Blue Earth County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1901 (part 9 of 15)

McCLEAEY, HON. JAMES THOMPSON. - Distinguished in the annals of Minnesota is the name of Congressman McCleary, whose talents have won recognition in the fields of educational progress, civic advancement and economic welfare. It has . been stated with emphatic conviction by men competent to judge that few citizens of the northwest have wielded a larger influence throughout the United States than he; few have been more intimately conversant with problems affecting the national welfare and few have given their talents more unreservedly than he to the promotion of progressive measures. Any history of the state must necessarily give prominence to the name of a statesman whose labors have been so effective in the upbuilding of a commonwealth along the lines of permanent educational, moral and economic growth. Nor is the value of his statesmanship lessened (but, on the contrary, materially heightened) when it is learned that he IS not a native-born son of the country with whose national problems he has become extraordinarily familiar and whose important issues have been thoroughly grasped by his forceful mind. By birth and parentage he is of Canadian stock and his education was obtained in one of the foremost institutions of that country. But ever since attaining his majority he has been a resident of the states, and his adoption of citizenship has been contributory to the highest welfare of the country.

The life which this narrative sketches, began in IngersoU, Ontario, February 5, 1853, in the home of Thompson and Sarah (McCutcheon) Mc- Cleary, the former of whom was an architect and builder of considerable local prominence, and sufficiently prosperous to give to his son the best educational advantages which the province afforded. The latter, upon leaving McGill University in Montreal, sought the opportunities offered by the United States, whither he came at the age of twenty years. His tastes and education qualified him for educational work and we find him successfully following that occupation in country and village schools in Wisconsin. Soon his talents commanded a wider scope of usefulness, and he was made superintendent of the schools of Pierce county. It was only a short time until his championship of modern methods of pedagogy attracted the attention of prominent educators, who enlisted his services in teachers' institute work. In the year 1881 he came to Mankato as professor of history and civics in the State Normal School and ever since then he has been an influential citizen of Mankato, whose residents maintain a feeling of pride in the prestige which his successful career has given to the city.

While engaged in teaching in the Normal School during the winter months it was the custom of Mr. JlcCleary to devote the rest of the year to institute work, and as an instructor in these gatherings he became prominent not only in Jlinnesota and Wisconsin, but as far away from home as Virginia, Tennessee and Colorado. In 1888 he published a work entitled "Studies in Civics," which was followed six years later by a "Manual of Civics," and both of these have since come into general use as text-books in the best schools of the country. In 1883 he served as secretary of the Minnesota Educational Association and in 1891 he was honored with election as its president. While the duties inci- dent to his work called him to various parts of the country, he nevertheless was able to spend a considerable portion of each year in his Mankato home, with his wife, who was Mary Edith Taylor, and their son, Leslie T.

In 1892 Mr. McCleary was elected to congress by the Eepublicans of the Second Congressional District, to which oilice he has been returned for seven successive terms. Through his speeches in the House, on matters of vital importance he has become well known all over the country. Defeated for re-election to congress in 1906, he was immediately on the expiration of his term as congressman, appointed by President Roosevelt as Second Assistant Postmaster General, in charge of the transportation of the mails.

Whatever of growth our nation may boast in the future, whatever of permanent stability may come to her industries, whatever of progress may be enjoyed by her commerce at home and abroad, and whatever of prosperity may bless the homes of her thronging multitudes, the credit for such achievements belongs to the group of patriotic, far-seeing anl talented statesmen, of whom Mr. McCleary is numbered among the most eminent.

McGregor, BYROIvT. - in studying the biographical history of Blue Earth county, it is interesting to note the fact that the work so nobly begun by the pioneers of earlier days is now carried forward with increasing success under the management of their descendants. The sons and daughters of the pioneers are the noblest heritage they have bestowed upon the world, and those who xemain in the county to carry to completion the tasks commenced by their fathers are bringing to their family names additional honor and prestige. Such is true of the McGregor family, influential in the agricultural development of Mapleton township and ever prominent in circles to which worth of character is the open sesame. Elsewhere in this volume mention is made of Eraser and Lucy (Latourell) Mc- Gregor, natives respectively of Scotland and Canada, and early settlers of Blue Earth county. It is therefore unnecessary to the purport of this sketch to reproduce the events of their lives; suffice it to say that tlieir names are honored i local annals and in the memory of their posterit

Among the four cliildren of Eraser McGreg( the next to the youngc st was Byron, whose birl occurred in Mapleton township December 3i 1873, and whose early education was secured i the district, school near the old homestead. Sine leaving school he has been a reader of currei periodicals as well as magazines pertaining to th occupation of agriculture, and by extensive reac ing and close observation he has gained a larg fund of valuable information. Regarding agr: cultural affairs he is particularly well informec The treatment of the soil, the cultivation of th crops, the harvesting of the grain, the raising o stock, with these and kindred subjects he is thoi oughly familiar from an experience dating bac to boyhood years. It is his ambition to be successful agriculturist, and nothing less thaj the best is satisfactory to him.

The marriage of Mr. McGregor took place ij February of 1900 and united him with Amandi Cummings, daughter of William Cunimings, con cerning whom mention is made elsewhere in thi volume. Mrs. McGregor was born in Mapletoi township, received her education in the townshi] schools and has always made her home withi] the environment familiar to her earliest years The three children of their marriage are Laverne Archibald and Grace. Since the death of Erase: McGregor the son, Byron, has been in charge o: the old homestead, which is said to be one of th( very finest farms in the entire county. An abundance of water is furnished by flowing wells oi the property, also by the big slough and anothei creek that pass through the farm. The place ii large, aggregating five hundred and sixty acres practically all under cultivation. Adequate build ings have been erected for the care of the ma^ chinery, the shelter of stock and the storage o: grain. Like many other progressive farmers o: the county, Mr. McGregor realizes the importanci of securing the best breeds of stock and he hai made a specialty of thoroughbred. Shorthorn cat tie and Percheron horses. Among the people o the township he is respected for the sterlinj traits and energetic temperament that are bring ing him success.

McGEEGOE, B. F. - The cashier of the Maplcton State Bank is eminently fitted for his important responsibility by years of experience as a legal practitioner, and by a natural aptitude for precision, painstaking and mathematics. His development from youth to manhood in the environment in whicli he now lives has been a logical one, in strict accord with his practical home training, and his inheritance of paternal Scotch and maternal French characteristics. No more typical Scotsman ever invaded the land of perfect freedom than Praser ilcGregor, father of B. F. McGregor, the banker of Mapleton. Born in Cromarty county, sixteen miles from the town of Inverness, Scotland, the elder JMcGregor came to Canada with his father, G. F. John Mc- Gregor, in 1846, settling in Kippen, Ontario. Here father and son engaged in farming, and Eraser married Lucy Latourell, of Montreal, and with whom he came to Mapleton, Blue Earth coimty, Minnesota, in 1858. He was one of the pioneers of the neighborhood in which he engaged in farming, and he eventually settled in ilapleton, where B. F., the oldest of his four children, was born May 9, 1869. Mr. McGregor possessed those traits which have made the Scotchman a distinctive and substantial factor of every community in which he elects to reside, and up to the time of his death, in 1903, at the age of sixty-three years, was held in highest esteem by all who had come in contact with his forceful, conservative and honest personality.

After a course in the public schools of Mapleton, B. F. McGregor entered the Llinnesota State Normal, from which he was duly graduated in the class of 1889. He then taught school for a couple of years, after which he began the study of law, and in 1895 graduated from the law department of the University of 'SUnnesota. Locating in New Eichland, Waseca county, this state, he engaged in a general practice of law, relinquishing the same in 1903 to assume his present position as cashier of the Mapleton State Bank. This bank was organized in 1896, and has an excellent rating among the strong monetary enterprises of Blue Earth county.

of Alexander Brisbane, a native of New York state, and pioneer of Minnesota. Jlr. and Mrs. ilcGregor are the parents of two children: Fraser and Janet. Mr. McGregor is a man of broad general information, and pronounced views upon the questions which engage the public attention. He is esteemed for his sterling integrity, his kindly manner, and the well directed industrv and usefulness of his life.

McKlBBEN, JOHN L. - One of the pleasantly-situated farms of Blue Earth county lies in Pleasant Mound township and comprises two hundred and twenty acres, the estate being the property of John L. Mclvibben. Under his energetic and judicious supervision the land has been placed in a fine state of cultivation, a neat set of buildings has been erected, fences have been built to divide the land into fields of convenient size, and the \arious improvements have been made that mark a place as bearing twentieth-century equipment. Twenty acres of the farm is in native timber and furnishes a grove for the stock as well as fuel for the family. On the farm may be seen good breeds of stock, including a number of fine horses, and a considerable lierd of cattle as well as a large drove of hogs, and the owner has found stock-raising to be a valuable adjunct of general farming.

The family was established in the United States by Joseph iMcKJibben, a native of Scotland, who crossed the ocean in early manhood and engaged in farm pursuits in the new world. His son, Lemen Fonts, was born near ilarietta, Ohio, and married Jlary Theresa West, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth West. She was born at Schenectady, New York, August 11, 1833, and died in June of 1893. Grandfather ilcKibben removed to Illinois in an early day, but after a few years there in 1858 he came to Minnesota and established himself among the pioneers of Shelby township, Blue Earth county, where he remained during the balance of his life. Upon taking up farm pursuits for himself Leman F. ilcKibben settled in Pleasant Mound township, where he developed a fine farm and became known as a successful agriculturist. There his death occurred in November of 1904. Through all Ms life he maintained a warm interest in public affairs and was especially devoted to the temperance cause. At the opening of the Civil war he determined to enlist in the service of the (Jnion. October 1, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Third Kansas Battery under Captain John F. Aduddell. On several occasions he was sent out in command of foraging and reconnoitering expeditions. In recognition of patriotic services he was promoted to be a corporal, and such he was honorably discharged at Leavenworth, Kansas, January 19, 1865, after an active service of considerably more than three years.

In a family of five children (all but two of whom are living) John L. McKibben was the next to the youngest, and he was born at Edwards, Peoria county, Illinois, January 7, 1867. During boyhood days he became familiar with the northwest and has in maturer manhood felt no desire to remove to other sections of the country, preferring to lead a quiet and contented existence on his well-kept farm. 'In the community he is universally honored and bears a reputation as a citizen worthy of all confidence. Both he and his wife are active workers' in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is officially connected with the congregation in the capacities of trustee and steward. For seven years he has been a member of the school board of his district and meanwhile has accomplished much for the upbuilding of the district school and the extension of its usefulness. December 4, 1890, he was united in marriage with Lauretta B. Salisbury, of Garden City, daughter of H. E. Salisbury, whose sketch is presented upon another page of this volume. They are the parents of the following-named children : Elsa, Pearl, Ralph Edward, Esther L., Irma L., Ruth I. and Walter E. It is their ambition to give their boys and girls the training and education which will qualify them for positions of honor and usefulness in the world.

Mclaughlin", JAMES. - in James Mc- Laughlin is found a representative of the happy, resourceful and intelligent transplanted Irishman whose very persistency and tirelessness brings his way the good things of life, and who is so wide awake and many sided that he touches at many points, and with telling effect, the interests which go to make up his prosperous adopted community of Mapleton. Of his early home among the hills of- County Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland, where he was born in 18-12, Mr. Mc- Laughlin recalls practically nothing, for he was but seven years old when brought to this country in a sailing vessel in 1849, settling first in Ohio, and in 1855 moving north to St. Paul, Minnesota. Here a crushing grief awaited the liitle family in the death of the father three days after the arrival in St. Paul, and subsequently the mother took her children to Scott county, the same state, where they lived on a farm for thirteen years. In 1868 removal was made to a farm south of where the town of Mapleton now is situated, and here fair financial returns rewarded the labor and hopes of a family which suffered many hardships and discouragements ere a secure footing was made in the protecting land of the stars and stripes.

James McLaughlin's youth went hand in hand with hard physical exertion and grave mental responsibility. A cessation of work in the winter time enabled him to attend the district school, but for the great part his education has been acquired outside the school room, and when the toil of day was ended. October 16, 1870, he was united in marriage to Margaret O'Brien, daughter of John O'Brien, an early settler of Hartford, Wisconsin, in which he located in the beginning of the '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Mc Laughlin have been born five children: Mary, deceased; Elizabeth, an educator at St. Cloud, Minnesota; John, George and Mark, all graduates of the University of Minnesota, and the last two members of the law firm of Morris & Company, of Minneapolis. John, the oldest son, at "the age of seventeen years, spent the summer of 1893 visiting the World's Pair, at Chicago, and while there received an appointment as ' inspector, in which capacity he since has visited many parts of the world, including the greater part of the four continents and the larger islands of the sea, Greenland and the two poles being about the only places of importance at which he has not reported.

In 1873 Mr. McLaughlin left the farm and moved to the village of Mapleton, the following year establishing the furniture business with which his name ever since has been connected. From small beginnings and in a store sixteen by twenty-four feet, he has worked up a large and profitable trade, in time moving into a store twenty by forty feet, and eventually into the brick structure which he erected in 1896. The store is a prepossessing building with stone facings and having two stories and a basement, all of which is utilized by the owner in his business. Xot only has he added continually to his stock of furniture, but carries a large line of carpets, rugs, curtains and bedding, and conducts an up-to-date undertaking department. For the last named he is well equipped with all that tends to dignify and ameliorate a necessary duty in the passage from earth to paradise. In the conduct of his large business Mr. McLaughlin observes the most modern of method and ethics, is invariably courteous and kindly disposed, and maintains his standing as much by his pleasing personality and willingness to oblige, as by his progressiveness and fair dealing.

Independent in local politics, Mr. McLaughlin has filled several important offices, including tliat of postmaster under the Cleveland administration, member of the town council and school commissioner. In the cause of religion he is as active as in business, and lie was largely instrumental in securing the construction of the present Catholic church of J\[apleton. All of tht members of the community think well of the prosperous furniture merchant and his interesting family and wide spread appreciation is felt of his many strong and sterling qualities.

A desire for travel and its many advantages has been increasingly manifest in James Mc- Laughlin, .and as he himself says he wants to see as much of this beautiful world as possible before leaving it. Expecting to meet many interesting personalities from all parts of the world in the mansions above, and wishing to exchange experiences with them, lie has visited nearly every i^late in the union, also jMexieo and Canada. Accompanied by his wife, in the summer of 1907, he accomplished an extended tour of Europe, sailing from Boston to Naples, spending a day in the resurrected city of Pompeii, and later visiting other parts of Italy, also Switzerland, Germanj', France and the British Isles. He now is in excellent health and spirits, and has many_ pleasing memories to brighten his remaining days.

MeQHEBN, WILLIAM L. - Both through his successful work as an agriculturist and tlirough his able service as a member of the state legislature Mr. McQueen has won the confidence of associates and the esteem of acquaintances. Since 1896, when he removed from his farm in Sterling township, he has owned and occupied a comfortable home in Mapleton, surrounded by six acres of attractive grounds, within the town limits. Though somewhat retired from arduous cares, he still finds his time full}' occupied in the management of his landed interests and the discharge of the duties falling upon him as a progressive citizen and public-spirited man, solicitous to promote the welfare of Blue Earth county. For a number of years he has been quite active in local politics. A number of township offices were filled with such intelligence and energy as to suggest adaptability for higher trusts, accordingly in 1906 he was elected to represent this district in tlie state legislature. The record which he left as a legislator refiects credit upon his ability and wise discernment. Never allowing his judgment to be biased by undue influence, he quietly solved the problems for himself and studied each bill brought before the assembly with a view to ascertaining its exact purpose and end. His support of the bill providing an appropriation for the Xormal school vras particularly appreciated by his constituents, ov/ing to the fact that the Normal school is located at Mankato. Another bill which he assifted in passing provided a large appropriation for the Minneopa Falls state park at South Bend, three miles south of Mankato, a picturesque resort that enjoys a growing popularity.

The McQueen family traces its lineage to Scotland, where James McQueen was an extensive farmer and leased large tracts of land. Among his children was William, a native of the shire of Stirling, and married to Margaret

Biogbaphical Histoey

Keir, of the same shire. In 1850 after his marriage lie brought liis wife to the United States and settled in Wisconsin, where hti took up a claim in the midst of a frontier environment. Aften ton years of pioneer existence in Wisconsin, he removed to Minnesota in 1860 and settled in Shelbyvillc in the south^^-estern corner of Blue Earth county, where he took up general farm pursuits, March 12, 1865, he enlisted in Company G, First Minnesota Infantry, under Colonel j\Iark W^ Dowie, and was sent to the front with the regiment, being assigned to duty near the point where Lee surrendered. However, the war was near its end and he saw little active service, being honorably discharged July 14, 1865, and returning to his Minnesota home, lu the spring of 1866 he moved from Shelbyville to ilankato and became interested in the manufacture of brick. After two years he bought and removed to a farm in Lyra township, and there he engaged actively in agTicultural work until the fall of 1886, when he retired, removed to Mapleton, and there spent the balance of his life. Through all the years of his residence in Blue Earth county he was warmly interested in measures for the benefit of the county and the development of its material resources. Eor some time he served as county commissioner and he also filled other township ofEices.

The only survivor of the four children of William McQueen is a son named in his father's honor and born in Vernon county, Wisconsin, August 25, 1852. When the family removed to Minnesota he remained with an uncle in Wisconsin and attended district schools, receiving a fair education. In 1862 he joined his parents in Blue Earth county, where since he has beeii an enterprising farmer and popular citizen. In 1881 he bought land in Sterling township and remained until 1896 on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he owned up to 1900. The land is well adapted to general farming ah well as the stock business and bears a reputation as one of the most fertile tracts in the locality. He now owns the old McQueen homesi cad of three hundred twenty acres in the township of Lyra. About the time of buying his Sterling farm Mr. McQueen married and when he settled on the new place he brought his bride here, so that they began housekeeping on theii own homestead. January 3, 1883, he marriec Catherine E. Howieson, a native of Wisconsir and a member of a pioneer family of Sterling tc«uship, represented elsewhere in this volume, j\lr. and Mrs. McQueen have two daughters, Jenliie E. and Jessie Margaret, of whom the eldei is ]iow engaged in the millinery business in Mapleton. The family are prominent in social affairs of the village and number their friends among the most cultured people of the community. In fraternal relations Mr. McQueen became affiliated with the Masons many years ago and still retains a warm interest in the blue lodge to which he belongs, contributing with accustomed generosity to its charities, as to other movements for the individual or common welfare.

3IACBETH, CHAELES J. - The firm of Macbeth & Gardner control one of the largest packing establishments in -the state of Minnesota, and one which, as an adjunct of the commercial life of Mankato, is important as a large employer of labor, and an extensive distributor of poultry and other perishable products. The plant of the company covers half a block, and in perfection of equipment is not excelled by any other concern in the country. At its head are men who are so thoroughly conversant with their business, and possess such marked good judgment and far sightedness, that they have been able to weather not only general financial depression, but the enormous loss inseparable from certain conditions governing this always hazardous department of human supply. As indicating the capacity and demand for the products of the plant it is only necessary to state that it is not unusual to dispose of twenty thousand ducks in a single season. The company disburse through several retail markets, and also conduct a large wholesale trade throughout the state. They have a strong commercial reputatioD, and are quoted as among the most reliable merchants in the central northwest.

Charles J. Macbeth, senior member of the firm of Macbeth & Gardner, is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and was born December 38, 1862. He is a son of Calvin and Ellen (Downing)

Macbeth, the former of whom was born in Scotland, and the latter in Ireland, and both of whom had the sterling characteristic traits of their respective fatherland. The elder ilacbeth was an early settler of St. Paul, where he first engaged in the meat business, and later was identified with the freighting business of Culver & Farrington. He brought his family to Mankato in 1866, and with George Peter Hoerr conducted a stock enterprise until his death, October 16, 188.J. He Avas survived by his wife, whose death occurred in 1905, and by his six children, the oldest of whom is Charles J.

A waiting incentive to learn the stock business was furnished by the activity and success of Calvin Macbeth, and his son found his early ambitions revolving around this ever fascinating and opportunity laden occupation. Eventually he was taken into the firm, and continued with his father's partner until the death of the latter in 1898. Thereafter he continued alone with increasing success until disposing of his stock in 1901, and in March, the same year, formed his present partnership with Thomas J. Gardner. Xor do these undertakings represent the extent of ilr. Macbeth's business enterprise. He is a director in the Standard Brewing Company, and for the past ten years has been president of the Young Men's Investment Company. He is socially prominent and popular, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and several other fraternal and social organizations. In 188G he was united in marriage to Alice A. Monfore, of Springfield, South Dakota, and of the union there is a daughter, Florence M. Mr. .Macbeth is one of the live-wide-awake and enterprising men of the town, having ambition and the ability and initiative to carry it to realization, and possessed of a wealth of that good nature and hopefulness which makes smooth the rough places of life, and dra^vs one within the charmed circle of success, good will and unceasing encouragement.

those of long-established American forefathers, for a son to have so great a respect for his father's trade that he makes it a life-long pursuit, striving only after greater excellence with the progress of the times, or -with the advantages of better conditions and more favorable surroundings. These generalities are deduced from a consideration of such families as the Jladsons, whose father, sons and daughters, have been identified with ilankato for nearly forty years. The father has been a lifelong tailor, and, with two of his sons, is still following that vocation in California, while Henry iladson, the eldest of the family, has also walked in the paternal footsteps and is now the well knowm proprietor of the Northwestern Steam Dye Works and Pantorium.

Mr. Madson is a native of Mankato, born December 27, 1880, and a son of Andrew and Carrie (Alfden) Madson, natives respectively of Denmark and Xorway. The father came to America in 1870, first working on a farm in Butternut Valley township. Blue Earth county, where he remained for five years before locating ii ilankato. He there learned the tailors trade, and industriously and successfully folio -wed it for thirty years, being for some time in partnership with Hans Jorgensen. In 1880 he married Carrie Alfden, by whom he has had ten children. In 1905 the parents, with most of the family, removed to California. The living children born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Madson are as follows : Henry, the oldest ; Albert and James, who are in business with their father; Minnie and Marian; Julia, now the wife of H. Hansen, also living in California; and Clara.

Henry Madson was educated in the public schools of IMankato and learned his father's trade early in life, having followed it continuously in that city, with the exception of the period spent as a soldier in Spanish-American war. He enlisted in the Fourteenth ilinnesota Volunteer Infantry, and later, for five years, was Lieutenant of Company H, Second ^Minnesota National Guard, but resigned tlie latter position in 1905. For the past seven years he has conducted the tailoring and steam dye works, at Xo. 120 East Jackson street, known as above, and has built up a trade of goodly proportions and profitable condition.

Mr. Madson's wife, whom he married April 23, 1903, was formerly Miss Clara Gulp, daughter of C. \V. Gulp, of Mankato. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Eoyal Arcanum, and a popular, industrious and useful citizen.

MAH0:NEY, JAMES P. - During his many years of residence in Blue Earth county James F. Mahoney has demonstrated the possession of practical capabilities as a farmer and many sided worth as a business man and office holder. His present position in the community is indicated by a well tilled farming property, and as secretary of the St. Clair Creamery, a stockholder and director in the St. Clair Bank, clerk of the school board, justice of the peace and treasurer of the Catholic church.

As his name indicates, Mr. Mahoney is of Irish family, and he was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in October, 1863. His father, John Mahoney, who died in McPherson, this state, in 1896, was born in Cork, Ireland, as was also his wife, in girlhood, Johanna Sullivan, who survived him until 1897, and who also is buried in the cemetery at McPherson. Mr. Mahoney preceded his prospective bride to America by a few months, and they subsequently were married in Massachusetts in 1841, the following year coming west to Wisconsin, where they lived cii a farm for twenty-eight years. They then moved to Blue Earth county where Mr. Mahoney took up a farm, the patent to which was signed by Andrew Johnson,_ and as success came his way he reaped a comfortable income from his three eighty acre tracts. He was an industrious and frugal man, ever ready for a Joke or good story, and maintaining to the last the good nature for which his countrymen are famous. A large family profited by his patrimony, seven sons and seven daughters, nine of whom still are living. In political preference he was a Republican, and religiously a Roman Catholic.

James P. Mahoney was educated in the common schools of Minnesota, and in youth helped to till the acres of his father's farm. His many excellent qualities of heart and mind not only have brought him into intimate touch with the practical needs of the community, but through

MALONEY, JAMES. - The turning point in the life and fortunes of James Maloney came when he decided to leave his native country, Ireland, and seek a home beyond the seas, where opportunities were greater than in his own poverty stricken home land. The change proved to be for the better and he has no reason to regret the decision ^^-hich brought him to the new world and the northwest. It had not been possible for him to secure an education in boyhood. Instead, it A\'as necessary for him at an early age to take up the task of earning a livelihood. His youth was one of poverty and toil, and wlien he married Miss Julia Cotter the young couple had little or no means with which to embark in housekeeping.

Shoitly after his marriage Mr. Maloney Ijrought his young wife across the Atlantic to the United States. For a number of years he was emploj'ed in New York state, but the northwest lured him on tO' its possibilities, and he came to J\linnesota, where he settled in Blue Earth county. The land which he pre-empted after his arrival has continued to be his home to the present time. Many improvements have Ijten made in the tract since it came into his possession. Then it was in the primeval eondition of nature. The most constant toil on the part of himself and family was necessary in ordel' to bring the tract under cultivation and make of it a re\'enue-producing estate, but industry eventually brought the desired reward, and prosperity crowned the united efforts of parents and children.

The farm owned and occupied by James Maloney lies on section thirty-six, Decoria township, and comprifies four hundred acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. The buildings have been erected by the present owner, who also has put fences where needed and made other changes as deemed advisable. In his family there were six sons and six daughters, of whom one son and two daughters are deceased.

Biogkaphical Histoky

JohB, James, Andrew, Francis, Mary, ISTora, Ellen (wife of William Honn, a farmer of Waseca county) and Sarah. Three sons, one of whom is married, al^sist the father in the management of the home place. Two sons and one daughter own a farm of two hundred acres lying on section six, Decoria township. All of the children are prosperous and have enjoyed the benefit of their father's assistance upon starting out for themselves. The family hold membership with the Eoman Catholic church. In politics the father and sons are stanch believers in the principles of the Democratic party.

MALTBY, DE. HAEEISOX W. - Modern developments of the art of healing have rendered possible the method of osteopathy, which forms one of the most practicable and popular accessions given by recent years to the science of therapeutics. Included in the large and growing list of those who have adopted its practice with enthusiasm and are conducting the same with skill and success, mention belongs to Dr. Maltby of Mankato. With the assistance of his wife, also ^ graduate osteopath, he devotes his time and attention to the relief of those suffering from the ills to which flesh is heir. Since he came to this city, July 1, 1901, he has become known to an increasing circle of patients, and at the same time has gained many warm personal friends.

Descended from an ancestor who came from England to America three generations ago and settled in Kew York state. Dr. Maltby was born in Cresco, Howard countj', Iowa, March 30, 1876. His parents, Henry and Sarah (Forbes) Maltby, were also natives of Iowa and now reside at Cherokee, that state, where the father has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. Five children formed the family and all are still living. The second in order of birth, Harrison W., received his education in the grammar schools and Cherokee high school, and by subsequent extensive reading has become a widely informed man, possessing broad culture and an accurate knowledge of current events. That he is patriotic his record shows in the Spanish-American war, when he enlisted in the Fifty-second Iowa Vohmteer Infantry and for ten months served as a hospital steward. On the expiration of the war he returned to Iowa, where previously he had spent a year of study under a practitioner of allopathy, and also had gained an excellent knowledge of drugs through being employed in a wholesale and retail drug store. After the war he was engaged in general mercantile pursuits at Callender, Webster countj', Iowa.

The inclinations of Mr. Maltby had been from youth in the direction of medical work, hence after a year in merchandising we find him returning to such studies. This time, however, he turned his attention to osteopathy, concerning which he had read and studied much. In 1898 he matriculated in the College of Osteopathy at Des Moines, Iowa, where he took the complete course of preparatory study and training, and at the expiration of the regular course he was graduated June 2G, 1901. A few days later he came to Mankato, where he has his office at No. 301 South Front street. In the years that have elapsed since his settlement in this city he has continued a student of the profession and has kept pace with every development and discovery made in the realm of medicine, so that he is enabled to be thoroughly modern and up-to-date in his practice. As before stated, he has the capable assistance of his wife, a graduate of the College of Osteopathy in Drs Moines, and formerly ^liss Florence A. Barton, her father being Joseph Barton, of Gravity, Iowa. Their marriage was solemnized June 22, 1904, and since then thev have identified themselves with the cultured circles of Mankato, where they are active workers in the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church and contributors to movements for the general welfare. His desire to promote the commercial growth of the town Dr. Maltby shows by his identification with the Business Men's Club. In fraternal relations he has membership in the Knights of Pythias and acts as chancellor in the local lodge. Military affairs have engaged his support ever since his service in the army and at this writing he ranks as captain of Company H, Second Eegiment of Minnesota National Guards.

terval between his arrival in Mankato and his death in tliis city, ifr. Martin was recognized as one of the forces active in the development of local real estate and commercial interests. His keen mind bent its formative energies tovrard the progress of his home town. His influence was ever given to the promotion of progressive projects, and no enterprise inaugurated for the benefit of tlie community lacked his sagacious assistance. To such pioneers as he ^Mankato owes the fact that the foundation of its commercial fortunes was laid broad and deep, forming a substantial basis for the superftructure of prosperity to be erected by future generations. While in the course of his daily business activities no great fortune ever came to him nor did he boast of any remarkable achievements, yet his industry and energy resulted in the accumulation of a competency sufEicient to provide the declining days of himself and wife with the comforts they so justly merited.

The founders of the Martin family in America were natives of Scotland. As early as 1820 they crossed the ocean to the new world and secured land near JefPerson, Schoharie county, Xew York, where they turned their attention to the development of a farm. WhHe living at that place their son, William Jasper, was born January 18, 18-28. The schools of that era were less thorough than those of the present, yet they offered fair opportunities to diligent pupils, and William J. Martin was very solicitous to secure a good education, so that he embraced every opportunity for enlarging his fund of knowledge. At tlie age of eighteen years he was graduated from the academy at Blenheim, ISTew York, and immediately afterward he began to teach school, which occupation he followed successfully for a number of years.

The marriage of Mr. Martin was solemnized January 7', 18.i2, and united him with Miss Sarah A. Payne, who was born at Blenheim, New York, January 24, 1835, and received a fair education in the schools of Jefferson county. Descended on the paternal side from a long line of English ancestry, she was a daughter of William Payne, who came from England to America about 1820 and settled in 'New York. There he met and married Gertrude Crapser, who was born in Pennsylvania of German descent. Seeking a home amid the newer opportunities of the Northwest, in 1858 Mr. Martin brought his young wife to Minnesota and settled at Mankato, where they afterward made their home. Shortly after his arrival he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of government land and Ijy selling this later at a fair price for those days he secured his start in the business world. The money was invested in his general mercantile store, which he conducted for many years, meeting with fair success by reason of his honorable dealings with all. Prom time to time he invested in real estate and the increase in valuations made him fair profits. Keen business faculties enabled him to lay the foundation for a prosperous old age and to surround his family with the comforts of life.

While devoting himself with energy to personal affairs, Mr. ilartin never neglected^ his duty as a citizen, and he was especially active at the time of the Civil war, when his sympathies were strongly on the side of the Union. August 19, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Ninth ]\Iinnesota Infantry, in which he held the commission of sergeant, and with which he remained at the front until the close of the struggle. When peace was declared he received an honorable discharge. May 31, 1865, at Memphis, Tennessee. Afterward he became an active worker in the Grand Army Post at Mankato. Politically he voted with the Eepublican party until the first nomination of Grover Cleveland for president, after which he voted with the Democrats. Tlirough all his residence in Mankato he maintained a warm interest in local affairs. For a time he held office as member of the board of aldermen.

After a long and honorable life William Jasper Martin passed from earth November 14, 1899. His wife survived him -some years and died April 7, 1906, while in San Diego, California, having gone to the Pacific coast with the hope of regaining her health. Her body was brought to Mankato and interred beside the remains of Mr. Martin in Glenwood cemetery. Tliey had reared four children to maturity, but two of these had died prior to the death of their mother, namely: Nevada, who passed away

December 10, 1890; and John J., whose death occurred February 6, 1900. The two surviving members of the family are William A., a member of the police force of Minneapolis, and ]\Iiss Ida il., who resides at the old homestead, No. 306 Willard street, and numbers a host of warm friends among the people of Mankato.

MATTESON", A. H. - Long identification with the farming interests of Blue Earth county has given Mr. Matteson an accurate knowledge of the possibilities of the soil, the cereals to which the lands are best adapted, the best methods of cultivation and the most successful methods of prosecuting the livestock business. The family became established in this county shortly after the close of the Civil war. Ever since his arrival he has followed agriculture and is now the owner of one hundred and sixtv acres lying on section thirty-five, Decoria township. In the organization of this township he was helpful and for twenty-two years he held office as town clerk, in addition to which he has been chairman of the board for several years, and in every capacity, public and private, had labored to promote the welfare of the farmers of the county.

Born in Pennsylvania in August of 1838, A. H, Matteson and his sister were the only children of Soloman and Phoebe A. (Hopkins) Matteson, both of whom were natives of the east, the father of Ehode Island. For eight years they made their home in Illinois, and there they sent their son, A. H., to the common schools. A later residence in Wisconsin covered fourteen years, meanwhile the father engaging in the cultivation of a farm. In earlier life he had given considerable attention to the stone mason's trade, which he had learned in youth. During 1865, he came to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where he took up a tract of unimproved land and ,<jave his attention to the cultivation of the place. However, he was not spared to accomplish the improvements he desired, but died in September, 1867, before old age had come to him. His widow survived him for many years and passed away in September, 1885, when quite advanced in years.

to Wisconsin, and eventually to ^finncsota, A. II. Mattesdii removed with his parents and in search of a permanent home. While he had few advantages he acquired a fair education by self-culture and close obs('r\ation, while in the line of his s]iecialty. agriculture, he is recognized as proficient.

During his residence in Minnesota he met Mary P. Tillotson, a native of Wisconsin, and ti'ey were married Xovember 11, ISG-j. Their union was blessed with five sons and fi^e daughters, namely ; Frank, who died in early life ;. William, who is engaged in farming in the northern part of Minnesota; .Tessie, who married Edward Ady and lives on a farm ; Ardell, wife of James Ady, a lumberman ; Horace G., a farmer operating land near St. Clair, Blue Earth county; Lulu, wife of David Getty, a farmer of Blue Earth county: Howard, an engineer and farmer living in this county; Harry, who assists in the cultivation of his father's farm; Clara Belle and Mrytle, both of whom are successful teachers in this county. The family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Matteson is a generous supporter. Movements for the benefit of his locality receive his -stanch support, and politically he has given his allegiance to the Democratic party, although ir local matters he believes the opinions of the candidates concerning national problems is of less importance than their character, intelligence and devotion to the interests of the county.

:MAT, OEOEGE. - Aside from its local importance as an exponent of high agricultural standards, the farm owned and operated by George ^fav in ^FcPherson township, has many points of interest for the student of Blue Earth county history, not the least being the fact that a part of the house now occupied by ^Fr. JMay was erected by the government for one of its deposed Indian chiefs. The Stay family has stood for the strength and morality of the community ever since its establishment in McPhcrson township during the last year of the Civil war. At that time removal was made from a farm a mile from Mankato, where Joseph and Catherine

(Troutli) May had located the year previous, Tipon their arrival in the state from Dodge county, Wisconsin. This couple had a large family of children, fourteen in number, of whom George May was born in Dodge count}'-, Wisconsin, March 15, 1854. The elder May possessed shrewd business sagacity and a capacity for profitable pioneering, and not only took up three hundred and t^-enty acres of land from the government, but the following October bought a similar amount, and a year later purchased eighty acres. At one time in his long and succesful life he owned eighteen hundred acres in Blue Earth county. This property he greatly improved, and continued to manage and farm it imtil about ten }-ears before his death, in 1894. His wife died March 4, 1908, at the age of 86 years 7 months 33 days.

George ^fay was ten years old when he came to the state with his parents. May 20, 1864. He helped to clear the crude land, and all his life has made a study of the best methods of agriculture and stock-raising, and also has augmented his training in the public schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota with study along various lines of research. He has amassed a fortune in his own riglit by his steady application to his life work, independent of any aid which may have come to him through the success of his father. Politically a democrat, he has served as township supervisor, and held other ininor offices. For some years 'Mr. May has been vicepresident of the St. Clair State Bank, an institution recognized in Banking circles as thoroughly reliable and safe.

The marriage of Mr. May and Mary M. Hodapp, of Blue Earth county occurred in 1879, and of the union there are ten children, six soiu and four daughters, Phillip J. of Mount Angel, Ore., Kate J\[., wife of Joseph L. Ivruse a farjjer of Iverkhoven, this state, George Stepheu jfidward ('olnclius, Maria X., OtilJia E. Anna E... Joseph, Aloysc H. and Carl Joseph.

The family are members of the Eoman Catholic Church. As a boy and man in the same commu.nity Mr. May has so fashioned his life, and improved his opportunities as to win the approval of all who know him; he is cautious and painstaking and being honorable in his dealing with others, may reasonably expect a continuation and enlargement of his present good fortune.

MAYEE BEOS. - It is said that the largest foundry and machine shop in the state of Min-. nesota outside of the twin cities and Duluth is located at Mankato. The proprietors, Louis and Lorenz Mayer, began 'as blacksmiths, learning the t;-ade under their father and acquiring unusual skill in their work. Being ambitious to enlarge their business interests, they founded the business which under their supervision has been enlarged many fold from its original dimensions. For a time a third brother, Conrad, was jointly interested in the foundry, but three years later he withdrew, leaving Louis and Lorenz the sole proprietors. It has been thp policy of the owners to invest all of their profits in the business, so that from year to year they have added to the buildings, the improvements or the equipment, and the foundry at No. 126 West Eock street is now exceptionally well equipped for their work as machinists, boiler-makers, manufacturers of hammers, steam shovels for dredging, etc. The brick and steel shop is a modern structure, 60x200 feet in dimensions,, while the foundry is 40x50 with an addition for an engine room 30x70, and in addition there is a storge building 30x40, also a stone and brick boiler works, 30x60 feet.

The president of the company, Louis Mayer, was born in Germany November 2, 1867. The secretary and treasurer, Lorenz L., was born in Mankato, Minnesota, September 18, 1874. Their father, Lawrence, left his native land for the new world and settled at Mankato, Minnesota, in 1871. A blacksmith by trade, he at once began to work at his chosen occupation and continued until 1896, when he retired. Some years before leaving Germany he married Katherine Euder, who was born and reared in that country, and died at Mankato in 1890) aged fifty-four years. Three of their children are living, Louis, Conrad and Lorenz L., all of whom reside in Mankato and are practicalskilled blacksmiths, the second son still following that occupation. The three brothers were educated in parochial schools and at early agei» learned the hlacksmith"s trade under their father's careful training. For five years Louis engaged as a blacksmith for the Mankato Cement Company. May "24, 1890, he married Eegina Lambert, of JIarysburg, Minnesota, by whom he has three children, Mary ^I., Veronica E. and Alois. In fraternal relations Louis and Lorenz are prominently identified with the Knights of Columljus and have been warmly interested in the work of the German Benevolent Society. Lorenz was married August 21, 1900, his wife being Anna Huettl, of Mankato. Three children ha\'e blessed their union, namely: Bertram, Clotilda and Cornelius H. The brothers have many friends in Jlankato, where they are esteemed for their sterling worth, commendable enterprise, keen sagacity and persevering industry. The success already gained and that which the future promises are richly merited by their self-sacrificing efforts in the establishment of a substantial business in their home city.

MAYEE, JOHN B. - An old territorial settler still living in ^Mankato came to that city Oct. 15, 1S5T. He was born in Eolendorf, Ehine province, Germany, Jan. 27, 1827, and came to America in April, 1852, settling- at Prairie du Sac, (now Sauk City), Wis., where he engaged in blacksmithing and horseshoeing for five rears with his brother, who had located there a year previous. In 1857 he went to St. Paul and after spending three or four days there, he took a steamboat for ]\rankato but owing to low water the boat came only as far as St. Peter and he ivas compelled to complete the distance on foot, arriving here Oct. 15tli of that year.

South Bend and ]\radelia were then making strong efforts to increase their population, the former offering :\rr. :\rayer two and the latter five lots if he would open a shop there, but after viewing both places, walking the distance, he - decided to locate in Mankato and opened a sliop m a small shanty which stood on the rear of the lot just south of where the A. J. Busch wholesale house now stands. This he conducted for about two years when he took in partnership jMr. Adam Frendle, who had a shop in the north part of the city, and his shop was moved on the front of Mr. Ma3'er"s lot, the two remaining in partnership until about '61 when Mr. Mayer bought Mr. Frendle's interest and ran the shop alone. In his shop was done the horseshoeing, manacle making, etc., for the United States troops during tire campaign of '62 when they were stationed here. Mr. Mayer still has the sledge hammer which was borrowed of him to drive into place the heavy timber constituting the gallons on which the Indians were hanged. This hammer is now in the State Historical Society collection at St. Paul. This with his other tools and implements was brought here from St. Paul by wagon. Here he braved the J^ardships and privations of frontier life, including the panic of '59-'61 when money was a novelty and goods and labor were exchanged for produce, etc., and some of ]\Iankato's respected citizens' ''best" consisted of a pair of trousers made of gunny sacks and an Indian blanket for a coat. After many ups and downs he was able about '66 to build a large brick shop on the rear of the lot on the east corner of Front and Mulberry streets at a cost of $2,200, where he conducted his business until about 1888, when he sold the property to the late N"ic Lang, who remodeled the building and it is now part of the Lang estate.

In 1808 Mr. :\Iayer was married to Miss Theresa Harzberg. then shortly from his native land, and eight children have blessed their union : John, deceased ; Emma, now Mrs. Charles A. Eckman; Eosa, Mrs. Adolph C. Eockcy: Charles K. : Ida. ]\rrs. David Pugh; Tillie. :\Irs. George G. Serene, all living in Mankato: Lydia, :\rrs. Clarence 0. Williamson, of St. Paul: and William, deceased.

In 18S2 Mr. and :\rrs. Mayer started a grocery and confectionery store on Korth Front street which was successfully conducted by '^hs. flayer, her luisband assisting her after closing out his business until the fall of 1900 when they retired and now live in their comfortable home on North Broad street.

^fr. :\rayer is of a rather retiring disposition, industrious, amiable and companionable, a lover of home and home life, and up to a few years ago, when his eyesight became impaired, derived much pleasure from reading, which covered a wide range of topics. He has a large acquaintance in the county among the early settlers and his kindness, honesty and punctuality have won for him their highest esteem.

MEAGHER, HOIST. JOHN" F. - Of the large brained and warm hearted men who during a long residence in Mankato have shed luster upon Iheir own names and reflected honor upon the State of Minnesota, none are remembered with more enduring admiration and affection than the late Hon. John P. Meagher. His energj' was as uncontrollable as his generosity was boundless, and his broad judgment kept pace with his mental alertness so that although his ambitions were high they seldom exceeded his ability to accomplish his undertakings. In many n:ore respects than could be enumerated in suc!i a brief review as this, he was one of the finest types of the Irish-American who ever helped to give the city and the State a name for enterprise, true progress and high worth.

John P. Meagher was born in County Kerry, Ireland, April 11, 1836, and emigrated to Am.erica when he was but eleven years of age. Por several years thereafter he worked on a farm in LaSalle Count)^, Illinois, and at the age of fourteen apprenticed himself to learn the tinsmith trade at Ottawa, that state. In September, 1857, several months after .he had passed his majority, he located at Red Wing, Minnesotn, and in June of the following year, became a resident of Mankato. By 1861, his industry and efficiency as a tinsmith and his economy and Ijood management as a business man, enabled liim to gather small capital with which he purchased the tin and hardware establishment of Taylor & Hotaling. To thiis line he soon iulded farm machinery and speedily developed into a leading merchant and financier. In 1868 he assi>sted in the organization of the First National Bank, and was its vice-president until 1872, when he became one of the founders of the Citizens' National Bank, of which he was president for twenty years, as well as of the National Citizens' Bank (into which it was merged in 1893) until the time of his death June 18, 1897.

Besides ably managing his banking interests iMr. Meagher was active and prominent in various business enterprises, building many houseb, dealing extensively in lands, and acquiring much property. But although almost uniformly successful in such ventures and transactions, he retained the confidence and respect of all, both because of his straightforward conduct and his pleasing and noble presence. The bravery, independence and earnestness which so marked his public career, added to the manifest usefulness of his services, also increased the admiration and gratitude which his fellow citizens felt for him as a private individual.

On the outbreak of the Indian War in 1863, Mr. Meagher enlisted for service and was made First Lieutenant of a company, gallantly participating in the defense of New Ulm, and subsequently being commissioned Captain of another company organized foi' the protection of Mankato. He first entered actively into politics when he was elected county treasurer on the Democratic ticket. In 1870 and 1871 he, was sent to the lower house of the legislature, and in 1873 to the State Senate, making a valuable record in both bodies. That his influence in politics was strong and general is evident, as in 1876 he was chosen by his party as Democratic Presidential Elector at large. He was for many years a director in various State institutions, and among the later positions to which he was appointed was a member of the commission to locate and erect the New TJlm battle monument, he being accorded the honor of making the presentation address at its formal dedication August 28, 1891.

Mr. Meagher married September 14, 1866, Miss Mary A. Battelle, who was born March 14, 1844, and died at Santa Barbara, California, April 34, 1895. She was a most estimable and beloved woman, and her death was deeply mourned by her intimates and universally regretted by those of the community who had been privileged to know her well. The children of this union were as follows: John B. born July 3, 1867; Alonzo E., bom December 2, 1868, and died August 33, 1890; John William, born May 6, 1871,

MERTESDOEF, PETEE. - That abundant opportunities are afforded by the soil of Blue Earth county to farmers of intelligence and industry is exemplified in the life and activities of Peter Mertesdorf, who has risen from a position of poverty to one of influence and prosperity. When he arrived in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1854, he had a total capital of only $11, but he possessed an abundance of energy, determination and perseverance, and a robust constitution aided him in his labors, here he stayed eight years, moving to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, in 1862 where he has been ever since. Landing here he made his home in Yernon Center township and has owned land a short distance north of the village of that name. Through tireless application and rigid economy he has become the owner of a section of land, all of which is fenced and under cultivation. Substantial buildings have been erected by the owner, who has maintained the deepest interest in the improvement of the property and also has been extensively engaged thereon in the raising of shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs.

Born in Prussia near the Ehine, October 11, 1827, the gentleman whose name introduces this article is the son of the late Peter and Barbara (Zimmerman) Mertesdorf, who passed their entire lives in Germany. Educated in the excellent schools of his native land, he early determined to seek a home beyond the seas, and in 1854 toolspassage on a sailing vessel bound for Xew York City, where he landed on the 1st of Xovember. From there he journeyed to Chicago and in a Aort time proceeded to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he secured employment as a farm laborer. Wl^ile living in that state he married ]\ri?s JMary Tausch, who like himself descended from German ancestry. Seven daughters were born of that union, namely: Marv, Anna, Hattie. Minnie, Emma, Hannah and Elizabeth. The second marriage of Jlr. :Mertesdorf was solemnized October 20. 1875, and united him with Miss Mary, daughter of Gottleib and Anna (Posan) Kaul, lifelong residents" of Germany. Of this marriage there are four sons, Fredrick, John, George and Edward, all of whom yet remain with their parents. The family hold membership in the Baptist church and contribute to its maintenance, as well as to other organizations for the common good. While never aspiring to office, Islr. Mertesdorf has been actively interested' in local politics and has favored movements for the benefit of his township and county, having been particularly interested in measures for the building and improving of roads.

ME'SEEVY, ALFEED A. - With the .exception of the period of his absence in the south during the Civil war, Mr. Meservy has remained in Blue Earth county ever since coming to this part of the northwest in 1860, and during the long association with the agricultural interests of the region he has gained a reputation as a sterling citizen, persevering farmer and accommodating neighbor. While he is a native of Canada and has never forgotten the land of his birth during the many years of his absence therefrom, he is thoroughly devoted to his adopted country and believes in the principles which form the foundation of our government. The quiet, busy life of a farmer has suited his inclinations, but he has not allowed existence to become narrow; on the other hand, he has maintained an interest in all movements for the uplifting of the people and the promotion of the commonwealth's prosperity.

Born in Canada in 1829, Alfred A. Meservy received his education in his native land in the schools of Few England. During the year 1844, the family crossed over into the states and settled in Wisconsin, taking up a tract of raw land at Fox Lake. At that place in 1858 occurred the death of the mother, Margaret, a native of Ireland. The father, Eodney, who was a native of Maine and a farmer and mechanic by occupation, remained at Fox Lake until 1860; during that year he became a pioneer of Minnesota, where he died in 1891 in Garden City. :\feanwhile the son, Alfred A., had become interested in agricultural pursuits, first in Wisconsin and later in Minnesota, where he has made his home since 1860. When the Civil war began his sympathies were enthusiastically on the side of the Union, and he was eager to ofEer his services to the country, but for a time home duties deterred him from enlisting. However, in 1862 he became a Union soldier, being accepted in the Xinth ilinnesota Infantry in August of that year. His duties were confined to the western department and at first he served in the Indian campaigns under General Sibley, but later he was sent to the front, where he took part in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo, Nashville, and the Price campaign in Arkansas. At the expiration of the war he was mustered out at Memphis, Tennessee, and received an honorable discharge with the commission of corporal. As a soldier he proved himself loyal to his adopted country, quick in acquiring a knowledge of military tactics and courageous on the field of battle.

The deep interest which Mr. Meservy always has felt in school affairs led him at one time to accept a position on the school board, where he freely gave of his time and energies in an eifort to promote the welfare of the local schools. Among the local offices he has held may be mentioned that of chief of police. Interested in movements for the spiritual upbuilding of mankind, he has been an attendant at the services of the Methodist church and has contributed to religious enterprises with characteristic generosity. Ever since his marriage in 1869 he has been blessed by the co-operation of an efficient helpmate, his wife, formerly Mary Eitchie, being a woman of ability as well as attractive character. They are the parents of one son and two daughers, namely: A. C. Meservy, who is now in Garden City; Emily, Mrt. William Shaver of Garden City; and Birdie, Mrs. J. C. Ward, also a resident of this town.

]\rEYEB, JOHN. - A number of the successful agriculturists and business men of Blue Earth county are of German parentage or nativity, and among these may be mentioned the name of .John Meyer, a native of Mankato township and a son of a worthy German-American farmer. Bavaria, Germany, is the native home of John Meyer, Sr., and 1830 the year of his birth. After having received a fair education in the Germ language he took up the task of earning a lii lihood, and with customary German thrift, sav a part of his earnings, utilizing the same in t payment of his passage on an American-bou: ship. During the year 1852 he landed at N( York and from there proceeded to Milwaub Wisconsin, where he secured emplojanent and i mained for a considerable period. In that ci he married Dora Oehler, who died there, aft having borne him three children : Lena ai Lizzie, both deceased; and George, who resid with the subject of this -sketch. Some yea later the father married ilary Schriver, who w, born in Mecklenburg in 1830 and came to tl United States in 1863, settling in Milwauke During the spring of 1866 the family came ^Minnesota and took up land' in Blue Earl county, where the mother died in 1871. Tl father still survives and makes his home with h son, John. Three children were born of h second marriage. The eldest, Minnie, is the wi: of Charles Timm and makes her home in I Sueur county, this state. The second daughte Emma, is the wife of Peter Williams and livi in Blue Earth county.

The youngest member of the family, John, Ji was born in Mankato township November 1: 1870, and grew to manhood on a farm, nieai time attending school in the winter months an aiding in the tilling of the soil during the sun mer. During 1894 he purchased the farm whei since he has made his home, the same comprii ing one hundred and twenty acres of improve land situated about four miles north of Mai kato on section nineteen. Lime township. A yet he has not established domestic ties, but givi a home to his aged father and also has his old( brother with him. For some years he has bee a member of the school board of his distric Other movements for the well-being of the con munity receive his stanch co-operation and actii support. Politically he has espoused the prh eiples of the Democratic party and supports thei principles by his ballot, but he has never di played a partisan spirit nor has he sought tl emoluments of political positions, although abu: dantly qualified to fill such positions with cred to himself and to the satisfaction of all coi cerned.

MILLEE, ABE L. - Two generations of the lliller family have been identified with the agricultured development of Blue Earth county, and A. L. Miller, a representative of the second generation, is a native-born son of the county, having been born in the town of Shelby, December 17, 18G6. His father, James, a native of Indiana, established the family in this part of the northwest, and is remembered and honored for those sterling traits of character that in any community win and retain friends. As early as 1857 he came from Indiana to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where he soon won the liking of the pioneers of the region. In common with others he endured many trials in seeking to clear a farm from land in the primeval conditions of nature, but eventually he had the satisfaction of owning a tract of vaulable land with good buildings and divided by fences into fields of convenient size. While engaged in the cultivation of his estate he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to others and was known as a man of generous spirit and friendly disposition. His last days were quietly passed at Winaebago City, Earibault county, where he died April 17, 1907, mourned by the large circle of friends wliom he had won during the long period of his residence in the state. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Ann Campbell, was born in Indiana and died October 12, 1888, in Blue Earth county.

The schools adjacent to the homestead offered fair advantages to A. L. Miller and in them he acquired a knowledge of the common branches. Up to the time of his majority he remained at home and assisted his father, but afterward he assumed the management of the old homestead, which he conducted for three years, and then moved to his present farm on rural route ISTo. 1, Garden City. Here he is the owner of a fine farm improved with a neat set of buildings well adapted to their special purposes, and presenting an appearance of thrift indicative of the occupant's energy of disposition. I Though not a partisan in his opinions, Mr. Miller stanchly supports Eepublican principles and casts his ballot for the men pledged to the promotion of these principles. For himself he lias never sought office, preferring to devote his attention to the care of his land and the enjoyment of his home. In religion he is in sympathy with the doctrines of the Christian church, which he attends with his family. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his marriage to Josephine Strum, who was born in Blue Earth county and received her education in local schools, he was united with one of the popular young ladies of the county, and they enjoy the warm friendship of their associates. Their marriage was solemnized Septerpber 1, 1889, since which time they have resided on their present farm. They are the parents of three children, namely : Martha Eliza, aged seventeen j-ears; Walter Dell, fifteen; and Eoy Lincoln, thirteen.

MILLS, TITUS F. - Although not a native 01 Blue Earth county, the early recollections of Mr. Mills cluster around this part of the northwest, for he was less than four years of age when the family sought a home in what was then an unsettled wilderness. Born in Lake county, Illinois, December 19, 1850, he was a son of Samuel T. and Permelia L. Mills, the former born ill Massachusetts in 1819 and the latter born in Xow York in lS-34. Early in the year 1854 the family journeyed by "prairie schooner" from Illinois to ilinnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where the father pre-empted a claim oj' one hundred and sixty acres. There were no neighbors, and for six months after their arrival the mother did not sec a white woman or child. The existence was one of great privation as well as loneliness. Indian outbreaks were numerous and more than once the family were in great danger from the savages. The first religious service in the township was held in their cabin, also the first election.

In those days farmers from as far south as the Iowa line and even beyond were obliged to go to ilankato to have their wheat ground, and as their claim was on the main- traveled road they saw considerable passing. In 1856 the father built a log tavern on the farm in order to accommodate passengers obliged to remain over night on their way to mill. In 18G4 he replaced the log cabin with a frame hotel of suitable di- mensioDB. Over the hotel the wife and mother presided, cooking appetizing foods for the hungry travelers and cheering them on their lonely way. Though her life was one of great toil and constant privation she looks back on those busy days as among the happiest of her useful existence. JSTor did the strenuous labor impair her health, for she is a remarkably well preserved woman, notwithstanding the fact that she is eighty three years of age (1907.) Throughout the community she is known and honored for her beautiful character and her effective- labors as a pioneer.

Although the schools of that day were far inferior to those of the present time, Titus F. Mills succeeded in securing a fair education in the common branches, and he is now a well informed man. Agriculture has been his occupation throughout life, and his home place on rural route No. 1, Lake Crystal, bears the evidence of his thrift and industry. The busy life of a farmer, the sowing and the planting, the cultivation and the harvesting of the crops, engross his time and attention, but not to the exclusion of duties devolving upon a progressive citizen. At all times he has shown himself to be willing to promote local measures by his time and influence. At intervals during thirty years he served as a member of the town board, while for twenty years he rendered faithful service on the school board. In addition he has served as a state weigher. In religious identification lie and his family are connected with the Christian church at Garden City.

The marriage of Titus P. Mills was solemnized March 2, 1880, and united him with Miss Li da Sharp, a native of Wisconsin, but from early childhood, a resident of ilinnesota, her parents having come to this state in 18.55 and established a home at Belgrade, I^icollet county. Three children comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mills. The son. Earl Ray, who is an enterprising young man of twentysix years, is now in the government employ at Belle Pourche, Butte county, South Dakota. The older daughter, Jessie D., who is twent}'-two years of age, married Rev. John Mitchell, a Presbyterian clergyman now stationed at Houtzdale, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. The

MOORE, ELI JAMES. - The best training for the merchant is that of the salesman, and it takes a salesman of a very high grade to make a successful commercial traveler. The logical conclusion is that it is almost a foregone conclusion that if a superior traveling salesman launches into an independent business his venture will be a success from the start. He has come to understand the art of placing customers at their ease, without overdoing the polite act, and he has the typical air of confidence attaching to those of his profession which inspires confidence and brings sales. A living illustration of these business truths is found in E. J. Moore, of Mankato, who seven years ago established a hardware trade in that city, whose success was assured from his long previous experience in the same line, but in the employ of others.

Mr. Moore comes of an old Southern family, although he has to his credit three years of brave and honorable service in the Union cause. He is a native of Maryland, born June 27, 1843, the son of John and Ann (Caloway) Moore, who were also born in that state and removed to Ohio when E. J. was but a lad. There John Moore engaged in farming and died when only fifty-two years of age, his widow surviving him for many years and finally passing away when eighty-four. They were the parents of five children, of whom the following are living: William T., of Middlefort, Ohio, and E. J., the subject of this sketch. The deceased are John H., who served during the Civil war in the Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry and died at New Haven, Kentucky; Peter H., formerly a resident of Roseville, Ohio, who died in May, 1907, and Elizabeth Ann, who died in childhood.

E. J. ]\[oore was educated in the public schools of Logan, Ohio, at Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, and in the world of experience and hard work. He had scarcely reached his majority when he enlisted in the

Sixty-second Ohio Infantry, Company H, for tlie tliree-montiis' service, at the close of which he reenlisted in the Fifty-first Ohio Eegiment, Company K, continuing with the latter command until his honorable discharge in 1864. He was in all the battles of the Wilderness campaign, and was one of the faithful millions who served their country in the ranks without expectation of prominence and without regret at the outcome. Such as Jie saved the country from disruption. Mr. Moore early engaged in the hardware business, being first connected with the retail trade at Columbus, Ohio, for a period of about five years, his next experience being as a traveling salesman for the large manufacturing laardware concern of Redeay & Burton, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm afterward located him at Kansas City, where he remained as long as it continued in business, and then engaged with the Excelsior Manufacturing Company (hardware), of St. Louis, Missouri, with which he remained until he established himself at Mankato, in 1900.

In that yeai Mr. Moore opened a fine and complete line of hardware for the retail trade, but later associated himself with Edward W. Tobin, and the firm of Moore & Tobin, thus formed, represents one of the leading business factors of Mankato. The store, which is located at No. 323 South Front street, has the substantial appearance befitting the prosperous and growing state of the business. In 1871 Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Eawson, daughter of the late E. T. and Wealthy Ann Rawson, of Columbus, Ohio, where she died in December, 1875. He is a man of both business ability and of social qualities, his wide and intimate identification with leading fraternities being indicated by his membership in the G. A. R., A. F. & A. M., I. 0. 0. F., and B. P. 0. E.

MORLOCK, F. H. - One of the substantial financial institutions of Blue Earth county is the State Bank of Good Thunder which during the period of its existence has wielded a large and increasing influence upon the community and has become recognized as a reliable concern, qualified to exert a wise influence upon monetary matters. Much of the success of the bank is due tc the conservatism and sagacity of the cashier. F H. Morlock, who seconds the able efforts of the president, J. G. Graham, and the vice president, R. L. Houk, in the management of affairs connected with the institution, and who has been relied upon by them to an unusual degree. His identifleation with the bank dates back to its organization, when he was chosen teller and flve months later, in July of 1893 he was elected cashier, in which responsible position he remains at the present time.

The genealogy of the Morlock family shows German lineage. Jacob and Mary (Ruehling) Morlock, were born in Germany, but at early ages crossed the ocean to the United States. For a time the father found employment in Buffalo, New York. Later he spent two years in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From there he came to Minnesota and took up land in Scott county, but in 1862 moved into the village of Jordan and started a meat market. Shortly afterward he turned his attention to the buying of grain and stock, in which occupation he continued for thirtyeight years. At the age of sixty-eight years he is now living at Jordan, retired from business activities. Three of his children, Frederica, Louise and Henry, also reside at Jordan, while the third child and older son makes his home at Good Thunder. He was born at Jordan August 20, 1869, and received his education in the common schools of that village, supplementing the knowlege there acquired by a course of study in the New XJlm college, where he was a student for one year. Since leaving college he has been connected with the bank.

The marriage of Mr. Morlock took place in 1894 and united him with Rosalia Juergues, daughter of F. W. and Regina (Schutz) Juergues, who settled at Shakopee, Scott county, Minnesota, prior to the Civil war, Mr. Juergues there following the trade of a blacksmith for many years. Removing to Jordan in 1880, he invested considerable means in a drug store, of which his son was the manager. x For fifteen years he continued in the drug* business. Since his retirement he has continued to make his home at Jordan. The family of Mr. and I\rrs. ilorlock comprises three children, ^Marie R., Gertrude A. and Wallace J., who arc re- eeiving excellent educations in the local schools. Since 1894 Mr. Moiiock has been a member of the school board of Good Thunder and meanwhile has accomplished much in the interests of the schools. AVith his wife he holds membership in the Evangelical church and contributes t") its maintenance. Ever since attaining his majority he has voted with the Republican party and has been interested in its success. During 1895 he was chosen village treasurer and ever since that time he has continued to fill the office, the bank acting as the depository of the funds of the village. Measures for the upbuilding of the town receive his stanch and intelligent advocacy and he has accomplished much in promoting the welfare and prosperity of the community.

most interesting and instructive farming enterprises in Mapleton township is that owned and managed by Jacob Conrad Morris, located one and a half miles west of Mapleton, and one hundred and sixty acres in extent. This formerly was the Shanbett place, and under its- present ownership many important changes have taken place in its equipment and extension of interests, also in its conformity to the best accepted standards of landscape effects through the medium of trees, flowers and shrubs. Many fine apple trees yield large returns in exchange for the time and care bestowed upon them, and a beautiful grove supplies shelter for man and beast in the summer, and serves as a break when the winds howl across the farm lands. All of the property is under cultivation, and the owner is justly proud- of his splendid Percheron horses. Shorthorn and Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. He also is much interested in chicken culture, preferring Plymouth Rock and Leghorn varieties, and is very successful along this line. He has made a scientific study of all kinds of stock, and his farm is operated with scientific exactness and due regard for economy of time and labor and for thirteen years he has, with his own means kept the one-half mile of highway running along side of his farm- in the best of shape, until now for ' three miles out from Mapleton the folks have gotten together and. keep up the road, making it the best road going into Mapleton.

Mr. Morris, who was born in 1856, has the distinction of being the first white child born in the Taylor colony, and the first fl'hite boy born in Sterling township, of Blue Earth county. His father, James Morris, was a successful farmer, who owned land and was unstinted in his appreciation of this county as a place of residence. He was born in Arama, Ireland, in 1835, and in 1846 he was married to Cristina Harrison. They had one child born in Ireland, and lived with his father, who ran a small farm and tavern, half way between Dublin and Dairj', until 1849, when he came to this country and lived in New York three years, where there were three children born, but they all three died before he left with the Taylor colony and came to Duluth, Minnesota, where he " purchased a yoke of oxen and a wagon, a cow, two pigs, and some chickens; he then came by boat tO' Mankato, where he lived until his death in 1894. He always advised his sons to remain here as long as they lived, and those who followed his. advice have found that it was to their distinct advantage. The maternal family of Harrison is of Scotch origin, early forefathers having removed from Scotland to the north of Ireland in 1?20. T^he maternal grandfather was a miller l)y occupation, having operated a mill and a thirty acre farm. ilr. ilorris received a common school education, to which foundation he has added by constant reading and research. He married July 6th, 1885, Cora V. Chandler, daughter of the late H. M. Chandler, an early settler in Blue Earth county, and a farmer for many years in Sterling township. Pour children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris; Frank A., xVmy, Mable and James. Mr. Morris is in no sense a politician, casting his vote invariably for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. He is a genial, whole-souled man, a favorite with his neighbors, and an example of the thrifty, energetic and practical American farmer of the early part of the twentieth century.

MOERIS, JOHN THOMAS. - The Sterling Centre stock farm in Sterling township ranks among the finest estates in Blue Earth county and^ it may be added, in all of southern ilinnesota. The modern and attractive residence stands on an elevation commanding a view of the surrounding country. At a suitable distance from the house stand the five barns and the other outbuildings necessary for the storage of crops and the shelter of stock. Each building has been equipped with conveniences so as to facilitate the work incident to the farm, and the machinery as well shows that an effort is made to reduce to a minimum the amount of hand labor needed. Crops adapted to the soil and the climate are grown on the land, all of which is under cultivation; and a goodly number of stock may also be seen, including fine Shorthorn cattle, about twenty cows of milk-producing strains, a large drove of Poland-China hogs and about twenty head of horses, Percherons and Standardbred trotters being the choice. The farm comprises four hundred and twenty acres and its soil in places is a black sandy loam with a depth of more than four feet. An abundant supply of water is furnished by means of a hydraulic ram.

Born in the city of Xew York December 15, 1854, John Thomas iforris is a son of James and Christina (Harrison) Morris, natives of the north of Ireland. During the year 1849 the father came to America and settled in New York City, where lie secured work as a teamster. When a colony was organized to migrate to the northwest in 1866 he became one of the members and accompanied the party to Blue Earth county, where he secured a claim on section twelve. Sterling township. On this place he continued to make his home until his earthly life ended in 1893 at the age of sixty-nine years. Through the long period of ]iis residence here he proved himself to be a loyal citizen and industrious farmer. Personally he was of reserved temperament, retiring in disposition, yet kind-hearted as is the custom of his race, and willing to help anyone in distress or need with self-sacrificing generosity.

John Thomas, and Elizabeth, Mrs. D. J\I. Harriman, of Mapleton. Those residing elsewhere are as follows : Abraham L., now at Tenstrike, Minnesota; J. W., who makes his home in Jamestown, New York; and Ada, is married and resides at Canisteo, New A'ork. When the family settled in Blue Earth county John Thomas Morris was a very small child, hence his early recollections are associated with the scenes still familiar to his maturer years. At the age of twenty-one he left the old homestead and began to till the soil of a farm near Mapleton. In 1899 he bought what fl'as then known as the old ]\Iyron N'rooman place in Sterling township and here he has since made his home, engaging extensively in agricultural pursuits. On his farm is located the Sterling Co-operative creamery, in the work of which he takes a warm interest, contributing of his influence and time to promote its success and usefulness.

The marriage of ]\Ir. Morris took place October 3, 1885, and united him with Bupheuiia Sharp, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of John Sharp, who came to Sterling in 1874. The family consists of five children now living ; Eobert, James Edward, Enssell, John and Jessie. The fourtli child, Nellie, was taken from tlie home by deatli in lier infancy.

MOEEOW, JOHN. - The local records indicate that the first house erected in Beauford township was built by James Jlorrow, who came to Blue Earth county as early as 18(14 and put up a cabin on the banks o£ the Big Cobb river. P>.\- pre-emption and purchase he secured the title to a large tract of land and here he engaged in farming pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1898. Of Canadian birth and parentage, he had passed the years of youth in his native land and there married Jeanctte Currie, who died four years after his demise. On leaving tlie home of their early years they came to Minnesota in 1863 and settled in Winona county, fl-hence they removed to Blue Earth county the following vear. They became the parents of ten children, namely: James, a farmer residing in the northern part of Beauford township; John, who was born at Perth, Lanark county, Ontario,

Canada, Xovember 1, 1847, and is now one of the leading farmers of Beauford township; Jane; .Marj-; Jeanette; Angus; Barbara, deceased; William and Eobert, both of whom are represented else-\vhere in this volume; and Maggie, now deceased.

The early recollections of John Morrow cluster around the village of Perth in Ontario. When about sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents to ilinnesota and aided them in paying for the land 'Which they purchased. Upon starting out for himself he embarked in farming in Beauford township, where now he owns two hundred and five acres of land, one hundred acres of the tract being under the plow. The land is mostly rented to others, but he retains a small tract for his own use and is interested in raising shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. Here he has lived since 1876 and the neat house which he occupies lies directly across the road from the cabin originally put up by his father on coming to the county.

The first marriage of Mr. Morrow took plac£ in 1875 and united him with Annie Uhlig, daughter of August Uhlig. Mrs. Annie Morrow died in 1886 and is survived by three children, namely : John C, now a resident of St. Louis count}', Minnesota; Jeanette, who married J. W. Oger, a farmer of Beauford township; and Hattie. The second wife of Mr. Morrow bore the maiden name of Eugenia Leeb and died in 1897, leaving three sons, namely : James and Lloyd, who make their home with their uncle, Eobert Morrow; and Archie, who remains with his father. Por many years Mr. Morrow has been prominent in the public life of his township, where he has held ofEiee as assessor and constable. For the long period of thirty-three years he has served as treasurer of the school board, and during all of the period he has been deeply interested in the welfare and progress of the sehools. In fraternal relations he holds membership with ilapleton Lodge Nc 138, A. F. & A. M., at Mapleton, and in religious belief he is of the Methodist faith. Beginning without means, he deserves credit for attaining a position of financial stability in his community and for giving his influence to all movements for the upbuilding of the township.

MOEEOAV, EOBEET HUGH. - The names of few families bear a more intimate association with the agricultural development of Beauford township. Blue Earth county, than does that of ^lorrow, whose original immigrant, the father of the present generation of farmers, put up the first cabin in the tofl-nship and from that time until his death was connectel with almost every movement for the moral, educational and agricultural progress of the community. Eeferenee to the family history will be found elsewhere in this volume in the sketches of John and William ^Morrow, who with their brother Eobert H., occupy a leading position among the farmers of the township. The family came from Ontario, Canada, where Eobert PI. was born December 20, 1861. At the age of two years he was brought to ]\Iinnesota and hence his earliest recollections cluster around the sights and scenes in this then frontier region. As a boy he aided in placing the homestead under cultivation and during the summer months gave his capable assistance in the harvesting of the crops, while in the winter he was a pupil in the neighboring school.

The establishment of domestic ties, which occurred in 1895, united Mr. Morrow with Miss Emma Hermann, a daughter of John and Sophia (Waterman) Hermann, natives of Prussia, Germany, the former born in 1831, and the latter in 1842. Upon starting out to earn his own way in the world Mr., Hermann came to the United States and settled in Blue Island, Illinois, where he married Miss Waterman. During 1864 he became a pioneer of ilinnesota and took up a tract of raw land, to the development of which he gave his industrious attention for a long period of years. Upon retiring from agricultural cares he removed to Mapleton, this county, where he now makes his home. Of his nine children all but two are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have no children of their own, but adopted a daughter, Margaret, and also have given a home and aflfectionate care to the two motherless sons of John Morrow. A sister, who owns an interest in the homestead, also resides with them.