Blue Earth County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1901 (part 3 of 15)

The history of the Brown family shows that James an9 Jeanette Brown were bom and reared in Scotland, whence about 1820 they migrated to Canada. The father engaged in lumbering and manufacturing potash, but he died in middle age when his son and namesake was only five years old. The boy was thereupon taken into the home of an uncle in St. Lawrence county, New York, where he attended country school between the ages of seven and fifteen. When seventeen years old he was given his liberty and from that time forward earned his own way in the world. As early as 1849 he became a pioneer of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he learned the mason's trade, and for seven years he followed the occupation. During 1856 he formed a partnership with H. S. Town at Eipon, Wisconsin, in the mercantile business but in 1861 he sold out his interest, and three years later came to Blue Earth county, where since he has made his home. In 1865 he opened a store at Winnebago Agency. Blue Earth county, and in 1871 he moved to Mapleton, same county, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits and also engaged in banking until 1896. The panic that culminated about that year found him unprepared for financial emergencies after several years of business depression and he suffered business failure. Since 1900 he has been editor of the Amboy Herald.

Since the year 1874 Mr. Brown has been identified with Masonry and now is a member of Amboy Lodge No. 193, A. F. & A. M., in which he has passed all of the chairs. The Eepubli- can party has his earnest support both personally and through the medium of the paper. His religious views are broad and he has no church associations, but is in sympathy with all efforts for the uplifting of the race and gives generous aid to measures for the promotion of Amboy^s interests. While living at Eipon, Wisconsin, he married Charlotte Townsend, whose parents came west from Vermont in an early day. She died ISTovember 6, 1896, leaving two sons, Charles H. and Clark D., who are married and reside in New York City. Pour years later Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Mrs. Helen M. Hilton whose parents were natives of Vermont. They came west in 1857 and settled in Bentin, Wisconsin. In 1865 they moved to Winnebago Agency, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Among the people of the county where for so many years Mr. Brown has lived and labored he has a host of acquaintances, all of whom regard him with respect and esteem, and recognize in him a pioneer of patriotic spirit and high order of intelligence.

BROWN", HON. JAMES. - A lasting benefit to both was realized in the association of Hon. James Brown and the city of Mankato from August 19, 1865, until the lamented death of the honored jurist, August 3, 1889. Judge Brown wa? a man of solid and substantial worth, well grounded in the law, and prominent in the educational and religious upbuilding of the communities in which he lived. Exceptional only in his strength of character and abilHy to grasp and use his opportunities, he filled a fundamental need with courage, fidelity and invariable regard for the best interests of the people.

Born in Milford, Butler county, Ohio, March ]4, 1881, Judge Brown was of Irish ancestr}', his parents having settled in Ohio shortly after their arrival from Belfast, Ireland, in 1810. Mr. Brown owed his initial education to the public schools of his native state, and in 1845 graduated with highest honors from Miami College, at Oxford, Ohio, during his college life diverting his leisure into the channel of legal research. Later he entered the law office of 0. S. Witherb]', and in 1846 was admitted to practice in TTnion county, Indiana, soon after opening an office in Winchester, the same state. The practical qualities of Mr. Brown received ready recognition, and in 1849 he was elected to the Indiana legislature, the governor of the state in 1854 appointing him judge of the court of common pleas. For years he was county examiner of schools of Winchester county, and in 1854 chosen presidential elector, in the fall oJE the same year was the Democratic nominee for congress.

The removal of Judge Brown to Minnesota during the last year of the Civil war was due principally to the illness of his wife, for whom much was hoped in a change of climate. Before her marriage, September 14, 1846, Mrs. Brovm was Caroline Irwin, daughter of Eev. Eobert Irwin. Judge Brown in 1866 formed" a partnership with J. A. Wiswell, under the firm name of Brown & Wiswell, an association resulting in strong professional work, and a reputation for dependable service by no means confined to the limits of Blue Earth county. In the meantime Mr. Brown took an active interest in educational matters, promoting the same with vigor and enthusiasm. He believed in education as a means to great ends, and considered it a solution of many of the problems which now vex the souls of great thinkers and reformers. For years he was resident director of the Mankato Normal school, was instrumental in enlarging its sphere and capacity, and made the selection of the present site of the school. As in Indiana, his political activity remained a feature of his career, and he represented his county in the legislature of 1881.

The wife of Mr. Brown dying in 1885, December 33, 1886, he was united in marriage to ^Irs. Josephina E. Sheets, of Hamilton, Ohio, M'ho with the following children, survive him: Mrs. Mary Cornelia Pfau, Mrs. Marcella Mann, Charles I., Henry W., and Eobert E.

BEOWN, EOBEET E. - The above named, manager of the Mankato Gas and Electric Light Company, has accomplished much for the progressive name of the city by placing it in the rank of cities whose lighting service is efficient and modem. He has enjoyed the mechanical and business experience for just such a position, and as he has also the required natural abilities, the man and the place are in perfect harmony.

Robert E. Brown is a native of Winchester, Indiana, and was born May 2, 1861, the son of Hon. James Brown and his wife (formerly Caroline I. Irwin), of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. A biography of the father, one of the prominent men of the county and the state, is published elsewhere in this work. Eobert B., who was the youngest but one in their family of six, was educated in the public schools - both elementary and high - of Mankato, but as he early showed a mechanical bent learned the plumber's trade while yet a boy. He continued at that occupation from 1880 to 1887, when he became manager of the local gas company. After holding this position for two years the gas and electric interests in the local field were consolidated as the Mankato Gas and Electric Light Company, and Mr. Brown was chosen general manager. Since 1889 he has efficiently performed the duties of that office, which with the growth of the city and the consequent extension of the service have become ever more responsible and arduous.

On September 20, 1893, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Ella Sackett, of Candor, Tioga County, 'New York, a graduate of the Oswego (IST. Y.) State ITormal School, and later a successful teacher in the schools of Minneapolis and Mankato. They have become the parents of two children - Eobert E., Jr., and Kathryn Sackett Brown. Politically, Mr. Brown is affiliated with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Mankato Commercial Club, and is also associated with the B. P. 0. E., Eoyal Arcanum, A. 0. U. W., M. W. A. and Modern Samaritans, and an active member of the National Electric Light Association, and the American Gas Institute.

BEYSOTSr, "W. J. - Although npt numbered among the earliest settlers of Blue Earth county, the Bryson family ranks among the pioneers and its members have contributed with customary pioneer energy and self-sacrifice to the agricultural development of this part of the northwest. The first of the name to seek a home in this then frontier region was James Bryson, who was born in Ireland of Scottish parents in 1843, received a common-school education in his native land and from an early age earned his own way in the world. Coming to Blue Earth county in 1869 he commenced farming in Garden City township and at once began to make the many improvements necessary to bring the land into profitable cultivation. As a farmer he was persevering and undismayed by difficulties. After some years on his original homestead he removed to Lyra township, took up land, improved a farm and rose to a position of influence among the people of his community, who chose him to serve as pathmaster and also for years held him in the office of member of the township board. Of late years he has been retired from the farm but he retains his interest in the affairs of the world and is well posted concerning this county and its rise in agricultural importance among the counties of the state.

The marriage of James Bryson and Elizabeth Howard was blessed with six children, namely: Mary E., deceased; Martha, who is a graduate of the Mankato State Normal; W. J., the only son, who was born in Lyra township December 25, 1877, and who still resides on the farm where he was born; Eleanor C, Etta and Elizabeth, who are high-school graduates and popular among the young people of their neighborhood. The family circle is still unbroken save by the death of the eldest daughter, and parents and children remain together on the old homestead near Good Thunder on the Blue Earth river. The land is managed by the son, who is unmarried, and whose energetic supervision of the estate enables his parents to enjoy in their old age a freedom from care well merited by years of industry and economy.

In addition to receiving common-school advantages, W. J. Bryson was for two years a ei-udent in the Minnesota State University and by careful study and habits of close observation he has become a man of broad information. After having spent one year at Eedwood Palls, Miniiesota, in 1901 he returned to the old homestead and has since aided in tlie management of the property, of which he is the present responsible head. The homestead comprises four hundred and forty acres of which three hundred and twenty are under the plow. The fields show crops suited to the soil and climate, while in the pastures may be seen fine shorthorn cattle, Oxforddown sheep and Poland-China hogs. Like his father, W. J. Bryson is a stanch believer in the principles of the Republican party and never fails to give that organization his ballot and influence. The religious views of the family bring them into active co-operation with the Baptist church and they have been earnest supporters of that denomination.

BURLISON, ALTAMONT. - The southern counties of Minnesota began to attract large numbers of permanent settlers during the early 'tiOs and the entire decade witnessed the incoming of farmers from the east. Prom that time to the present there have not been lacking men of energy and industry, who have been intelligently striving to promote the welfare of the region and who have accomplished much in the way of proving the best crops to be raised, the most scientific methods of cultivation, and the most satisfactory processes of raising live-stock. Agriculture is the principal occupation and the farmers have proved the real benefactors of the region, their intelligent labors having brought v.^ealth into the country and prosperity to the people. Among those who came hither during the epoch immediately following the Civil war may be mentioned the Burlison family, pioneers of 1866, since which year they have been identilied with the farming interests of Blue Earth county.

Born in Wisconsin, April 11, 1861, Altamont Burlison was one of a family of two sons and two daughters, whose parents, Daniel W. and Mary (Phillips) Burlison, were natives respectively of New York and Ohio. At an early age the father became a pioneer of Wisconsin, where he took up land and improved a farm. The location did not prove entirely satisfactory, and he determined to join the tide of emigration then turned toward Minnesota, where he arrived in

1866, settling on a tract of new land in Blue Earth county. From the first he was influential in the county, where his talents led to his election, on the Republican ticket, as a member of the state legislature during the sessions of ISM and 1875. While representing his district in tlic assembly he gave his support to all measures for the benefit of his constituents and for the general well-being of the state.

When the family came to Minnesota Altamont Burlison was a small child, hence his education was obtained wholly in this state. Though he never attended college, he is a well-informed man and possesses a wide fund of valuable information, especially concerning agriculture. For years he has made his home on section ten, Decoria township, where he has a neat place with fair buildings. In addition to superintending the home farm of one hundred sixty acres, he is serving as township assessor at this writing and in other ways has identified himself with the affairs of the locality. Politically he gives his vole to the men and measures of the Republican party. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Masons. His marriage took place December 21, 1884, and united him with Miss Carrie L. Shepherd, who was born in Minnesota, her parents having come hither from Kew York. Two sons and a daughter comprise the family. Carl E. and Glen H. are twenty-one and nineteen years of age respectively, and the daughter. Hazel I\[ay, is. a bright school girl of fourteen years.

CAREY, WILLIAM M. - With the gift of a quarter section of farm land from his father as the nucleus of his possessions, William M. Carey has added to his original property until now he owns more than eight hundred acres, all practically under cultivation. The land is supplied with wells and is further watered by the Big Cobb river which passes through the farm. Fuel for the family use is furnished from the timber on the estate. A neat farm house and substantial gTanaries and barns prove the owner of the farm to be a man of thrift, enterprise and progressive spirit, and the impression thus derived is heightened by the appearance of the Poland-China hogs, shorthorn cattle and Norman horses, all of which are of blooded strains. The land lies in DanviUe township and was the original home of the family, who subsequently removed to a farm three and one-half miles away from their first purchase.

Born in Pennsylvania November 1, 1849, William M. Carey is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Murray) Carey, natives of county Mayo, Ireland, and a grandson of William Carey, belonging to an old, honored and prosperous family of the Emerald isle. In the old world, as in the new, agriculture formed the principal occupation of representatives of the family. During the year 1848 Thomas Carey came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. After a brief sojourn in that state he became a pioneer of Wisconsin, bat a year later, in 1853, he came to Minnesota, settling in Houston county and embarking in farm pursuits. The country was in its primeval wildness. Pew attempts had been made at cultivation or improvement, and as yet settlers were few. In 1864 he removed to Blue Earth county and settled in Danville township on the farm now owned by his son, William M. A few years later he bought and removed to a farm three and one-half miles north of the original purchase, and there he spent his last years. A m.an of remarkable energy and perseverance, he not only provided well for his family and maintained a close supervision of his farm, but in addition he maintained a warm interest in affairs of local importance.

The third in a family of nine children, William M. Carey was four years of age when the family settled in Minnesota and fifteen years old when he accompanied them to Blue Earth county, settling on the farm where he now lives. When the father purchased another farm he moved thither and helped- to bring it under cultivation, but at the same time of his marriage returned to the original homestead and here he has since been extensively engaged in the raising of the various products adapted to the soil and climate. A portion of the crops is fed to the stock, and the raising and fattening of stock form an important addition to the income of the family. In addition, for some time Mr. Carey engaged in buying cattle for shipment to the Chicago and other markets. While busily engaged in his private agricultural affairs, he finds leisure to participate in local politics and educational work, and jias served efficiently as school director, clerk and county supervisor.

The marriage of Mr. Carey took place in June, 1875, and united him with Miss Annie Baynes, a native of Ireland, her father being Patrick Baynes, an early settler of Jamestown, Blue Earth county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Carey became the parents of thirteen children, all of whom are still living with the exception of Agnes. It has been their ambition and pride to give to each the best possible educational advantages and they may be justly proud of the high social and professional standing they have attained. The eldest son, Henry B., received ]iis elementary education in the district schools, after which he attended Mapleton high school and the University of Minnesota, and later taught for two years in Chicago. The eldest daughter, Mary, is a teacher in the public schools of Minneapolis. William M., who was primarily educated in district schools and Mankato high school, later was a student in Chicago University, and then taught for one year, afterward taking the regular course of lectures in the Minnesota State University; in 1906 he was graduated from that institution and the year following he received admission to the bar of the state. Francis remains on the home farm; Annie is teaching ill Minneapolis ; John cultivates a farm adjoining the old homestead; Sadie is a student in the high school ; James, Catherine, David, Emmet and \Valter complete the family circle.

CAVEN, MICHAEL. - Associations covering a period of more than forty years entitle Mr. Caven to be classed among the pioneers of Blue Piarth county, whither he came in young manhood, ready to give his strength and energy to the development of the fertile soil of the region. Prom the time of his arrival to the present he has been a witness of the agricultural progress of the county and has been a personal contributor to the sam.e. His memories carry him back to the days when Mankato was the only town in Blue Earth county and often he walked from the farm in Lyra township the entire distance into iwn, while it was a common custom to liaul rain there with the aid of ox-teams. Conditions ave changed in the past forty years. Oxen are aw seldom usied for motive power, but fine urses of Norman or Percheron strains may be len on every farm, neat houses have replaced le original cabins of logs, and villages appear i'ery few miles, giving to the region an aspect E prosperity and abundant life.

The Caven genealogy shows that Thomas and largaret (Melody) Caven were born in Ireland, tscendants of old families of that country, crossing the ocean to America they settled 1 New York state and for eleven years remained ti a farm in that state. While living in Alleany county a son was born in 1836 and was amed Michael. The next location of the family as in Washington county, Wisconsin, whert; irming pursuits were conducted along pioneer nes for a period of twenty-two years. The ife and mother died in that county in 1860 ad seven years later the other members of the imily came to Minnesota, settling in Lyra townlip. Blue Earth county, on the land now owned y Michael, and which was the home of the ither until his death in 1879. During his last ti3's he received the afiectionate ministrations of is son and was surrounded by every comfort iat affection could secure.

The marriage of Michael Caven took place 1 1860 and united him with Miss Mary A. i''eir, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Coughn) Weir, natives of Ireland. During early ears Mr. Weir settled in Washington county, nsconsin, and engaged in the pioneer task of nproving a tract of raw land. Eventually he imoved to Minnesota and established a home 1 Lyra township, Blue Earth county, where he mtinued to reside until death. The family of Ir. and Mrs. Caven comprises six children, amely: Margaret, at home; Walter, a farmer E Lyra township; Erank, who likewise conducts jricultural pursuits in this township; Michael, 1., who resides at the old homestead; Kate, ho received an excellent education at the Manito State Normal and is now engaged in teachig school; and Thomas, who is yet at home, 'he family hold membership in the Eoman atholic church. In politics Mr. Caven votes independently. For a numbei' of years he has been a school director and throughout life he has been deeply interested in the country schools. In 1!)0G he suffered the loss of his house by fire, but immediately rebuilt and now has a comfortable home for his family. Since he purchased the property in 1867 he has made all of the improvements now to be seen there and has placed under excellent cultivation the one hundred and sixty acres comprising the estate. The greater part of the land is under the plow, but a portion is devoted to the pasturage and feed-yards of the shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs.

home far removed from his birthplace and from the scenes familiar to his early years, Mr. Chadbourn is passing the afternoon of a busy life, surrounded by the comforts rendered possible by his own indefatigable exertions and blessed by the affection of family and friends. Canada is his native place, and he was born in the county of Missisquoi, province of Quebec, Jul} 5, 1815, descended from an old American family that had been identified with the history of New England from an early day. His father, Franklyn Chadbourn, was born in Vermont and during young manhood crossed the line into Canada, settling in Missisquoi county, which lies just across the line from Vermont. Farming was his chosen occupation, but before he had reached the success which his energies deserved he was taken by death in 1819 while yet a young man. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia Jennings, was born in Canada and died there in 1857. Of their five children only two are living.

The youngest of the family circle, Alexander T., was four years old when he lost his father and twelve when death removed the mother from the home, leaving him orphaned and without means of support. Kindly people aided him in earning a livelihood, and he soon became selfsupporting, working in Canada or in A'ermont as opportunity offered. The year 1867 found him in Wisconsin, where he took up land and embarked in general farming. Coming to Minnesota in 1874. he settled in Pleasant Mounds township. Blue Earth county, where for some time he . operated rented land, but finally acquired by purchase his present property on section twenty-two. The farm is well improved and gives evidence of the thrifty supervision of its owner.

For a number of years Mr. Chadbourn served a.? a member of the township board and in other ways he has shown a willingness to promote the welfare of the people of his locality. However, he is not a partisan, and believes that partnerhsip should be sunk beneath a true patriotic spirit that seeks the common good, not merely selfish ends. The township has in him a wise and energetic citizen. Mr. Chadbourn has been twice married, his first wife, Annette Gilbert, having died in young womanhood. One son was born of that union, Frank, who owns a farm adjoining the homestead of his father ana is engaged at the occupation of a carpenter. The second marriage of Mr. Chadbourn was solemnized August 7, 1883, and united him with Anna Gilbert, a sister of the former wife, and a daughter of Hiram Gilbert. During middle life Mr. Gilbert left his native province of Quebec, accompanied by wife and children, and removed to Wisconsin, where he took up general farming; but eventually he became a citizen of Minnesota, where he made his home in Pleasant Mounds township. Blue Earth county, until his death at an advanced age.

CHAMPLIN, CAPT. EZEA T. - The early historical records of Ehode Island show that Geoffrey Champlin settled in that colony in 1638 and was a freeman and one of the founders of Newport, where he served as a member of the town council. His son, Geoffrey, was a captain of militia in 1690. One of his descendants, Christopher Champlin, born in 1730, was the first grand master of Masons in the colony, and was president of the Bank of Ehode Island. Another member of the family, Christopher Grant Champlin, a graduate of Harvard, was elected to congress in 1796, and reelected in 1798, and at the expiration of his term in 1800 declined further election. In 1809 he was elected to the United States senate, which office he resigned two years later. For twenty-seven years he was president of the Ehode Island Union Bank. Another descendant of Goeffrey, was George Champlin, who was president of the Bank of Ehode Island and a shipmaster, who espoused the cause of the revolution in 1775 and was colonel-commander of the First Eegiment of Ehode Island militia. After the revolution he was chosen representative from Newport. He also served as a member of the continental congress in 1785 and 1786, and was a member of the state convention that adopted the constitution- of the United States. He was three times chosen presidential elector and for sixteen years he was elected semiannually as member of the Ehode Island legislature.

The landed estate of the family lay in the towns of Kingston and Westerly and it was from the former place that Thomas Champlin imigrated in 1800 with his family to the state of Vermont, where in 1799 he had purchased a large tract of land in the then forest region of Lake Champlain.

He was twice married and was the father of five daughters and nine sons, the youngest of whom was Benjamin W., who was born April 36th, 1903, and who lived at the old family homestead that overlooks the village of North Ferrisburg in Addison County until his death Dec. 2nd, 1864. His first wife was Phebe (Griffin) Champlin, the widow of his brother Elisha, with two children, Hannah Burritt, and Lyman Elisha. His second wife was Samantha Hurlbut. His children by his first marriage are George W., Box M., Lydia A., Eliza, Susan E., Ezra T. and John T., and by his second marriage they are Byron T., Niles M., Eldridge E. and Noble P.

In the town of Ferrisburgh, Addison County, Vermont, Ezra Thomas Champlin was born April 2, 1839, a son of Benjamin W. and Phebe Champlin. He was educated in the public schools of Vermont and Wisconsin, going to the latter state in 1857, and engaging in farming, surveying, working in the pineries and attending school. In 1860 he came .to Wabasha County, in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi His residence and home is in the town of Verand Arkansas, was a short time prisoner in non Center, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, where ond and first lieutenant. He refused to accept planted by him forty years ago. a commission as major in a colored regiment. In 1863 he was appointed aide-de-camp on the staif of Major-General C. C. Andrews, and served CHAPMAN, CHAELES, A. - No citizen of in that capacity until the close of the war, mean- Mankato is more closely identified with its terriwhile being in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, torial expansion, or occupies a warmer place in Mississippi, Florida and Texas. He participated the affections of old and young alike than Charin the campaign of Mobile, and the charge on les A. Chapman, the venerable surveyor and pio- Pt. Blakely, and carried the dispatch notifying neer of half a century's service and reminiscences General Steele at iMontgomery of the surrender and the President of the Old Settlers' Territorof General Dick Taylor's army, conveying the ial Association of Blue Earth county. He is a message without an escort through the midst of Massachusetts man by birth, in personal appearthe enemy's country. In July, 1865, he was auce and in temperament, despite the fact that with the small party that escorted the provisional since early manhood he has been an advance governor of Texas to the state capital of Austin, agent in the development of various communi- During the fall of 1862 he was in the Indian ties in Iowa and Minnesota; despite all, his Harwar in Minnesota and with a part of his regi- vard training and his cultured New England ment participated in the Battle of Woodlake, ancestry still cling to his personality, where Little Crow with eight hundred warriors Charles A. -Chapman is a native of Cambridge, was defeated, resulting in the release of 120 -Massachusetts, born October 14, 1833, and first white captives, women and cliildren. Por gal- trained in the public schools of that famous old lant and meritorious service in the campaign of center of higher education. Later he pursued a Mobile he was promoted by brevet to the rank course at the Lawrence Scientific School of Harof captain by President Johnson, and with that x-.ni University and graduated with the class of rank he was honorably discharged from the army ] 856, coming West in the spring of that year in September 16th, 1866. ]iis search for employment as a railroad engi- The marriage of Captain Champlin occurred neer. But with the coming of hard times railat Charlotte, Vermont, January 24, 1867, and road building ceased, so having migrated as far united him with Florence Eliza Langdon, daugh- as Des Moines, Iowa, he concluded to stop there ter of W. W. Langdon, of Malone, New York, end see what he could find to do in the more Their children are George Wallace, Helen E., stationary line of surveying town lots. In the Lee L. and Eobert G. In politics Captain Cham- autumn of 1856 he was engaged in the survey of plin IS a Democrat. He has been chairman of the Des Moines Eiver Improvement Company's the town board, county commissioner, and three land grant, and in the spring of the following times was elected to the state legislature of Min- year he left Des Moines with the intention of lonesota, where in 1891 he was honored by being eating in Minnesota. In company with Dr. Bychosen speaker of the House of Eepresentatives. ron Dewitt, of Oswego, he purchased a wagon. Governor Johnson commissioned him a member a pair of horses and the necessary outfit, and of the state board of equalization in 1905. The journeyed up the river road, passing through following year he was elected chairman of the Fort Dodge, Algona (then two or three houses),

Blue Earth City, Vernon and Garden City - all of these towns of the most embryo character. For about forty miles either side of the line between Minnesota Territory and Iowa there was no roadj and direction had therefore to be determined by compass. Arriving at South Bend, June 13, 1857, they lived during that summer at the boarding house of Elijah K. Bangs, soon after their coming buying, in company with others, th« farm of Noah Armstrong and laying out the town site of Le Hillier City.

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Chapman moved to Mankato, and with A. D. McSweeney opened a surveyor's office in a shanty which occupied the site of Patterson's grocery store. During the following year he surveyed and platted the additions to Mankato, known as Warren's, Hanna's, Givens & Lewis,' Moreland, Freeman & Buck's, Shaubut's. Dukes' and Eoelofson's. Mr. Chapman servecT as Auditor of Blue Earth County one term; was the first City Engineer of Mankato; was for twenty years Secretary of the Mankato Board of Trade, and has been Secretary of the Mankato Cemetery Association since its organization in 1869.

Married March 31, 1859, to Hannah A. CUiapman, of Bethel, Maine, Mr. Chapman has become the father of three children, two of whom have died in infancy. The third son, James E. Chapman, was educated at Carleton College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and now occupies a responsible position with the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, at Pueblo, Colorado.

CLEMENTS, DILLON L. - Various enterprises have occupied the time of Mr. Clements since he came to Minnesota in 1856, and during a goodly portion of these years he has been a resident of Mankato, where he and his cultured wife have a host of warm personal friends. Descended from an old eastern family, he was born :n Herkimer county, New York, and was a son of Milton and Eleanor (Dennis) Clements, natives of the Mohawk valley. When two years of age he was taken to Chautauqua county by his parents and settled with them at Brocton, where the father and mother both died ere reaching fifty years of age, the former meeting his death in an accident. There were five children in the family, of whom the youngest daughter died early, and John, Richard and Elizabeth also are deceased, the only surviving member of the family circle being Dillon L., of Mankato. Two years after he came to Minnesota, his brother, Richard, and sister also came to this state, where tliey spent their remaining years.

For a period of twelve years Mr. Clements engaged in the general mercantile business at Hokah, Houston county, Minnesota. After the completion of the Minnesota Southern Railroad he became the first conductor over his part of the route, following this he was for four years general passenger and ticket agent. Later the road was absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, of which system it now forms a part. On removing to Mankato he became connected with the Central Minnesota Railroad and for two years had charge of the general freight and ticket office. On resigning from the railroad employ he engaged in the grocery business with R. D. Hubbard under the firm title of Hubbard & Clements. Somewhat later Mr. Hubbard disposed of his interest to C. W. Piper and the firm became Clements & Piper, continuing as such for several years. Eventually Mr. Piper's interest was purchased by Albert M. Clements and the title was changed to D. L. Clements & Son, continuing in that name until 1904, when the business was sold to Draper & Peterson. Thereupon Mr. Clements retired from business affairs and his son accepted a position with the Mankato Commission Company, in whose employ he has continued to the present time.

Notwithstanding the fact of his retirement from business, Mr. Clements maintains an interest in local affairs, keeps posted concerniag real estate, watches the growth of the city with the deepest concern, and all in all has proved himself to be a patriotic citizen. In fraternal relations he is connected with the Knight Templar Masons. October 2, 1856, he married Miss Lavantia D. Case, daughter of William and Mary (Hempstead) Case, of Brocton, Chautauqua county, New York. The bridal tour of Mr. and Mrs. Clements was the trip to their new home in the northwest, where they took up housekeeping amid pioneer surroundings. For a period of five years after coming west Mrs. Clements engaged ill teaching, for which work she was qualified by a liberal education and an ability to impart taformation to children. As an instructor she won local prominence. Three sons came to bless their union, namely : Prank B., of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Frederick D., of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Albert M., who remains in Mankato. There were ten children in the family of which Mrs. Clements was a member. Those now living besides herself are as follows: Dr. C. H. Case, who for more than thirty years has been a. practicing physician at Ripley, Indiana; Rev. A. M. Case, D. D., of Eockford, Iowa; Dr. M. W. Case, president of the Conservatory of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rev. W. W. Case, D. D., pastiir of the First Methodist Episcopal church of San Jose, California. From childhood years both Mr. and Mrs. Clements have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination and they long have been active workers in the Centenary church, ia which Mr. Clements has been an ofl'ieial member for years and has assisted liberally ixi a financial way.

COFFIlsr, W. P. - The genalogy of the Coffin family is traced through members of the society of friends back to Tristram Coffin who came t(i America from England in the year 1643. In the year 1659 he and nine others bought the Island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The consideration named ia the deed was thirty pounds and two beaver hats.

At a very early day Samuel, a descendant of Tristram, accompanied a colony of Quakers from Nantucket to Guilford County, North Carolina. Tliomas, a son of Samuel removed from North Carolina to Orange County, Indiana in the pioneer days of 1817.

Settling in the wilderness he built up a good home, and obtained prominence among his acquaintances. For some years he served in the Indiana Legislature. At the time of his death he was 78 years of age. Eight years later

The family comprised seven children, two now living: William P., of Mankato, Minnesota, and Caroline M., widow of Dr. Robert Mitchell of Marengo, Indiana.

The sixth among the seven children was William P., born at Paoli, Indiana, Sept. 20th, 1832. and educated primarily in the schools of his native town. Later he had the privilege to study at Hanover College, and for a year attended Asbury I^niversity, at Green Castle, Indiana.

Starting out for himself, he came to Minnesota in 185 i, stopping at Mankato, where for a while he and Joel Cloud conducted a little store in a building standing near the present site of the City Hall.

In 1855 he took a claim in the town of Rapidan and after making considerable improvements lost it, as did twenty other settlers on lands, which were afterward set apart by the government as a reservation for the Winnebago Indians.

In the fall of the same year he and Joel Cloud went with teams to Independence, Iowa, for flour. On the return journey they were overtaken by a snow stonn at Clear Lake, Iowa, and were forced to abandon wagons for sleds. There v,as a dim trail leading northward which was only visible in places where the winds had swept the snow away. For a distance of sixty miles there wasn't a human habitation in sight. They were five days floundering through snow drifts before reaching a claim shanty on the Maple river.

His second claim was m.ade ia what is now known as Spring Island neighborhood, and on receiving title thereto he returned to Indiana. In the fall of 1863 he assisted in the organi-

After the battle of Nashville the regiment was ordered to Mobile, Alabama, ajid did patrol duty during the reduction of forts Spanish and Blakely. From there it was one of a cavalry brigade which marched into southern Georgia, thence to Montgomery, Alabama, and from there into northern Mississippi. In July he was detailed as Provost Marshal of freed men with headquar^ ters at Aberdeen, Miss., and remained in that capacity till mustered out with the regiment at Vicksbury, Miss., Nov. 18, 1865.

Prom the time of his departure from Minnesota in 1856 until his return ten years later. Captain Coffin made frequent trips to the northwest, engaged in buying, selling and trading ^tock. Since 1874 he has been engaged in the real estate business at Mankato, and among whose citizens he holds a position of trust and confidence by reason of a long and honorable business career.

It is one of his chief pleasures to meet with veterans of the Civil war, nor is it less of a delight to meet with pioneers of Minnesota, men who like himself, endured the vicissitudes of the early days, braved the dangers of Indian outbreaks and experienced all the hardships incident to existence in a new country.

His marriage took place October 3, 1867, and united him with Margaret C. Todd, who was born in New York State and died at Mankato in 1900, aged fifty-eight years.

Their children are: Charles, Louise (deceased), Mrs. Helen E. Ober, Butte, Montana, and Mark T., a veteran of the Spanish war, now in the employ of the Omaha Railroad Company.

and was abruptly terminated by death, Mr. Colsen is well-remembered by acquaintances and associates, whose confidence he won by his fine traits of character and irreproachable integrity of life. Prom ancestors who were of the best blood of Sweden he inherited that sterling characteristics that have made liis nation famous the world over, while supplementary to these he acquired by long residence in America the enterprise, energy and progressive spirit that dominate the United States. Large success did not come to him, because he died while yet in middle age, and as he was laying the substantial foundation of future prosperity, yet already he had been encouragingly successful and left to his family considerable property secured through industry and wise judgment.

The son of a worthy farmer of Sweden, Augustave Colsen was born in that country in Pebruary of 1849 and received such advantages as the locality rendered possible. Upon leaving school he began to learn the trade of a stonecutter. Such was his skill and industry that soon he became a master of the trade and was qualified to earn an excellent income in the occupation. At the age of twenty years he came to the United States and immediately secured employment at his trade in the east, where he remained for a long period and met with gratifying success. Luring April of 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Miller, who was born in Sweden in 1853. As early as 1863, the father crossed the ocean to the United States and worked in the employ of others at the blacksmith's trade until he had mastered the English language. As soon as he was able to conduct business dealings in English he opened a shop of his own, settling at Watertown, Massachusetts, where he labored successfully for many years and won a large circle of patrons and friends. A partial stroke of paralysis during the year 1890 forced him to entirely relinquish business activities and he came to Mankato in order to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Colsen. His last days were passed beneath her roof, ministered to by her unfailing kindliness and gentle care. After he had long suffered from paralysis he passed from earth August 31, 1903, and his body found its last resting place near the scenes of his later years.

Biogeaphiual Histukx

The doctrmee of the Lutheran chureli have always been upheld by the Colsen family, are generous contributors to its charities and general maintenance. Mrs. Colsen and her three children have continued to reside in Mankato since Mr. Colsen's death and they own a pleasant home at No. 219 North Sixth street. The older son, Lawrence, is engaged in the cigar-manufacturing business, and the younger son, who is now in Plainview, this state, follows the barber's trade. The youngest child, Ethel holds a position with the Citizens Telephone Company at Mankato.

COMSTOCK, HON. WILLARD L. - Having passed his entire life within the city of Mankato and being by birth, by education and by training a son of Minnesota, Judge Comstock is familiar with conditions and possibilities in this portion of the country and possesses a thorough knowledge of the opportunities awaiting men of energy, decision and discrimination aided by capital sufficent for investments of an attractive nature. During the period of his identification with the legal profession in Mankato he has risen to a position of prominence by reason of wide acquaintance with the best of authorities in points of law and also has gained the esteem and regard of acquaintances as a result of his fine mental and social endowments.

The Comstock family was associated with the colonial history of our country. The exact date of their immigration to America is not known, but it is certain that they were early settlers. Thomas Comstock, who was born and reared in New York state, became a man of prominence in Herkimer county and while filling the office of sheriff there he was drowned in the Hudson river as he was giving chase to a fugitive from justice. In the family of the sheriff there was a son, Marshall, born and reared in New York state, and a pioneer of 1863 in Minnesota, where he settled at Mankato and embarked in the lumber and milling business. Marshall Comstock passed away Feb. 17, 1908, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Patton, is still living in Mankato. Their son, Willard L., was born in Mankato November 84, 1861, and received excellent advantages in the grammar and high schools, also attended the State Normal University, where he availed himself of the many advantages offered by that growing institution.

After having taught for six years in the schools of Blue Earth county, Mr. Comstock turned his attention to the study of law and entered the office of a prominent firm in Mankato, where he carried on the regular routine of study preparatory to admission to the bar. During May of 1890 he was admitted to practice at the bar of Minnesota and since then has had his office in Mankato, where he has been prominent in affairs pertaining - to the law and to politics, being prominent in the local councils of the Democratic party. During the legislative sessions of 1892-93 he represented this district in the lower house, where he proved himself faithful to the interests of his constituents, loyal to the welfare of the state and conversant with problems affecting the general prosperity. In April of 1905 he was elected municipal judge and re-elected in April, 1907, and now fills that position, in addition to which he has held other offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens.

During November of 1890 Judge Comstock ^vas united in marriage with Phila L. Fletcher, formerly of Lake City, this state. They are the parents of two children, Philip F. and Dorothy L. In fraternal relations Judge Comstock is Grand Master Workman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Minnesota, is a member of the Modem Samaritans, the Foresters, Knights of Pythias, and Royal Arcanum in which last-named order he has officiated as Grand Regent and also has been representative to the supreme council. Served ten years as a member of the National Guard of Minnesota being captain of old Company F, of the Second Regiment. The importance of a thorough education as a basis upon which to build a manly character or to develop the most womanly traits has never been unrealized by Judge Comstock, whom we find to be one of the most earnest advocates of free-school opportunities in this town, and these sentiments enable him to labor with the utmost efficiency in his position as a member of the city school board, in which capacity he has served for six or more years.

CONEOY, MAETIISr. - More than one-half century has brought its varying changes to the commonwealth of llinnesota since first Mr. Conroy landed in this then frontier of the northwest. Few white men had preceded him as permanent settlers, but the tide of emigration had begun to turn hither and each year brought its influx of sturdy pioneers bent upon the conquest of the soil. Indians still roamed over the prairies and the light of their camp-fires was often the only indication of human life visible to the eye as the gaze of the stranger rested anxiously upon the unbroken stretches of primeval soil. "While at times the red men were, friendly, history records that they were hostile to the taking up of land by the whites and at times their hostility found expression in the most cruel forms, notably the murder of the Jewett family, whom Mr. Conroy assisted to bury. For three years he belonged to the organization known as the minute men, formed to fight the Indians and protect the white settlers from, their depredations. Those were years of hardship and privation for the pioneers, , and more than once he suffered frorii cold and hunger. During one entire winter he had nothing, to eat besides "Johnny cake," the supply of flour having been exhausted, while the extreme cold weather rendered it impossible to secure game. .On one occasion he traded his dogs with Chief .Good Thunder for blankets, in order that he might protect himself from the elements in the winter months.

Near the shores of, the Atlantic ocean, in county Galway, Ireland, Martin Conroy was bom October 9, 1828, being a son of James and Catherine (Eagen) Conroy, who lived and died upon a farm in Ireland. At an early age he decided that the new world offered him greater opportunities than the old, and in 1848 he crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, which cast anchor in ISTew York City. After a short sojourn til ere he went to Clinton, Massachusetts, where he secured employment at $8 per month. His next work was in the woods near Manchester, New Hampshire. He next was employed in a cotton factory at Franklin, K. H., whence he removed to Suncook in the same state. Later for three years he worked for the governor of

New Hampshire in brick yards in the northern part of the state. The year 1855 found him a pioneer in the then unsettled regions of Minnesota, where he took up a claim in Winona county. To buy a yoke of oxen to work his claim he was obliged to mortgage his new made home and pay 40 per cent interest. The load proved too heavy and he was forced to abandon all to the money lender. During 1857 he came to Blue Earth county and took up a homestead near Vernon Center. During 1868 he removed to Lyra township and settled on a farm, to the improvement of which he gave many active years. Money was scarce and his life for years held many discouragements. In order to meet his debts as they came due he sought employment in the digging of ditches and of post-holes, and no work was too difficult for his willing hands and resolute spirit. By dint of unremitting efforts and patient industry he acquired two hundred and fifteen acres of land, but eventually he gave some of the property to his sons, and upon retiring from farm activities he rented the balance.

The marriage of Mr. Conroy which occurred at Suncook, N". H., Nov., 1843, united him with Elizabeth Farmer, daughter of Thomas and Eose (McGuire) Farmer, who were born and reared in the north of Ireland, immigrated to the United States, settled in New Hampshire, and there remained until death. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Conroy, namely: James, who ie engaged in' farming for himself; Thomas, John and Mattie, all of whom died after reaching maturity; Martin; Edward; Eose (deceased); Maggie; Katie; Ellen (who died in childhood); and Minnie. For some years since the death of his wife which occurred May 10, 1875, at the old homestead in Lyra, Mr. Conroy has made his home with his daughter, Katie, who married Walter Caven (?), a farmer of Lyra township. The family hold membership with the Roman Catholic church, in which faith Mr. Conroy was trained in his boyhood years in the old Irish home. Politically he casts his vote with the Democrats. For fifteen years he held school office and always has maintained a warm interest in educational movements.

COOPEE, CHAELES H. - No profession offers greater opportunities of usefulness than tliat of an educator. The minister brings to the soul the beautiful and uplifting message of the Gospel, the physician administers remedial agencies and endeavors to restore it to normal strength, and of no less importance than these is the office of the teacher, for his is the privilege of taking the mind in its original purity and innocence and opening upon its vision the glories of the world and the importance of selfculture.

In enterting upon the profession of a teacher in early manhood Professor Cooper followed the bent of his tastes and ambitions, and the remarkable degree of success which he has achieved in his chosen field of labor proves that his superior natural endowments have been carefully trained and developed by self-culture. His parents James Morrison and Anna Herwance who were born in Few York State were residents of La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1855 at the time of his birth, he inherited from his ancestry a passionale love of literature and an ambition to acquire the ripeness of thorough scholarship. Possessing such traits, it was natural that he sought the best possible educational, advantages. During 1873 he matriculated in Darmouth college, where he took the classical course of study and was graduated with the class of 1877, bearing with him into the world of activity a fine record for scholarship and a high standing among his fellow-students.

During the year immediately following his graduation Professor Cooper acted as sub-master in the Abbott school at Washington, D. C, from which institution he went to Hitchcock Free Academy at Brimfield, Massachusetts. For a year he was a teacher there and from 1879 to 1883 officiated as the principal of the institution resigning to accept a position as tutor in Dartmouth College, his alma mater. In 1883 he came to the northwest as professor of history and political science in Carleton college at ISTorthfield, Minnesota, where he continued until the close of 1898, meanwhile also filling the office of college librarian. His identification with the Minnesota State Normal school at Mankato as its president dates from January 1, 1899, since which time the enrollment of students has increased until it has reached almost one thousand. Under his efficient leadership each department of the school has recorded an advance. The most modern methods of instruction have been introduced and pedagogy has been brought to a science in which the study of child-life and the development of the nntrained mind are recognized as of unsurpassed value of the world. For a long period the institution has been the pride of Mankato and Blue Earth county, but by reason of recent advances in methods of work it has come to be also the pride of the entire state and ranlcs among the best schools of the northwest.

To this success and growth the personality of the president has been an important contributing factor. Among the large body of students he is admired and beloved for those qualities which each would emulate in his own life ; among other educators, he has won an enviable reputation as one ripe in scholarship and high in his intellectual and moral ideals; by members of the board of trustees of the school he is recognized as a man of executive ability and the tact necessary in a leader; among the people of his home city he is respected as a man whose citizenship adds prestige to the town. Dignified in presence, dicisive in action, determined in will power and definite in the accomplishment of each day's duties he may aptly be regarded as an exemplary and ideal instructor of the youth of our state. His hospitable home in Mankato is presided over by Mrs. Cooper, who prior to their marriage in 1883 was Miss Caroh'na A. Wheeler, of Forth Woburn, Massachusetts. They are the parents of three children, Helen, Margaret and Eobert.

COEBETT, A. H. - One of the farmers of Blue Earth county is A. H. Corbett, who through well-directed efforts has risen to prominence among - the agriculturists of Shelby Township and has gained a success that is deserved and noteworthy. Since the autumn of 1868 he has owned and occupied his present farm on section eight, the tract comprising two hundred and seventeen acres, with the residence located on a knoll sheltered from the storms of v/inter by a timber tract of natural growth. The house has modern conveniences and indicates the presence of a refined family. The outbuildings show the progressi-ve spirit of the owner. The round barn with its cement foundation was, at the time of building, the only barn of its kind in the entire state of M-nnesota, and has been found by its owner to possess many advantages, giving much space for ground area in proportion to its size, also not being affected by heavy winds, and at the same time affording facilities for the doing of the chores in about one-half the time required in barns of the oldfashioned type.

The genealogy of the Corbet! family shows colonial extraction, dat'ng back to Robert Corbett a resident of Weymouth, Massachusetts, who fought in King Philijp's war, settling in Farmington, Maine, in 1782, he was the father of Elder Daniel Corbett, who was the father of Deacon Daniel Corbett, who was the father of Peter Corbett, whose son Rufus Corbett was the father of Amasa Corbett, whose son is the subject of this sketch.

Rufus, was born in Massachusetts, but came with his father to Parmington where he passed the balance of his life in farming and in aiding movements for the welfare of his locality and state. Amasa., son of Rufus Corbett, was born at Parmington, Maine, and married Angeline Beale, a native of the same locality. Like his father, he was public-spirited and energetic. Por a time he held the rank of major in the state militia and during the war he acted as town treasurer. Por years he remained on the family homestead and there he eventually died. The youngest in a family of four children, A. H. Corbett was born at Parmington, Maine May 31, 1845, and there he received his education in the public schools. During the fall of 1865 he came to Minnesota and for two years he remained in the vicinity of lake Minnetonka, after which he returned to his eastern home for a sojourn of eight months. On his return to Minnesota in the fall of 1868 he settled on the land which since he has converted into an attractive homestead. At the time of buying this property he was unmarried and for several years he continued alone, but in November of 1873 he established domestic ties through his marriage to Donzetta Briggs, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of Rufus Briggs, a pioneer of Pleasant Mound township, this county. Born of their union were three children. lone, who married Joseph Heritage and lives in Pleasajit Mound township, this county; Julie E., who died in 1882 and Amasa Rufus, who is now in Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett are, in a position to enjoy life, having accumulated a competency through their long-continued and judicious efforts, and in their attractive country home, surrounded by everything to add to their content and many refined tastes, they are quietly and busily continuing the management of their homestead. Their friends are many in this locality and they esteem the esteem of their wide circle of acquaintances.

CORNELL, JUDD. - Numerous finely improved farms prove the value of Mapleton township as an agricultural region, and among these estates the old Cornell homestead is not the least conspicuous. The homestead now belongs to a son of the original owner, and this son, starfijig with sixty acres of the tract, has purchased (lie balance in small installments as his means, permitted, acquiring in this way a farm of 270 acres, the greater part of which has been placed under cultivation. Through the farm runs a branch of the Maple river that does not cease its flow even during the summer months, and in addition at a depth of forty feet artesian water is available, there being two flowing wells on the place at this writing, so that an abundance of water supply is assured. Stock raising is one of the principal industries in which the owner engages, his specialty being a good grade of Shorthorn cattle. In horses his choice is the Clyde, and his present herd is headed by a fine specimen of that breed.

The identification of the Cornell family with the agricultural development of Mapleton townsiiip dates back to the year 1856, at which time the noted Taylor expedition came from New York. Prior to that time James Cornell, a native of Goshen, Indiana, had been in correspondence with members of that party and had decided to meet them at their destined location. Accordingly he started from Indiana with an nx-team. Others started with him, but none excepting his family continued to the end of the journey. After an uneventful trip he arrived at Mapleton three weeks subsequent to the arrival of the Taylor party. Without any delay he bought a squatter's right to a quarter section on v/hich Old Mapleton was located. The remainder of his life was assiduously devoted to agricultural pursuits and he remained at the old homestead imtil his death, which occurred in August of 1894. For twenty-five years he had served as justice of the peace and during that time he had become known for the impartiality with which he administered justice, as well as for his knowledge of the law.

Five children had been born to the first marriage of James Cornell and four of these accompanied him in his removal from Indiana to Minnesota. He married Ann Augusta McCoy, a native of Ohio. Of that union four children were born, Judd being the second in order of birth. The eldest, Emil]-, married I. D. Annis, who is engaged in the hardware business at Westbrook, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. The third child, Fffie, is the wife of E. D. 'Healy, of Glenbum, North Dakota. The youngest, Charles, is engaged in farm pursuits at Old Mapleton. On the homestead in Mapleton township. Blue Earth county, Judd Cornell was born January 1, 1860, and here he gained his first ideas concerning agriculture, while the neighboring school gave him his education. No stirring inc' dents have characterized his life, which has been passed quietly and busily on the old homestead, and the passing years have brought him a gratifying degree of success, as well as a high standing among liis associates. He is recognized as a progressive agriculturist,- one thoroughly abreast with the times, and on his farm may be noted evidences of his thrift, energy and orderly spirit.

November 13, 1883, occurred the marriage of Judd Cornell and Alberta Phelps, daughter of G. H. H. Phelps a farmer of Sterling township. Blue Earth county. The eldest child of their union, Clair, was educated at Mapleton and k- now assistant cashier of the Mapleton State bank. Ralph is a graduate of the Mankato Business College and now is employed in the bank at Glenbum, North Dakota. Verne is a graduate of the Mapleton high school with the class of 1906 also of the Mankato Commercial college. Hazle, Lawrence and Merle are students in the Mapleton schools. For twenty years Mr. Cornell has served as a school director and meantime has accomplished much toward elevating the standard of education in the district.

The only fraternal organization to which he belongs is the Masonic order, in which he has been prominently associated with the blue lodge at Mapleton and has been a generous contributor to its charities.

COENISH EDWIN D. - Years of arduous application to the development of his farm lands brought to Mr. Cornish a fair degree of financial returns and also won for him, by his display of manly traits, the regard of neighbors and associates. Through his own efforts he had acquired an excellent education and his splendid library evinces that he has lost none of his fondness for good literature; yet he applied himself to the most wearing manual labor, and he and his wife, on coming to Blue Earth County one 3^ear after their marriage, took up housekeeping in a shanty wholly destitute of comforts. Through' their self-sacrificing efforts they have acquired a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in one body, situated in Vernon Center township and all under the plow excepting five acres of timber.

Born at North Bangor, Franklin County, New York, July 36, 1841, Edwin D. Cornish is a brother of W. E. Cornish, to whose sketch the reader is referred for the family history. He was educated principally at Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and for one year attended the Wisconsin State University at Madison, after which he taught school for four years. His marriage united him with Mary A. Pew, who like himself had engaged in teaching. Her father, Francis Pew, was horn in Ireland and after coming to America met and married Ann Hogerty, who was born at Green Bay, Wisconsin, her ancestors having been very early settlers of that region. He lived to be eighty-nine and is sur-

For years after coming to Blue Earth county Edwin D. Cornish was obliged to use the greatest economy, but in the end he attained a flattering degree of success and became a man of great influence in his township. Unfortunately he suffered severe injuries in a runaway a few years ago and since then has been an invalid, yet he still maintains a warm interest in the work of the farm and superintends the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Berkshire and Poland-China hogs. In his pleasant home, surrounded by every comfort, he finds compensation for his invalidism in the companionship of his wife and children, the reading of his books and the visits of his old friends and neighbors, to whom he remains devotedly attached. In politics he has voted independently. Before the advent of the rural free delivery he served as postmaster at Myrna twenty-three years. For several terms he was a member of the township board of trustees and served nearly always as its chairman. For thirteen years he was secretary and treasurer of the Shelby Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is not a member of any church.

Ten children comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Cornish. The eldest son, Francis V., now an attorney in San Francisco, is a graduate of the Wisconsin State University at Madison and the Minnesota' State University at Minneapolis, completing the literary course of the former and the law course of the latter institution, after which he spent two years in Europe. Yesta. M., a graduate of the Mankato IN'ormal school, and also of the State University. She also spent six months traveling in Europe with her brother, is now engaged in teaching in the High School at Healdsburg, California. Catherine M., a graduate of Mankato Normal, married H. C. Kraus, a buj^er and shipper of grain. Edwin Jr., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at La Moine, Shasta County, California, was graduated from Eush Medical College, Cliicago, and later spent some time in study at Heidelberg, Germany, and in medical institutions at other points in Europe. Bonnetta, a graduate of the High School and State University, taught three years in High School and then married 0. P. Mc- Elmeel, an attorney of Minneapolis. Josephine, a graduate of the High School, attended the Minnesota State University for two years and later completed her studies in the California State University at Berkeley, graduating in 1908, is now teaching in High School in Southern California. George graduated from the Minneapolis High School and has attended the Minnesota State University for two years. Samuel P., a High School graduate, was a student at the State University for two years and now is engaged in the real estate business in Berkeley, California and is also senior in the university. Mary E. and Euth, who are graduates of the Minneapolis High School, now are attending the State University. It is an interesting fact that all of the ten children excepting Edwin and Samuel have taught school, and all have received exceptionally fine educational advantages, their ambitions in this direction being fostered by their parents, who were both well educated and who have ever shown a strong desire to promote the intellectual advancement of their talented children.

COENISH, G. CLmTON. - The name of Cornish has been long and honorably associated with the agricultural development of Blue Earth County, where the three brothers. Wells E., Edwin D. and G. Clinton, have acquired valuable farm properties and have risen to positions of influence in the farming community. In a very early day their parents removed from the east to the then frontier regions of Wisconsin and afterward devoted their time to transforming a tract of raw prairie into a productive estate. The parental family comprised fifteen children and all of these lived to mature years, G. Clinton being the youngest of the family circle. He was born in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, August 22, 1858, and received a good education in the country schools near his childhood home. While he was yet a small lad the older members of the family had started out to make their own way in the world and some of them had discovered favorable opportunities in Blue Earth County, hence his attention was directed to Minnesota at

The marriage of G. Clinton Cornish took place in Wisconsin June 9, 1886, and united him with Emma E. Simm, daughter of James and Sarah (Vessey) Simm, natives of Liverpool, England. While living in England her father was employed as a bookkeeper, but after coming to the United States in 1853 he took up land in Wisconsin and devoted his attention to the improving of a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Cornish are the parents of two children. The daughter, Sarah E., was born September 14, 1887, and attended the Mankato State Normal, since which she has been a student of music, evincing fondness for that art as well as considerable talent. The son, Sanford J., was born March 20, 1890, and attended the Vernon Center High School.

Upon coming to his present farm in Vernon Center township in 1889, Mr. Cornish began to make improvements and to^ bring the land under a profitable state of cultivation. His place comprises one hundred and sixty acres, divided into fields of convenient size and affording facilities for grain and stock raising, of which he is making a specialty. As a general farmer and stockraiser he shows energ}^, keen sagacity and excellent discrimination, and well deserves a place among the progressive farmers of his township. A neat house affords a comfortable home for his family, while he has various buildings for the shelter of the stock and machinery and the storage of hay and grain. In addition to maintaining a close supervision of his farm he has participated in local affairs and has favored every movement for good roads, good schools and the other necessities of a progressive community. At this writing he acts as chairman of the board of trustees of Vernon Center township. Politically he has not bound himself to any party, but votes for the candidates he believes best qualified to represeht the people. He carries life insurance in a fraternal organization, while his stock and buildings are insured in the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is Vice President. Fraternally he holds membership in Vernon Center Lodge No. 238, A. F. and A. !\r., and has been Worshipful Master the past five years, and has always been a believer in the philanthropic principles for which Masonry stands.

CORNISH, WELLS E. - Upon his arrival in Blue Earth county as a pioneer of 1866, Mr. Cornish found little attempt had been made to develop the resources of this part of the great commonwealth of Minnesota. Settlers were few and towns scattered at remote distances upon the broad prairies. Selecting a tract of land for a homestead, he took up the difficult task of clearing and improving the property. The first house he occupied was? a small log cabin, but after one year he erected a frame house affording more conveniences for his family. The land was brought under the plow, the soil was thoroughly tilled, fences were built so as to divide the estate into fields of convenient size, and farm buildings were put up for the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. The estate now comprises two hundred and eighty acres and ranks among the finest farms of Vernon Center township.

Wells E. Cornish was born at North Bangor, Franklin county, New York, January 34, 1839, being a son of Sanford and Elizabeth (Eager) Cornish. His father was born at Eutland, Vermont, in 1801, and prior to the war of 1813 accompanied members of the family to New York etate settling upon a farm and in due time taking up agricultural pursuits for himself. After having remained in the same locality for many years, in 1854 he came to the west and settled in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, where he took up a farm claim and engaged in improving country property. There his death occurred in 1892. He had been twice married, his first wife being Mercy Boss and his second hearing the name of Elizabeth Eager. By the two marriages he had nineteen children, all but three of whom attained to maturity.

After having availed himself of such advantages as the common schools of his day and locality afforded, Wells E. Cornish began to work in the woods, but when only seventeen years of age he left home and took up the battle of life for himself. Kansas at that time was attractinsr considerable emigration and he proceeded to Lawrence, that state, where he had his share of exciting experiences during what was known as the "Jim Lane period." Soon he went to Missouri, where he secured employment in a sawmill. Three years later, in 1860, he went to

Nebraska City, Nebraska, and during that year was united in marriage with Miss Helen Pratt, born in Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of Marshall and Predericka (Thummel) Pratt, natives of Germany. Her parents settled in Illinois in an early day and her father assisted in laying out the village of Dixon, which since has grown into a city of importance. His last days were passed in Marshalltown, Iowa, where in 1897 his earth life came to an end.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cornish consisted of eight children. Nellie makes her home at Syracuse, Nebraska; Hattie is deceased; Ernestine is living at Montevideo, Chippewa county, Minnesota; Josephine is a resident of Blue Earth county; Isabelle makes her home at Camduff, Canada; Dr. Marshall S., resides at Alton, Iowa; Dwight and Francis remain with their parents in Vernon Center township. The home farm is kept under excellent cultivation anJ evinces the supervision of a thrifty farmer. Numerous trees have been planted by the owner, including a windbreak of evergreens, and he takes especial pride in his beautiful yard with its tastily arranged flower beds and ornamental trees. While maintaining a modern, up-to-date farm, he has found leisure for traveling and has spent eight seasons in California, besides visiting other parts of the country.

CEANE, DAVID E. - The Crane genealogical records show English origin, but for numerous generations the family has been identified with the agricultural development of the new world, the first of the name in this country having settled near the Atlantic coast. In 1829 Archibald A Crane was born in Tompkins county. New York, and there during early manhood he marrie(^ Miss Jane A. Haynes, who was born in 1835 in the same county, and also of English ancestry. Migrating to "Wisconsin during 1854, they began housekeeping in the midst of a frontier environment and took up the arduous task of hewing a homestead out of the wilderness. Both possessed the genuine pioneer spirit that braved the greatest dangers and endured the most exhausting labors without a murmur.

After having developed a farm in Wisconsin an opportunity came to dispose of the same. Accordingly the land was sold and removal was made to Minnesota, where during the first year the family were hospitably housed in the home of the honored pioneer, William Skinner. The next year land was pre-empted four miles east of Garden City, Blue Earth county, and forthwith the industrious farmer took up the task of transforming a tract of raw land into a productive farm. Years brought him increasing responsibilities, but also brought a fair share of success and gave him a place among the prosperous f.irmers of his county. Eventually in 1901 he and his wife relinquished active farm work and they now reside with their daughter, Mrs. L. D. Mills, near Garden City. Besides this daughter, Nettie, there were seven children in the family, namely: A. L., of Blue Earth county; Alice and Frances, deceased; David E., who was born in Adams county, Wisconsin, August 21, 1859; M. F. and Fred E., both living in Blue Earth county; and Ida, who died in infancy. During the Civil war the father was a brave soldier and served valiantly as a member of a valiant company of Wisconsin infantry, in whose battles he participated, remaining at the front until he received an honorable discharge at the expiration of his time of enlistment.

When the family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota in 1866 David E. Crane was abouf seven years of age. Primarily educated in country schools, later he was sent to the Mankato high school, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty-three years. Afterward he taught school for two years and then turned his attention to farming and stock dealing, in which he has since engaged. In Blue Earth county April 10, 1884, he married Miss Jennie Williams, who was born in South Bend township, this county, May 29, 1859, being a daughter of Hugh W. and Elizabeth (Herbert) Williams, natives of Wales, but in early life emigrants to the United States, the father coming in 1850 and the mother crossing the ocean the following year. They were married in Eacine, Wisconsin, and from there in 1856 removed to Minnesota, settling in South Bend township. Blue Earth county. The father here engaged in agricultural pursuits uniJiUUiiivrrLiu^u xiioiw-tvj-.

til his death, which occurred September 10, 1890. The mother suryives and is still living at the old homestead. Their family consisted of five children, namely : William H., who is an attorney in St. Paul; Jennie, Mrs. Crane; Jolm W., who resides in Blue Earth county; Daniel, who remains on the old homestead; and Mary E., deceased.

Removing to his present farm in 1883, Mr. Crane is now the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of well-improved land and Has built up a valuable estate, equipped with the necessary adjuncts of modem agriculture. Thirteen children were born of his marriage. Two of these died unnamed in infancy. Hugh W., who was born February 5, 1885, is now a telegraph operator at South Omaha, Nebraska; April 7, 1905, he enlisted in Company E, Minnesota Signal Corps, and served until April 28, 1906. Frances J. was born August 23, 1887, and died August 27, 1898. The remaining children, with dates of birth, are as follows: Agnes E., April 18, 1889; Archibald D., June 10, 1891; Herbert E., April 17, 1893; Ruth, March 18, 1894; William E., November 5, 1895; Mary E., February 32, 1898; Naomi, September 20, 1899; David E., May 13, 1901; and Lorin, April 19, 1904.

Stanch in his allegiance to the Eepublican ,)arty. Mr. Crane has been an active local worker in that organization, and has filled all of the township ofiicee. At present he represents South Bend township upon the county board of supervisers and has been honored with the chairmanship of that body. For five years he acted as manager of the Judson creamery. Upon the organization of the Blue Earth County Telephone Company he aided in securing its incorporation and at this writing holds office as its treasurer. Other local enterprises have had the benefit of his energetic co-operation. In fraternal relations he is a Mason, belonging to Mankato Lodge No. 12, in the work of which he has been warmly interested, as in all the philanthropic activities of the order. With his family he enjoys the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances and numbers hosts of friends in the township where the greater portion of his life has been passed.

CUMMING, WILLIAM. - Picturesquely situated in the midst of the lakes that form a striking addition to the scenic beauty of Blue Earth county, stands the home of Mr. Cumming, recognized as one of the most attractive places in Middleton township. The residence is a substantial brick structure partially surrounded by lakes and by a beautiful grove of trees planted many years ago by the present owner. Various buildings erected for the storage of the crops or the care of the stock add to the value of the estate. The entire appearance of the farm indicates that the owner is a man of thrift, energy and progressive spirit. As indicative of his far-seeing judgment, it may be stated that he uses woven wire fencing instead of barb wire, having dispensed with the latter on account of its liability to injure the stock. Two wells on the farm bring water of iJie finest quality from a depth of one hundred feet or more. While the farm is comparatively small, comprising one hundred and twenty acres, the intensive method of agriculture followed by the owner brings in gratifying returns, and cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are profitably raised on the land.

In the county of Halton, on the shores of lake Ontario, in the dominion of Canada, William Cumming was born March 2, 1837, a son of I'rancis and Catherine (McDougald), Cumming, natives respectively of the shires of Aberdeen and Bute, Scotland. The grandfather, William Cumming, was a gunsmith of Aberdeenshire, but emigrated from there and settled in America prior to 1820. Previous to that Francis had taken part in the battle of Waterloo when a lad of fifteen years. During the early part of the battle he was shot through the ankle and from that time until his death he was lame. His recollections of the memorable struggle were vivid notwithstanding the injury which he received, and often in later years he was accustomed to recount to his children tales of the bloody encounter that wrested from Napoleon the empire of the old world. About the time of his service a brother, James, had served on an armed merchantman in the British navy, but received an honorable ffiscTiarge and preceded the other members of the family to Canada.

The second in a family af six children, William Gumming passed his school days in Halton county and afterward took up farm pursuits near the old home. About 1867 he removed to Wisconsin and three years later came to Minnesota, he bought the George A. Taylor property on section twenty-five, Mapleton township, Blue Earth county. On this place he has since made his home, busying himself with the cultivation of the land, the erection of needed farm buildings and the other improvement of the property, which as previously stated forms one of the most desirable tracts in the township. Movements for the benefit of the township receive his co-operation. Especially has he been interested in educational work and his services as a member of the school board were productive of valuable results to the local school. While living in Canada he formed the acquaintance of Isabel Ann Trainor, who was born in Peel county adjacent to the coun.ty of Halton, her father, Richard Trainor, having been an early settler in that region. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cumming comprises the following named children: Minerva, who married H. H. Gilbert and lives in South Dakota; Grant, who erected the first building in the village of Wilmont, Nobles county, Minnesota, and now carries on a hardware business in that town; Maria B., who married George Jones and resides in Paribault county; Bruce A., who was educated in the college in Dixon, Illinois, and now is engaged in the banliing business at Hope, North Dakota; Amanda, Mrs. Byron McGregor, of Mapleton, Minnesota; and William Burchard, who remains with his parents on the old homestead.

CUMMINS, HORACE. - The records of the Cummins family show that they became established in New England long, before the period of the Revolutionary war. John and Louisa (Brooks) Cummins, who were married in 1837 at Medina, Ohio,, and who became pioneers of Minnesota in 1857, were proud of their patriotic lineage, and their son, Horace, also points with pride to the loyal spirit of his ancestry, having had many gr&t-uncles as well as his four greatgrandfathers in the Revolutionary conflict, and several representatives of the name in the war of 1812. His maternal great-grandfaihers were taken prisoners by the British and confined in a pen in New York, where they died in terrible agony from the effects of poisoning by the enemy. The Cummins family are noted for longevity, some of the name having attained the age of one hundred years. The maternal ancestors were less rugged and few of them lived to be seventy.

John Cummins, who was born June 32, 1814, and died in October of 1900, led an eventful life. Lured by the hope of discovering gold, he went to California in 1850 via the overland route and remained for nineteen months, meanwhile meeting with some luck in the mines. During 1853 he heard of the discovery of gold in Australia and set sail for that far-off continent. However, on his arrival he learned that reports concerning gold had been exaggerated and that prospectors were abandoning their claims. Thereupon he took a ship for Van Dieman's Land, where he helped to build a large sawmill. Returning in 1855 to his home in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, he soon heard of the opportunities offered by Minnesota to land-seekers, and in 1856 he started for the new country, intending to locate at St. Peter, but landing instead at Tivoli. Finding the country to be as represented he determined' to locate here. Accordingly the family made preparations to leave the old home and the children bade a sad farewell to the scenes familiar to their early days.

On the 9th of June, 1857, a start was made from the home in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, to the expected home in Minnesota. On the 18th of July they arrived at what is now section twenty-seven township of LeRay, Blue Earth county, and settled in what was known as the big woods, where the pests of mosquitoes proved an untold annoyance and source of suffering. The nearest neighbor was four miles distant and Janes ville was five miles away, while three miles from the farm was the Winnebago agency (now St. Clair) containing nineteen hundred Indians. While the Indians of that agency made little attempt to molest white settlers, they were fond of stealing cattle. One Sunday evening Horace Cummins was sent for the cows, which were a mile away in the woods. On driving them to the sheds, it was discovered that a fine four-year-old heifer was missing. The father at once took the boy's trail and then going eighty rods away over the hill he found two ponies tied, while near by smoke was coming out of the brush. Meanwhile his dog had bounded into the camp and four Indians had hastily seized their guns. The father returned home and at ten o'clock that night eight men and boys armed with four guns started for the woods. They found the camp had been moved some forty rods, but the Indians discovered their approach and nothing could be done. The following morning the father and two other men followed the trail to the agency, reported the theft to General Fletcher, the Indian agent, and received payment out of the annuities of the Indians. More than once cattle were taken in a similar manner, but each time payment was made by the government.

Meantime the father and sons were engaged in clearing their land which was densely covered with native forest, and they succeeded in clearing about forty acres, which they ploughed between stumps. The task was difficult and at times discouraging, but the sons were young and active and they continued energetically at the work until they responded to the call of the Union for volunteers. The family consisted of the following named sons and daughters : Adaline B., who was born in 1839, in Medina county, Ohio, and is now married and living at Janesville, Minnesota; James; Hiram, deceased, who was a volunteer in --Company E, Ninth Minnesota Infantry; Alonzo, of Eagle Lake, who served in Company E, Second Minnesota Cavalry; H. M., now Mrs. Davis, of Janesville; Lydia, Mrs. Alexander Watkins, deceased; Calista and Sarah, who are married respectively to Henry and George Allyns, of Madison Lake, Minnesota; and Horace, who was born August 35, 1843. All of the children but the first-born are natives of Kenosha county, Wisconsin.

At the outbreak of the Civil war Horace Cummins offered his services to the Union. Had the connections hetween Mankato and St. Paul been like those of the present day, he would have heen accepted in the First Minnesota Infantry. As it was, he left Mankato on the 4th of July and was sworn into service at Fort Snelling July 15th, as a member of Company H, Second Eegiment. At the outset he had the misfortune ti. contract typhoid fever and several weeks passed before he could join his regiment, which he accompanied to Lebanon, Kentucky. \\'hile on a march through the interior of the state he contracted the black measles and for a time was dangerously ill. On recovering sufficiently to travel to his home he was discharged on the ground of disability. It was some years before he regained his health, although he was soon able to resume work.

During the fall of 1864 Horace Cummins and Lewis Bennett- purchased a threshing machine, but sold the same at the close of the first season. For a year he then had an interest in a sawmill at Janesville. Going north in 18T0, he purchased pine lumber for a raft, floated it down the Ottertail river into the Eed Eiver of the JSTorth, and landed at Winnipeg August 8th, after a voyage of one hundred and eighteen days. This was the first raft ever floated down that river to Winnipeg, which then contained six hundred people, but now has a population of forty-five thousand. In 1874 he settled at Eagle Ijake, where he now makes his home. The first elevator in the village was erected under his supervision. In 1877 and again in 1879 he was elected to represent this district in the state legislature, where he gave bis most faithful and intelligent services in behalf of his constituents. (Jn retiring from public life in 1881 he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he has been associated at different times with some splendid men, such as P. H. Kelly, J. J. Haggard and Charles Howard, also a sou, John L. Cummins, who has been general manager for eighteen years. In 1895 he was induced to join a merchant in JMankato who was a man of political and religious prominence, being chairman of the county Ifepublican central coinmittee, postmaster of Mankato, Sunday-school .superintendent at ilankato, president of the Sunday-school Association of Blue Earth county, and vice-president of the State Srmday-school Association. 'The importance of this man's ofl^icial positions convinced Mr. Cummins tliat lie was indeed fortunate to have as a partner one so consecrated and so talented, thus he fell an easy victim to his wiles, which cost him at the least $20,000, besides years of great anxiety to save his home firm from banliruptcy. During 1903-05. he was in South Alaska as general superintendent and trustee for the Alaska Fish and Lumber Company, which by the aid of L. P. Hunt and others he saved from being wholly wrecked. Since then he has been in Eagle Lake, to some extent assisting his son in business, but partly retired from commercial cares. During 1890 with a partner ho moved the old water mill from Madison Lake to Eagle Lake. But little of the old mill was left when they had the new plant in operation, and the expense was several thousand dollars greater than the projectors anticipated. However, the work was not in vain, for the plant has proved to be of the utmost assistance to the town, and recently was enlarged by the present owners to a capacity of two hundred and fifty barrels.

The marriage of Mr. Cummins was solemnized June 14, 1865, and united him with Miss Mary Jenkins, of Wilton, Minnesota. Three daughters and two sons came to bless their union. The eldest, Mrs. J. S. Stevens, of Rush City, Minnesota, resides on a large fann and is extensively engaged in the poultry business, having this season (1907) about one hundred and forty young turkeys. The second daughter. Birdie, was drowned at the age of three years and her tragic death is still keenly mourned by the family. John L., who is married, has charge of the general mercantile business at Eagle Lake. Daisy D., is the wife of Prank Hilton, proprietor of a store at Radium, Minnesota. The youngest member of the family circle, D. D. Cummins, was an editor at the age of sixteen years and at that time was said to be the youngest editor in the entire state. Since then he has enlarged his plant by the purchase of a cylinder press and other useful appurtenances of a printing office and has established a paper.