Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 41 of those read), 1882

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 41 of those read)

The township bearing this name is the second from the northern and eastern boundaries of Fillmore county, having as intervening towns, Arendahl on the north and Norway on the east, while Amherst is on the south, and Carrolton on the west.

The principal stream is the Root River, which enters the town in section eight, having previously visited section eighteen, meanders into the edge of section five, and returning, goes down to section sixteen, then north through section nine and across the southeast corner of section four into section three, where it becomingly works toward the east to swing around and flow northwest and leave the town in section two. The river is quite faithfully followed by the Southern Minnesota railroad, which confines itself to the north bank.

There is a branch of this river, of considerable pretensions during a rainy time; it comes from the middle of the eastern part of the town, and running northwe3t, finally reaches the main river in the northern part of the township. Another creek from the southern part flows north and empties into the river in section cine.

Bablt Settlement

The first colonization in this townsliip was in the spring of 1854, just before the opening of the land office in Brownsville, where entries of land had to be made. As near as can be learned, at the above mentioned time Mr. M. Onstine, who was then too young to make a claim himself, with his father, Michael, came and drove their stakes in section twenty-five. They had located originally in Amherst, the year before, coming from Ohio and remaining a certain time in Wisconsin, being natives, however, of Pennsylvania. The old gentleman passed on to the great majority on the 27th of January, 1859.

An early comer, in July, 1855, was John Johnson Rodeback, who secured a location on sections fourteen and twenty-three. He was born in Norway on the 14th of April, 1827, and came to Du Page county, Illinois, in 1849, and two years later to La Salle county, where he bought one hundred acres of land, which he disposed of in 1854, and the next year, with ox teams, started for Minnesota with his brother-in-law, John EUeCson, and arriving in H61t, located a claim as above mentioned. For two years they remained together, and then divided their interests. He has since bought in section one where he still lives, a son living on the original claim. John Ellefson was born in Norway in June, 1824, and was an early settler in La Salle county, Hlinois. He came, as already related, and secured lands in sections twenty-three and twenty-four where he still resides. Both of them are men of standing among their countrymen, and have held several offices, which they have honorably filled.

Niles Carpenter and John Bussell made claims in section twenty-five about 1854. Mr. Bussell has just sold his original claim and gone to Dakota. Mr. Carpenter remained about four years, when he was elected County Auditor, and removed to Preston and afterwards to Bushford, where he now resides. Mr. G. J. Onstine lived on the old place for sixteen years, when he removed to Rushford, and is now proprietor of the Northwestern Hotel.

Norman A. Graves came in upon the scene in the fall, but now he ranks as one of the oldest pioneers in the southeast part of the town. His earthly existence was inaugurat-ed on the 15th of May, 1819. His parents subsequently removed to Ohio. He early learned the carpenter*s trade, at which he worked most of the time until coming west. He bought 160 acres of school land in section thirty-six, where he may be still found. Mr. Graves has been an influential man in town, and secured the organization of the school district, and the establishment of the Highland Post-office, of which he was the first Postmaster. He was the first Justice of the Peace there when the State was organized, and retained the position for several years; was County Commissioner for one year, and Superintendent of Schools while this was a separate office for each town.

John Anderson arrived in June, 1856, and surrounded a claim in sections twenty -six and thirtyfive. He came from Norway via Wisconsin, where he had sojourned nearly ten years.

Martin S. Anderson found his way here and secured tracts of land in sections twenty -three and twenty HEdx. He has been a leading man, a public officer and a soldier, and will be more fully mentioned.

until coming here. His wife was Ellen McCarty. They had five children. His wife died on the 12th of July, 1881. In 1856, he wended his way up the Koot Biver to section nine and resolutely surrounded a claim with $5 in his pocket, and went to work for himself and for his neighbors, and made every blow count As showing what work will accomplish, he had at one time 1,800 acres of land, and when the railroad came he was offered $7,000 in cash for one eighty, which was rejected. John, his son, lives north of the mill in Whalan. He has been one of the leading men of the town, and is most highly respected.

Con. Desmond secured a large tract of land in section- three near the river, in the spring of 1856. He was a single man, and put up a rude hut with a straw roof, put. in five acres of corn, and secured a bountiful yield, and in the fall built a more comfortable residence, using some of the bark from the deserted Indian village. In about three years he secured a partner (tf his joys and sorrows, in the person of Miss Bridget Leary, of Caledonia. He was a native of Cork, coming to America in 1849, and here from Missouri, as above related.

Holver Eittleson was an early comer, and secured 160 acres in section one. He lived there alone till married in 1859, and started on the unknown journey on the 15th of September, 1866. He left a son. Kittle Kittleson.

Ole Mikkleson. In the fall of 1855, this hardy pioneer secured 160 acres in section one, where he still lives, having reared a fine family of children.

Osnian Johnson came from Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1858, and took a farm in section twenty - two. He did honorable service during the war, in the Nineteenth Wisconsin Regiment. Was in Libby prison and Airdersonville. He returned, and still lives on his place.

Patrick Gribbin. This energetic son of Erin was bom on St. Patrick's day, 1817, came to New York in 1832, and to Brownsville, Houston county, in 1856, and thence to Sheldon, near the head of Badger Creek, but sold out about a year after and c^me on to Holt, locating on sections twenty -eight and twenty-nine, where Tim Lynch now lives. In 1868, this was sold, and in company with his brother, Peter, secured the site for the mill which they put up in section twenty -one.

29fch of March, 1856, a son of John Johnsou Rodeback. The first child of American parentage was Charles O. Graves, son of N. A Graves. This native Minnesotian is n(»w Chairman of the board of Sapervisors of his native town. The first Representative to the Legislature was George J. 0nstine, now keeping a hotel at Bushford.

At first the present towns of Holt and Norway were organized together as one town and called Douglas. Whether the bluffs and ridges suggested to some Scotch resident the Grampian Hills, or the distinguished native American of African descent of that name, or what is more likely, the enthusiastic Stephen A. Douglas, who about that time was fighting for squatter sovereignty, was intended to be honored, it perhaps matters little at this day, particularly, as when the town was divided this name was cancelled, or rather,* to be more exact, the division of the town was made in 1860, and the town of Norway created from the eastern half, a regular government township of thirtv-siz sections.

When the new town was set olT, of course, in . equity, it would be liable for its share of the public indebteduess, so in March, 1861, a settlement wae secured and Norway paid over to the mother town her share of the liabilities, which was $2.69.

The west side of the town, in what is now Holt, was quite well settled with English speaking people, who dominated in town aflairs, as the east part, which now constitutes the town of Norway, was peopled by Scandinavians.

The organization of the town of Douglas dates from the 11th of May, 1858, the time arranged by the Legislature of the new State for town organizations. The name of Douglas drops out of sight in 1862, which was the probable result of a law of the State forbidding that more than one town should bear the same name, as there is in this case a Douglas in Dakota county.

The officers elected were: Supervisors, G. J. Onstine, Chairman, Patrick Gribbin, and Simon Thompson; Clerk, Niles Carpenter; Collector, John Russell; Overseers of Highways and Bridges, John Peace, N. A. Graves, and Andrew S. By holt; Overseer or the Poor, H. M. Onstine; Constables, John

The officers of the town elected on the 14th of March, 1882, are asfoUow^: Supervisors, Charles O. Graves, Chairman, Olaf O. Lee, and Andrew Lai*8on; Town Clerk, A. Backman; Treasurer, John Streeter; Assessor, M. S. AndeFSon; Justices of the Peace, M. F. Terwilliger and Michael Lynch; Constable, Mons Anderson.

At first the town was divided into four school districts, each representing a quarter of the territory. In 1871, a new district was formed, and according to the county rule it became No. 167, which represented the whole number of schools in the county at that date. This new district wastaken in part from No. 32 and partly from No. 33, and was located in the south part of the town.

Dlstrktt No. 32. - The location of the school house is on section twenty -five. The district embraces the southeast comer of the town and was the first organized. In the winter of 1857, Mr. N. A. Graves carried the petition for the establishment of the district to Preston on snow shoes. The following spring a log house was put up by voluntary subscriptions of material and work. At the first school about forty pupils got together in the 18x20 building. The first to wield the rod of authority being Helen Chambers. About ten years afterwards a frame building was constructed and still remains.

District No. 72. - ^This is the Whalan Village School, and was commenced soon after the mill was put in operation, in a shanty just east of Dyer's store. Miss Julia O'Brien was the earliest instructor. In 1870, the present building was erected, it is a frame structure, 28x38 feet, with a cupola and bell, patent seats, globes, maps and other modern paraphernalia, to assist in mental development. The cost of the building was $1,200. The first teacher here was Miss P. Reppey. There are about fifty scholars in attendance now.

Dlstriot No. 34. - ^The school thus designated embraces the north east comer of the town. Late in the sixties this district was created, and Miss Delia Adams undertook to teach mental archery in the house of Holver Kittleson. Ater a while a log house, 14x18 feet, was built, mostly by sub-

Uolt Townsuip

District No. 167. - ^As already stated this district was ushered into existence in 1871. The school house was of logs and was sided over. Anton Cleaver was the architect and bailder. The first teacher was John Qninn.

DiSTMOT No. 33. - The location of the schoolhouse is on section twenty-nine, and it accomodates the pupils in the southwest part of the town. The first building was a subscription one of logs. In 1877, a good frame building with a cupola, modem seats, and educational appliances was supplied. The dimensions of the building ai*e 20x30 feet, with a front hall 10x10 feet. The cost was $800.

In 1868, this mill was constructed; it is located in section twenty-one and is of stone, forty feet square, and is driven by water which turns a turbine wheel. The mill contained two run of stones and worked through about eighty bushels a day. It had bolting apparatus and made excellent flour. This mill was struck by the western fever in 1880, and the old machinery was taken out and consigned to Moody county, Dakota. It wss built by Peter & Patrick Gribbin who were equal partners. In 1869, Patrick gave his share to his sou James, and the mill was thus run until 1880, when James sold to his partner Peter. After the machinery was removed Patrick bought the land and re>naining property. Peter Gribbin foUowed the machinery west.

This interest began to receive attention in quite an extensive way in 1879, when G. W. Shattuck sent for some seed, and dividing with his neighbors planted a number of acres and produced 1,200 gallons of syrup. The Shattuck Brothers bought a 'Oreat Western miU" and a **Cook evaporator," and the second year produced about 1,600 gallons of good syrup. In 1881, a larger mill was procured and an evaporating pan sixteen feet long, and 2,000 gallons were made. There are one or two other mills in town.

The village is for the most part in section nine, although, being in the form of a Greek cross, one of the arms extends west into section eight and one south into section sixteen. The land where the village is located was originally owned by Mr. John Whaalahan, as he spelled his name, and still does, but usage dropped the redundant a*s and an h, and it became Whalan. The land was presented to the railroad company on condition of having a station here, and that, of the village lots, Mr. Whaahalan should have every twentieth.

The first house was built the season that the railroad reached this point, in 1868, by J. D. Cameron. Its location was opposite where Dyer's store now is, and was kept as a hotel for a year or BO, then as a warehouse for grain, but is now fitted up and used as a tenement.

The same season a store was opened by Carr k Smith. In the course of a year or two Smith out to Carr, and in 1871, he sold to Mr. A. Ward, who kept it until his death in the spring of 1879, and the establishment is now managed by his wife.

During that season the hotel was erected by Canfield & Crowl, the former being a brother of the present proprietor. After one or two changes of proprietorship it fell into the hands of Nelson Canfield, the present owner.

The first officers were: President, John Bussell; Clerk, Andrew Backman; Treasurer, Page Downing; Council, G. H. Dyer, Andrew Hanson, and G^eorge Downing.

The present officers are: President, G. H. Dyer; Clerk, A. Backman; Treasurer, D. F. Jones; Council, N. Canfield, C. Nelson, and John Streeter.

The Stone MiliL. - This is located about a half mile east of the village, on section sixteen, and was built by J. F. & H. Walker in the spring of 1868, the site of the mill being donated by Mr. D. Whaalahan, Sr. It is of stone, and 30x40 feet ; it has a basement and one and one-half stories, and was completed in the fall of 1868. It contained a single run of stones, with separators, bolts, etc. In the fall of 1870, it was burned, leaving the walls, however, in good condition

Mr. J. F. Walker had, the year before, sold his interest to his brother, who had in turn sold to Mr. Guthwright, who had made only a partial payment, and wLen it was burned his interest reverted to Mr. Walker. The mill was again roofed in, and two years later it was sold to the present owner and former partner, J. F. Walker, who fins ished repairing the mill, put in two run of stones, with rolls, Eureka smutter, corn sheller, and other improyemente, giving it the ability to deliver fifty bushels a day. The power is from a fall of twentyeight feet, which realizes thirty horse-power, delivered by a Lafelle turbine wheel.

WHATiAN MUiiiS. - This mill was put up in 1870, by Onstine, Jones & Co. It is two and a half stories with a basement. Two years later it was sold to Williams, Fall & Co., and it is now owned and operated by Williams, Cargill & Fall, and superintended by William F. Nelson, who was at one time a part owner. In 1881, the great milling revolution overtook this mill, and it was transformed into a first-class roller mill, on the Hungarian plan, capable of producing 150 barrels of flour a day. It has eleven sets of rolls and two run of stones, with corresponding machinery, appliances, and fixtures to secure the best results known to the present science and art of milling.

Mr. Williams is one of the earliest millers in the' State, and the other partners are thoroughly practical, each in his own department. The power is from the Root River, that very Prince of waterpower streams, and there is sufficient right here, to run a second mill of like capacity.

Blacksmithing. - The first son of Vulcan to manipulate the glowing iron was Louis Anderson who erected his forge opposite the harness shop. After hammering away for three years, he sold to Comelious Nelson who razed the institution to the ground, and built a residence which he still occupies.

Soon after the first shop was started another * building was put up and a second fire kindled by Olson & Russell. In 1876, this was purchased by Andrew Hanson who kept the fire burning, and the anvil ringing for three years on that side of the street, when it got over on the other side where it still is, welded to the interests of the village.

Mr. George Dyer, in 1866, erected a store, and is now the oldest trader here, except Mrs. Ward, who succeeded her husband as above mentioned. Mr. Dyer keeps a general assortment of goods, carrying good stocks of groceries, dry goods, hardware, drugs, etc.

The first drug store, and the one now in operation, was opened in 1873, by Weiser k Ring. Mr. Ring soon became the sole owner, who soon after sold to the present owner, A. Backman.

The same season, 1868, when the village started, another store was built by Joseph Olson and Thomas Anderson. It was rented to John Iverson who kept it up to 1869, and then moved to a store opposite Mr. Dyer, which had been put up by Mr. J. Whaalahan, but the business was closed out about a year afterwards. Since that time this store has been occupied by quite a procession of merchants, among them may be mentioned the following: Johnson & Peterson, Ole Osten, Greaser & Co., J. Walker, John Russell, Mr. Downing, and John Streeter. The last mentioned began in 1878, bat has since moved to a building formerly used as a saloon, and located next west of the hotel where he keeps a stock of general merchandise.

Whalan Lutheban Evangelical Society

An organization of this church was effected in 1874, by Rev. Er. Magelssen. The first Trustees were: Ole Stenson, Jacob Olson, and Andrew Anderson; Clerk, Cornelius Nelson; Treasurer, Peter Paulson; Mr. Magelssen continued to brejak the bread of the word to them until 1879, when Rev. Paul Gotaas took his place and he still remains.

The present officers of the church are: Trustees, S. Stenson, Anton Anderson, and Isaac Isaacson; Clerk, Cornelius Nelson; Treasurer, P. Paulson. No church building has yet been erected.

Post-Opfick

This was early established with John Carr us the Postmaster, and was opened in the store of Carr & Smith. When Mr. Ward became the storekeeper, the mail key was turned over to him. J. Walker has since been Postmaster, and it was finally moved to the drug store, and Dr. Ring became the Postmaster. A. Backman is the incumbent now and has held the place since 1879.

Whalan Oobnbt Bakd

This ajsthetic institution began its musical vibrations in the spring of 1878. The leader was Anton Hanson who manipulated the E. flat comet. H. J. Ring fingered the 1st B. flat, and Andrew Hanson the 2nd B. flat; J. A. Van Lieu, the 1st Alto; C. Canfield, 2d Alto; Anton Anderson, Tenor; A. Backman, Tuba; P. Brennan, Bass drum and cymbals; James Brown, Snare drum. The number is now reduced to seven members, Mr. Hanson is still the leader.

Hiohland Villaob

The village, as it now exists, is made up of two general stores, one blacksmith shop, one harness shop, a Lutheran church, a Jiotel, and quite a number of residences. A northeast and southwest road intersects the section line road at this point, and N. A. Graves and Andrew Shattuck, who had farms here, realizing the need of a blacksmith shop, induced Christian Flohr to locate here, by each donating a piece of land, the one for a residence and the other for a shop. This was in 1860, and he kept hammering away until 1872, when the shop was disposed of to Westley & Olson, who had a short time before started a rival concern. After some years Olson sold out to Westley who atill carries it on alone.

In 1866, a store was started by two Norsk brothers, Ole & James Gjermuudson, in the house built by the first blacksmith for a residence. They kept it running for about eighteen months and sold to Onstine & Jones. Two years later it was disposed of to Graves k Son, who kept up the stock for a year when it was turned over to Mr. Rye, who at the end of a year failed in business.

Some time in 1880, the store was rented to J. D. Elliot who, in 1882, sold his stock of goods to OhristianBon & Ck)., who are the present proprietors.

HighijAnd Post-office. - Mr. N. A. Graves procured the establishment of a Post-office in 1857, and was the first Postmaster. The office was at his residence up to 1861, when the place was given to Mr. Shattuck. After one year it went to the store of Jones & Onstine, and it has since been kept there, Mr. A. D. Elliot is the present Postmaster.

When first established, the mail was brought by different persons for some time until a route was opened from LaCresent by the way of Hokah, Houston, Dedham or Yucatan, Highland, and Preston, the carrier making the trip weekly, and not unfrequently on foot when the roads were impassable for teams. Since the railroads the service has been daily.

Highland Luthrban Evanoblicaij Church. - In 1867, the society was organized by Andrew Shay with fourteen members. Before this time service had been held iu private houses. Mr.

Shattuck donated a lot, and a church was built, which is a neatly painted frame building, 30x50 feet, with a spire, but as yet no bell. Mr. Shay remained for five or six years when he was succeeded by Rev. G. C. Wright. This church is attended by Amherst people in considerable numbers.

The ViliLaoe Pump. - One of the institutions of the village is the Well,which, if it should escape notice here, the slight would probably never be forgiven or condoned. This was completed in December, 1870, and previous to this time the dependence for water was upon cisterns, surface ponds, and the creek, a mile distant. This well is situated in the public street and is sixty feet deep, the last thirty -seven being through solid rock, and the cost was l$200, one half of which was borne by Mr. Shattuck and the rest by other citizens. In this region there are but a few other wells, and they are 200 or more feet in depth.

John Anderson, a native of Norway, was bom in the province of Bergen on the 12th of January, 1813. He was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Ellinson in 1844. She was bom the 18th of Noveml^r, 1821. They came to America in 1847, and located on a farm in Wisconsin, about twentyfive miles from Milwaukee. In June, 1856, they removed to this township, where Mr. Anderson purchased land upon which he has since resided. Mrs. Anderson died on the 3d of October, 1864, leaving nine children, six of whom are now living; Betsey, Carrie, Annie, Maria, Ellen, and Josephine Anderson. Andrew died in the army in 1864, and Annie and Josephine on the 17th of March, 1867. Mr. Anderson's present wife was Miss Mary Paulson, who was born on the 24th of December, 1837, The result of this marriage is one child, P. A. Gundersen.

Andrew Backman is a native of Norway, bora on the 14th of June, 1854. His parents left the '-Old Country" and landed in Quebec the 5th of June, 1866; thence to Chicago, Milwaukee, and finally to La Crosse. In 1867, they came to Rushford and erected a house, in which he boarded the men engaged in the construction of the Southern Minnesota railroad. In December, 1871, they moved to Lanesboro, and Andrew was engaged in drug stores there and at Preston until 1875. In the latter year he was married to Miss Jane King, the oeremonj taking place at Bushford on the 6th of August. The same fall they moved to Mankato, and in 1877,* to Whalan. For about a year he had charge of his present drag store; then purchased the same and has since continued in the business. Mr. Backman has been Justice of the Peace one year, Town Clerk four years, and Postmaster for the past three years. He has three children; J. Ogden, Henry S., and Alpha O.

Nelson Canfield was bom in Tompkins county, New York, on the 15th of October, 1817. Since the age of sixteen years he has spent a great amount of time traveling. His first voyage was on a whaling expedition, touching the coast of New Zealand, the Sandwich Islands, thence around Cape Horn and home, thus making the entire circuit of the globe. He then embarked on a merchant vessel, sailed to Africa, thence to the Islands of St. Thomas and St. Helena, where he visited the grave of Napoleon Bonaparte. He then made a trip to the Indian Ocean, engaged in catching sea elephants and seals. He afterward made a trip to Brazil, two to the West Indies, two to Germany, and several to England. In 1844, he left the sea, and for two years was on the Lakes between Buffalo and Chicago. He was joined in matrimony with Miss Jane Dunham, of Cortland county, New York, in 1856. They settled in Jackson county, Iowa, in 1864, but the following year came to Minnesota, locating in Saratoga, Winona county. Mr. Canfield came to this place in 1876, and purchased the Whalan House, of which he is now the proprietor. He is the father of a large family, in whom he takes just pride. Herman, the eldest, is a farmer in Winona; Alvin, an engineer of the St. Paul& Sioux City railroad; Augusta is the wife of Neil Currier, who owns a grist-mill in Murray county where they live; Nettie, the wife of William Culbertson, resides in this town; Jennie married Albert Culbertson, and also lives in this place; Nelson, Jr., is telegraph operator at Winnebago; Charles teaches school in this county; Annie is the wife of F. Fancett, agent for a machine company at Belleville, Illinois; and Robert, the youngest, is the telegraph operator here and resides at home.

to Lime Rock, Litchfield county, Coniiecticnt, where he was engaged in an iron foundry and blast furnace. During his residence in the latter place he was married to Miss Margaret Irving. In 1857, tbey moved to Lake county, Ohio, and in 1875, to this place, locating on a farm in section twenty-one. Mr. and Mrs. Dikeman have bad seven children, four of whom are living ; Wallace W. owns a farm near his father^s; Josephine married J. F. Walker, who owns a mill in this place; Helen died when quite young ; Alice is the wife of George Burt, of St. Leo, Yellow Medidne ooonty; H. Elizabeth married Henry Griswold and died in 1875, while at her father^s house, leaving one child, Arthur, now residing with his grandparents; Hortense married Gteorge Cooley, and died in July, 1881 ; and Agnes is still at home.

George H. Dyer, one of the representative men of Fillmore county, and the leading merchant of Whalan, was bom in Westerlo, Albany county, New York, on the 10th of January, 1816. His father, George H. Dyer, was born in Rhode Island, and moved to New Yor^ in 1794. He married Mrs. Niokerson, whose maiden name was Hannah Jones, a neioe of Commodore Jones. The family moved to Oneida county in 1833, where George, the subject of our sketch, was married to Miss Ann Eliza Dana in 1840. He was engaged in farming a few years; then began his mercantile career in Empyville, continued in the same one year, and returned to his farm near his old home. His wife died in 1858, leaving eight children. In 1860, he married Miss Rebecca Murdock, who died eighteen months later. In 1861, he removed to Palatine, Cook county, Illinois, and three years later to Minnesota, locating a farm in Houston county. Mr. Dyer was united in matrimony with Mrs. Nancy Wilber in 1865. In 1867, he opened a general store in the viUage of Houston, and four years later transferred the same to his son Dwight C, who now carries on the business. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer came to Whalan in 1871. He erected his present store the same year, keeping a general line of groceries, dry goods, hardware, etc. He was a member of the first village council, and is now the President; has also held other local offices. His grandfather, Charles Dyer, was a native of Rhode Island, and distinguished himself as major in the battle of Bunker Hill, in consequence of which he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, and engaged in a number of important battles. The father of the latter was born in Belfast, Ireland, and among the early settlers of Rhode Island. He was Captain in the British navy in the war against the French, in which he was severely wounded in the face and discharged in consequence. Mr. Dyer has a sister, Miss Elsie Dyer, living in Houston. His only brother died when young, in Albany county, New York.

Chablbs a. Graves, who was the first American white child bom in this township, dates his birth the 20th of December, 1856. He resided with his parents until the fall of 1876, when he was married to Miss Ada M. Otis, whose father, Joseph Otis, was one of the early settlers in Bushford and now resides in Moody county, Dakota Territory, where he is County Surveyor. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of two children, Charles E. and George Philip. His brother, Lewis O. Graves, was born in Cayuga county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1849. He came to this place with his parents in 1856. In 1869 and '70, he was in company with his father in a store at Highland; then purchased the farm upon which he now lives. He was joined in matrimony with Miss Helen Pennock, in December, 1872. They have one child, Irving.

MiKKEii Hansen was bom in Norway, on the 13th of January, 1838. He came to America in 1869, directly to Minnesota, and bought land in section two, Holt township. He was married to Miss Anna Olson in 1872. Their children are, Hans, Ole and Theodore.

Austin Ingbbrbtbon is a native of Norway, bom the 19th of April, 1825. He came to America in the year 1862, and located in section eleven in this township. In 1853, he married Miss Julia Swenson. The result of the union is eight children; Ellen, wife of Mikkel Holverson, residing in Yellow Medicine county; Carrie, living in Granite Falls; Banda, at Minneapolis; Lizzie, Margaret) Svend, Holver, andlngebret, ar^ still at home.

John L. Ivbbson is a son of Lars Iverdon Berg, who was bom in Norway, in 1825. When he was quite young he commenced teaching school, and in 1845, engaged on a merchant vessel trading between Bergen and seaport towns south of it, continuing in the business until the ship was wrecked. John was bom in Norway on the 18th of January, 1852, and when two years old came with bis parents to America. They located in

Dane county, Wisconsin, where Mr. Berg was engaged in teaching school until 1857, when they moved to Pilot Mound. In 1868, they came to this township, and purchased land in section twenty-nine. Mr. Berg died in the spring of 1869, since which time John has carried on the farm. He was married in June, 1870, to Miss Begnilde Eermansdatter, who died the following autumn, leaving one child. Amanda Johnson was the maiden name of his present wife, whom he married in December, 1872. The result of the marriage is three children. Mr. Iverson held the office of constable for two years.

OsMAN Johnson is a native of Norway, bom on the 2d of February, 1828. He was married a short time before coming to America, in 1854. They located in Wisconsin, and remained until 1858, when they moved to Holt township, settling in section twenty-two, which has since been their home. In 1862, Mr. Johnson enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Murfreesborough, after which he was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison, but in a short time was exchanged and returned to his regiment. In the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded, again taken prisoner and confined nineteen months, during which time he suffered greatly for want of food and water. He was Ulcerated on the 28th of April, 1865, and returned to his home in this place.

David F. Jones, a native of New Jersey, was born on the 2d of January, 1838. When he was about eight years old his parents moved to Ohio. David came to Minnesota in 1858, and located in this township, in section thirty-six. In 1868, he engaged in business in company with H. M. Onstine, at Highland, and continued two years; then built the Whalan mills, which he operated two years, since which time he has been dealing in grain. Mr. Jones held the office of Town Clerk a number of years, Constable five years, Justice of the Peace for five years, and was Town Treasurer for a time. On the 13th of May, 1858, he was married to Miss Alvira A. Ward.

HoLVER KiTTEii.soN, dcccascd, was bom in Norway on the 27th of November, 1828. He came to America in 1853, and settled near Madison, Wisconsin, remained about tr^o years and moved to this township. In 1859, he married Miss Isabel Olson, who died four years later, leaving one child, Kittel H., bom the 2d of April, 1861. Miss

Isabel Johnson became his wife in the autumn of 1864. On the 15th of September, 1866, Mr. Kittelson died, and is bnried in the Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Norway.

WiiiiiiAM H. Mitchell is a son of Catherine (Evans) and J. D. B. Mitchell, the latter of whom was bom in New Haven, Connecticut. He acquired a fortune in the city of New York in the manufacture of quill pens. When the steel pen was invented he gave up his business and went to England where he was married. After a residence of eight years there, he returned with his wife to America, settling in New York City. Four years later they came to Wisconsin where they were among the early settlers. William was bom in Woodland, Sauk county, on the 29th of July, 1855. His father, who was one of the prominent business men, and hel l a number of important offices in the latter place, died on the 22d of December, 1866. Mr. Mitchell and his mother came to this place in 1878. On the 25th of August, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Shattuck. Their children are Effie and Aurelia. Mr. Mitchell was Postmaster of Highland for one year, and in 1880, opened a harness shop to which he has since added a general store. His mother now resides with him.

Charles Miohalson is a native of Norway and came to America with his parents in 1855. They resided in Wisconsin two years, then came to this township and settled in section one. In the spring of 1867, Charles was married to Miss Sarah Hanson and removed to the farm adjoining his father's. Their children are Banda H., Hans, Ole, Oliver, and Bertha M.

Ole Mikkelsen was bom in Norway on the 10th of March, 1810. He came to America in 1853, locating in Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1855, moved to Holt township and took land in section one where he has since lived. Before leaving his native country he was married to Miss Betsey Kittelson. Their children are, Helen, who married Ole Gunderson and died in 1864, leaving two children, Gander and Carrie; Mikkel, who is married and lives near his father; Betsey, the wife of Tolof Olson, lives in Arendalil ; Isabel married Charles Gunderson and resides in Bushford; and Anna, who married IVlikkel Hansen, lives near her father.

thirteen years old and was engaged in farming and at the cooper trade, coming to America in 1869. The two years following he was engaged on the railroad in Iowa. On the 28th of November, 1871, he was joined in marriage with Miss Bea Thompson. They came to this town in 1873, Mr. Nelson taking charge of the cooper shop connected with the Whalan Mills. He is one of the prominent business men and a member of the village council.

Knud Olson is a native of Norway, bom the 13th of September, 1810. He learned the shoemaker's trade when eighteen years old, after which he was in military servioq for five years. On the 26th of December, 1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Bereth Knudson. Mr. Olson, with his wife and four children, emigrated to America in the spring of 1853, and two years later the remainder of the family, four children, joined them in Wisconsin. In the spring of 1856, they drove an ox team to this place and took a claim in section twenty-three. The older children were employed by the farmers, and Mr. Olson was engaged in manufacturing Wooden bowls which he sold to the settlers, and thus kept his family from want. The following year they raised a good crop and have since been prospered. His son, Christian, enlisted in Company K, of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Yolnnunteer Infantry, participated in the battle of Chickamauga and others, was confined in the Libby and Andersonville prisons, in the latter of which he died in consequence of hardship and want

Henry M. Onstine was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 14th of September, 1838. He oame with his parents to Wisconsin when he was ten years old, and to Fillmore county in 1853, locating in Canton. Three years later they moved to Douglas, Olmsted county, whe^re the father died the 27th of January, 1859. Henry remained in the latter place till 1869, when he came to Highland, Holt township, and, in company with D. F. Jones, opened a general mercantile store. Onstine and Jones removed to Whalan about 1870, and with Mr. Bussell built the Whalan Mills and a store, continuing for several years. Since selling his interest in the latter business, Mr. Onstine has been engaged in farming. He is at present one of the viUage council, has held the office of Town Clerk, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and in 1875 and 76 represented this district in the State Legislature. His children are Laura L. and Allen B.

AiiBEBT J. Parker was born in Wales, Erie county, New York, on the Ist of October, 1833. He lived at home on his father's farm which he finally purchased. In 1858, he came to this township with J. Russell and pre-empted land, but soon returned home. He married Miss Mary Adams on the 21st of October, 1861. Mr. Parker returned to this place in 1869, and bought a farm of George Onstine in section twenty-five, where he now lives, and upon which he has a good house, bam, etc. He is engaged in stock-raising and has fine horses and cattle.

Andrew Shattuck was bom in Grafton county. New Hampshire, on the 4tli of July, 1823. When he was young his parents moved to Vermont, located in Irasburgh, Orleans county, and in 1840 to St. Lawrence county. New York. He came west in 1848, resided in Indiana a year and a half; thence to Loraine county, Ohio. While in the latter place he married Miss Julia A. Graves, the ceremony taking place the 28th of June, 1853. They came to Fillmore county in 1859, settling on a farm in section thirty-five, Holt township, where he has since resided. Mrs. Shattuck died in August, 1877, leaving eight children; Julia E., George W., Andrew J., Frederick W., Rosa E., Adelbert. N., Alice 0., and Abbie M. Julia, the eldest, married William Mitchell and lives in the village of Highland. Andrew, Sen. has held the oflBces of Town Treasurer and Supervisor, and has also done much towards the growth of the town. He was Postmaster from 1861 to 1868.

Marshal F. Terwilliger is a son of John Terwilliger, who was one of the first settlers in Elmira, New York, born in Ulster county in 1789. He served in the war of 1812, and died on the 26th of October, 1857. Marshal was bora in Elraira on the 22d of December, 1838. He remained at home until coming west in 1867. Miss Rel)ecca J. Weed became his wife on the 12th of September, 1860. The result of the union is two children, Charles and Nora. They came to Fillmore county and resided in Leiiora for one year; thence to this township which has since been their home. Mr. Terwilliger held the office of Town Clerk several years and has been Justice of the Peace for the past eight years.

J. F. Walker, a native of Lake county, Ohio, is a son of Tyler Walker who now lives with J. F. He was bom in Croydon, New Hampshire, on the 12th of May, 1794, and served in the war of 1812. He is a blacksmith by trade and came to Lake county, Ohio, in 1837. In 1862, Mr. Walker, the subject of our sketch, vas married to Miss Josephine Dikeman. He came to Holt township in 1869, and with his brother built the "Stone Mill," nearWhalac. He then returned to Ohio and in 1872, brought his family to this place. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have two children, Helen May and Franklin H.

AiiFRED Ward, deceased, was a native of England, born the 22d of Fel)ruary, 1818. His parents came to Canada when he was thirteen years old. In 1840, he went to Philadelphia and opened a restaurant. In 1845, he made a trip through this county up as far as St. Paul, and it is said the only white man he saw was a Norwegian who lived near Greenfield in this county. Mr. Ward located in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1848, and engaged in farming. On the 10th of August, 1852, he was united in marriage with Misa Amanda M. F. Bigelow, a great-niece of Ethan Allen. They moved to Winneshiek coimty, Iowa, and two years later to Charles City; thence to Floyd, where the family remained while Mr. Ward made a trip to California. On his return he sold his property and moved to Riceford, Houston county; thence to Amherst, Fillmore county, where he opened a store and establiseed the Postoffice in 1867. In 1871, he came to this place and opened the store which, since his death, his wife has continued. He died on the 5th of March, 1879.