station bear- ing the same name. The proprietors were, Ram- sey, Hatch, Beatty, and Wilkinson, who made some improvements and built a hotel. which was kept for a number of years by J. C. Bowers, For a time there was a fair prospect for a town of some importance, and an effort was made to secure the location of the State Capital at this point. The removal of the Indians, in 1856, took away the chief support of the village, and it gradually ceased to exist.
Near the town site, on the farm now owned by Charles Bowers, are the remains of substantial fortifications, such as civilized warriors call " rifle pits." They are in circular form, and hollow, and were used principally as a place of shelter for the squaws and papooses in anticipation of an engage- ment. It is said these were built in May, 1853, by the Winnebagoes, for protection against an ex- peeted attack of the Chippeways, from whom they had recently taken some scalps. It does not ap- pear, however, that any engagement took place at that time.
This town was organized in 1857, and named Watertown, but changed by the County Commis- sioners to Dover, on the 15th of November, 1858, and again changed, the same fall, the present ap- propriate name being adopted. The first officers were: Supervisors, Jared Benson, Chairman, Isane Varney and Cornelius Pitman; Clerk, David Whit-
288
HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
ney; Collector, Joseph C. Varney; and Trensnrer, William Tennyson.
.
In June, 1867, a disastrous cyclone passed north- ward through the west part of the town, doing mich dummgo in its track, killing Tanne Nelson, who resided on section eight, and entirely destroy- ing his honso.
The agricultural statistics for 1880, which we here present, show Ramsey to be one of the fore- most and most enterprising towns in the county. Wheat, 14,440 bushels; oats, 8,148 bushels; corn, 20,057 bushels; barley, 755 bushels; rye, 650 bushels; potatoes, 3,610 bushels; beans, 28 bushels; sugar cane, 1,630 gallons; cultivated hay, 69 tons; wild hay, 662 tons; apples, 114 bushels; wool, 1,321 pounds; butter, 22,050 pounds; and honey, 210 pounds.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHARLES E. BOWERS dates his birth in Pennsyl- vania, in July, 1845. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 1853, they settling in section thirty, this township. Mr. Bowers now lives on the farm selected by his father, J. C. Bowers, whose death occurred in October, 1879. During the Sionx war, Charles served in Company C, of the First Min- nesota Mounted Rangers, in defense of the frontier. He is now Town Treasurer and has held other lo- cal offices.
A. CHAMBERLIN was born in Mansfield, Conuec- tient, in August, 1829. Went to sen at the age of fifteen years, and subsequently rose to the position of second mate. He visited South America and Australia, residing in the latter country twelve years. While there he was married to Honora Lambert, the marriage taking place in 1854. In 1861, he returned to Connectiont, and in 1870, came to Minnesotn and settled in section nine, Ramsey township, where he still lives. Ilo was the first settler in this part of the town and has been a leader in progressive affairs ever since. To his energy is dne the establishment of a flourish- ing school, and also a Sabbath school with a fine library and semi-monthly preaching in the school house near his residence.
FRANKLIN DEMAREST is a native of New York, born in the year 1831. His parents removed to Michigan in 1843, und in 1852, the subject of this sketch enme to Minnesota. The first winter was spent in the pineries, und in the summer of 1853, worked on the first dam built ut Anoka. He then worked at blacksmithing in Anoka two years, after which he settled on a farm in what is now Burns
township. In the winter of 1860-61, he loenteć on seetion three, Ramsey township, which has sinec been his home. During the war, he inde n trip: to Michigan, and while there, enlisted in the Ninth: Michigan Volunteer Infantry, serving one year Mr. Demarest was married in 1854, to Ruth Ford, of Anoka. Their children are, Robert J., Mimie N., Daniel M., Rubie A., Gertrude, and Mand A.
FESTUS A. EDGARTON was born in Oneida county, New York, in the year 1828. He lived in his na- tive State until 1874, when he came west, and after stopping a short time in Chicago, came to Ramsey township and bought a farm on section thirty-five, where he still lives. Since coming here, he has held a number of important local offices. Was married on the 5th of December, 1849, to Re- becca M. Smith, of Vermont. Their children are, Parker L., Frances A., Franklin A., Ida M., and Charles J.
S. A. FARRINGTON dates his birth in Stowe, Maine, in the year 1826. He came to Minesota in 1856, was in Anoka several years, and in Minne- apolis seven years, coming to this township and settling in section twenty-five, in 1867. During the war he enlisted in the Sixth Minnesota Volun- teer Infantry, participated in the Sioux war and afterwards served in the South. Returned to his home and has lived here ever since; he is now serv- ing his fourth term as Supervisor. He was mar- ried to Mary Kimball, in Lowell, Maine, in 1848. Their children are, Florence E., Carrie E., Mary F., and Alice E.
SMITH L. GALE was born in Augusta, Maine, on the 23d of October, 1829. He came to Minne- sota in 1854, and the following spring, made a claim in St. Francis township, Anoka county, where he lived four years, sold out and moved to Ramsey township, but after n residence of two years removed to Anoka. After one year's stay in the latter place, he again bought a farm in Ramsey, and his family has resided here ever since. Mr. Gale carried on the painting business in St. Panl and Minneapolis, nutil 1875, but has since lived at home, engaged in farming and dealing in stock and horses. He was married in 1851, to Miss Angelia Stevens, of Concord, New Hampshire. Their children are, Mary E., Charles H., and Susie.
J. W. HILL, n native of Marietta, Ohio, was born in July, 1844. He came to Minnesota with his parents, in 1856, they locating in what is now Grow township, Anoka county. After remaining thirteen years in that township, the subject of our
289
BIOGRAPHICAL.
sketeli settled in Burns, which was his home umtil coming to Ramsey, two years ago. Mr. Hill is by trade a carpenter and joiner, and also does mason work. He was married in 1868, to Harriet Oaks, of Michigan. Their children are, Minnie, Elsie, Viim, Wesley, Howard, Bessie, Myra, and an in- faut not muned.
B. F. Hinokern dates his birth in Milford, Maine, in March, 1822. He came to Minnesota in 1849, and settled at St. Anthony; engaged in blacksmithing, and during 1850 did the iron work on the steamer Governor Ramsey. In the spring of 1863, he located on the Mississippi, east of Elk river, and two years later settled in section six, Ramsey township, where he still resides. From 1852 to 1872, he was engaged in logging and lumbering on the St. Croix, Rum, and Mississippi rivers, but has sinee given his attention to agri- eultural pursuits. Mr. Hildreth was married in June, 1850, to Miss M. E. Farnham, of St. All- thony. Their children living are, Eva E., Etta, Emma E., and Fred. W. Two boys have died, aged respectively two and three years.
W. H. HERRICK was born in New York City, in tlie year 1838. After arriving at maturity, lie learned the trade of earpenter and joiner, at whiel he was employed several years. In 1862, he came west and enlisted in the Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the surrender of Vieks- burg he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and assigned to duty on Gen. MePherson's staff, where he remained until the General's death. Was then instructed to raise a regiment of colored troops, and in a short time had succeeded in organizing the Sixty-sixth United States Colored Infantry. Owing to sickness he then resigned and returned home, but as the strite waxed hot at the front, he could not content himself at home, and entered the Twenty-sixth New York Cavalry, serving till the elose of the war. Mr. Herrick was married in New York, in 1866, to Miss Sarah J. Whitlock. They have two children, Chastine U. and Gracie B.
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.