Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 55, 1882

Chapter 55

The town with this oriental name is the second on the southern tier from Houston county, with Newburg on the east, Iowa on the south, Harmony on the west, and Amherst on the north. It has the regular thirty-six sections of a government town.

The township is particularly adapted to tillage purposes and stock raising, as it is well watered with springs, yielding water of great purity, and in abundance. The soil is varied and of superior quality, while the timber and stone is ample for home use, although a largo part of the whole town is under a high state of cultivation. In the northeast part Eichland Prairie comes down into the town to the vicinity of Lenora, while in the extreme southern part, a narrow strip of Looking Glass Prairie is found. North of this the first settler found burr, oak openings, with a scattering but fair growth. Since the suppression of the fires the timber has been gradually encroaching on the prairie. But this has been arrested by the cultivation of the land, and the whole western part of the town has been transformed into a beautiful prairie dotted with charming groves. Along the central part of the eastern town line it is more broken, with occasional stony points, and with heavier timber. The northern and southern parts of the town have a dark loam, while the remainder is of a clayish nature and very productiue. The **8ink holes" in this town are quite numerous.

A stranger coming into the town would not fail to notice the fine buildings and well kept farms which give such an air of thrift and prosperity to the inhabitants, who maintain the front rank in modes of farming. The creameries are well supplied, and stock raising is rapidly absorbing remunerative attention. It is really a model township.

Eablt Settlement

It is not unlikely that the town of Oanton received the first white settler in the county, in the person of Albert Nichols, who came by the way of Iowa, and secured land and a home in sections twenty -five and thirty-six on the 7th or 8th of March, 1851, and remained through the following winter, it is supposed, the solitary inhabitant of Fillmore county, a veritable Alexander Selkirk

He was from the state of New York, and appreciated the value of wood and water, which he had seen wanting in so many places during his prospecting. While he secured his wood and water he got very poor land. He was an active, pushing man, built the first saw-mill hereabouts, was an active politician and remained in town until the year 1860, when he moved to the vicinity of Windom, in Jackson county.

In the spring of 1852, other settlers began to appear, among them the Kingsbury brothers, four in number; S. V., John, Martin, and Charles, from New York State, who oame direct from Bockford, Illinois, with teams, and selected their farms near the town line of Newburg. S. V. Kingsbury secured the south half of the southwest of section eighteen, on which he put up a shanty in the spring of 1853, and has since made his home there.

John Kingsbury staked off a claim at the same time, but made no improvements then, moving up to Carimona; returning, however, the next year and taking a farm in section thirteen, where he has since resided.

Charles Kingsbury took his claim just east of the town line, in Newburg, and the brothers all lived together there the first winter, but his place was soon sold.

It is evident that two men, whose names are said to have been Washburn, had located on section two and been frightened away by the Indians, as they had left evidences of improvement, but were gone in 1852.

At this early day there was a land claimant here who rivaled the heirs of Jonathan Carver in his pretensions. His habitation was just south of where Lenora now is, and in addition to the 160 acres around his cabin, he claimed thousands of acres and proceeded to stand guard over it with a shot gun, threatening to shoot any man who should presume to drive a stake anywhere in his vast domain. He was a regular ''bulldozer,'' although this was long before the coining of that graphic word. His pretensions were based upon the right of conquest or discovery, as he declared that he had hunted all over this region before the advent of other white men. In humble imitation of the civilized nations of the globe, he succeeded in making his claims so far respected that he realized quite handsomely from his methods. He sold 400 acres to Elijah Austin, besides many others to the new comers. He was a married man, coming from Wisconsin, and had raised a family, and after some years he left for pastures new, still further west, but his remains now occupy a lot the ordinary length and breath of a human form.

Godfrey Wolford was a character who put in an appearance in the summer of 1852, from Ohio, with his wife and children, and stuck his stakes in section twenty- three, in the southeast quarter, on what is now the farm of George A. Bacon, Jr. Here he lived and worked and fished and hunted, and told his stories for eight or ten years, and then went to Martin county, where he died in 1881.

In 1853, there were quite a number of accessions to the town, among them Nelson Darhng arrived in the spring and went on to section twelve, but after a year or two removed to Newburg.

B. F. Tillotson came with the Onstine party and took land in Amherst, but his house was south of the town line, and in Canton. Tillotson married Hannah Onstine, and became a prominent man who is elsewhere mentioned. His farm finally became the County Poor farm.

from Monroe county, Wisconsin, in 1853. His land was in sections eleven and fifteen. He was one of the first County Commissioners appointed by the Governor, was the first Postmaster in town, and in all respects a prominent man. In about 1856, he removed to the vicinity of Faribault, and afterwards farther west.

Shortly after Nichols settled, Archibald Donald took quite a tract of land in the eastern part of section thirty-six. He came from Scotland and remained awhile in Milwaukee, but in 1852, came to this town and remained until death, which was by drowning, at Preston, in 1865. Four of his sons are successful farmers in town. Most of the early settlers are gone.

In the southwestern part of the town another settlement was commenced in 1853, coming from Moline, Illinois, headed by Captain Julius Elliott, the founder of ElUota village. The year before be had come up the Mississippi to Wild Cat Bluff, and thence west as far as this region, which pleased him so much that he returned, and was instrumental in bringing quite a colony, among them Matthew Williams and Mr. Syford, who came with a team, biinging lumber from Iowa. Elliott took the southwest quarter of section thirty -two. Williams quarrelled with the others and went to Houston county, where he afterwards nourished as a defaulting County Treasurer. Syford remained on section thirty-three for about seven years, when he went to Kansas. Captain Elliott brought his family here in May. Bobert Armstrong, the only remaining one of this colony, took the southwest quarter of section thirtythree, where his home has since been.

William Marley and Mathias Heard came also from MoUne with six yoke of oxen, some cows and other stock. They had been river men on the lower Mississippi. Heard secured a place in section thirty-one, but afterwards sold and went to Harmony, and finally to Kansas, where he is now. Marley located in section thirty -one, and afterwards in section twenty-nine. He was a native of

Elder William Bly planted himself in the southeast quarter of section thirty-two. He was a preacher, but not a member of this colony. He soon sold to Charles B. Kimball, whose widow now lives on the place. These settlements occurred in 1853.

Silas Pennock got here in 1854, and stationed himself where "he has since lived. He is now one of the very oldest settlers in Canton. Up to 1857 there was quite a rush of men seeking homes in the then "Far West."

Prominent among the pioneers not already mentioned who came in and located in the alx)ve region, should be named James M. Graham, Dr. J. M. Wheat, the present State Senator, Elder Dyer, John Jacobson, Lyman Seelye, George Mc- Master, Mr. Bryant, William Armstrong, Wheeler Brothers, William and Horace, Patrick McKenny aud others.

EabtjY Births. - There is always more or less rivalry as to the first birth in any town, and in the county, and one is here presented that may upset the rival claims of many who have been anxious for this distinction. David Donald, son of Archibald and Elizabeth Donald, was bom on the 7th of Januajy, 1853. He is married, and lives on liis well-improved farm in sectitm thirty-five.

The First Marriage. - From the most reliable information obtainable, John M. Kingsbury and Cordelia West were united in the bonds of wedlock by Elder William Bly, on the 25th of July, many new listeners should come along. The incident, as here related, is as near the tmtb as will ever be told, unless one should hear "the beards side of the story."

In the fall of 1856, the footprints of a large bear were discovered in the light snow. This at once caused a ripple of excitement, and Warren J. Howell followed the trail to a *^ink hole,^* which, in this case, was perhaps fifteen feet across at the top, and a dozen feet below it became narrow, like a well, with jagged stone sides, which would permit a man or bear to ascend or descend. This part of the shaft was about twenty-five feet deep. A few feet from the bottom was a lateral crevice or pocket about ten feet in extent under the ledge, and here his bearship bad taken refuge. Quite a party bad assembled, and various methods suggested to dislodge this terrible '*ttr«a mttjor,^^ Smoking was resorted to without eflTect, as no current could be, made to carry it to his snug retreat. Finally the remembrance of General Putnam and the wolf came to their relief, and Mr. Howell, strapping his gun to his back, went down, not yet knowing the position of Mr. Bruin. Discovering the cave, he called for a pole and succeeded in punching the animal so that he started to come out, but the way was blocked by the human intrader, who fired and wounded the bear in the shoulder, and also extinguished his light. The proximity was getting uncomfortable, and Mr. Howell suddenly remembered that he wanted to see a man at the mouth of the hole, and so he made no unnecessary delay in getting out. This ended the first round, and first blood was awarded to the man. After the smoke of the l)attle had cleared away, Mr. Howell returned to the fray, and this time the brute was laid low, and after an infinite amount of engineering and tugging and hauling he was brought to the surface, the hero of the encounter escorted to his home, and the bear steak duly distributed. This vertical cavern is about a mile and a half north of Boomer, but has never been thoroitghly explored, and it is possible that it is an entrance to subterranean chambers that may rival the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky.

Another Bear Story. - One day in those early times, Mr. Nichols, who was a redoubtable hunter, was notified that there was a big bear in the brash, so he took his gun and started in pursuit and soon came up with the unsuspecting bmte, as he lay in the thick nnderbruBh, and creeping up within suitable distance, fired, killing the animal at the first shot. On coming up to the spot he found, very much to his chagrin, that it was a black calf belonging to Mr. Grahitm. Here was a dilemma. The question was how to get out of the 8cr«kpe ? His genius proved equal to the emergency. He went around to Mr. Graham and wanted to buy a oalf, and after considerable higgling, succeeded in making the purchase, and then he incautiously told the story, which he ever regretted, as it has often been repeated as a huge joke on him.

Indian Stoky. - In 1862, at the time of that Indian panic among the settlers, John Glass, who lived in the southwest part of the towu, on hearing that the Indians were coming, seized a pitchfork and started for Decorah, and sure enough, as he was making the best of his way in the shadowy darkness, what should confront him but a stalwart Indian right in the patb. Feeling, with the Hil^emian, that the only way to avoid a danger is to meet it square in the face, he charged up<m the enemy, transfixing with bis pitchfork, and breaking tbe tines in a charred and grinning stimip, that had no murder in its wooden heart. Mr. Glass survived the conflict, and returned after his mjisterly retreat, to tell the tale of the fields he had won.

At the meeting to organize tbe town on the lltb of May, 1858, there was a spirited contest over the name, and quite a number were suggested, but the struggle was finally narrowed down to two names, "Elyria," suggested by E. P. Eddy, and that of "Canton" proposed by Fred !Plor. The vote declared in favor of Canton, but the Elyria party gave up reluctantly, and the first town book ordered had this name on it. It thus got on Mr. Bishop^s map, published about that time, but it was never the legal name of the town.

At this election Mr. E. P. Eddy and William S. Marsh were sworn in as judges, and William Willford and S. y. Kingsbury as clerks. The meeting was at the log school house in Lenora. According to the record the following persons were elected, although several parties think there must have been a different result: Supervisors; J. Woodle, Chairman, O. Holmes, and William Marley; Justices of the Peace, Silas Pennock and John Cleghorn; Constables, G. R. Miller and William Wilkinson; Clerk, E. F. Dyer; Assessor, S. V. Kingsbury; Collector, C. B. Kimball; Overseer of the Poor, Reese Hush.

On the records up to 1860, the Dame Elyria is carried along in tbe town books when it is dropped out of sight. There are in town now seventeen road districts.

Railroad Bonds. - In 1879, a projK)8ition was made to lx>nd tbe towD, to assist in the construction of tbe Narrow Gauge railroad. At the first election tbe proposition was rejected by a good round majority, but tbe money must be had in some way, and so a second town meeting was held. The officers of tbe road were deeply interested, particularly those who lived in Preston, and the citizens of tbe couuty seat generally were anxious as to the result, and were well represented at the polls. Carriages were procured to convey the votei-s to the polls, < and tbe point was carried, though there are many | in tbe town who have not cheerfully acquiesced in the result, and still talk of ^intimidation** and ' ^-bulldozing," to mention no harsher charge. There is some satisfaction, however, that there is a railroad, as it furnishes a market right at home without those long **baul8" which so rapidly ab- 5 sorb profits. In the fall of 1879, the town issued i bonds to the amount of $12,000, to assist in building the Narrow Gauge railroad. The bonds bear ; seven per cent, interest and are to run twenty > years unless sooner paid. At the spring election \ in 1882, it was voted to pay $1,000 of the princi- ' pal.

Town Offk^ers fob 1882. - Supervisors, J. R. Nelson, Chairman, G. E. Mabaffey, and George Johnson; Clerk, George W. Harsh; Treasurer, P. H. Harsh; Assessor, S. 8. Willford; Justices of the Peace, C. W. Graham and James Manuel; Constables, J. W. Graham and Conrad Abrahamson. At this meeting the usual vote against granting licenses to sell intoxicating beverages was passed, there being eighteen votes for license and two hundred against it. This town has never permitted saloons and feels proud of the record.

Early Industrial Enterprises

Saw-Mill. - In 1859 or '60, a saw-mill was constructed about twenty rods below the spring on the farm of Mr. Nichols, it had an over-shot water wheel twenty feet in diameter. The building was 18x40 feet, with a perpendicular saw that would cut threa or four hundred feet of lumber a day. This was kept in motion for about four years.

The Winch Mill. - About the time that Nichols' mill stopped making saw dust, Marshall Winch put up a mill about a mile and a half southwest of Lenora, which was not unlike the other, except that it had a better power. A brother, Asel, finally bought the affair and a few years after a freshet washed it out.

SouoHuif Mill. - In 1880, a mill was erected 30x84 feet, on the farm of P. Brode, near the railroad. It has a four horse- power press run by an engine of fifteen horse-power and has a twenty foot Cook evaporator. It can turn out several hundred gallons of syrup in a day, which is purified by the best processes. The establishment was built and is o\vned by six enterprising settlers: Dan.O. Brien, G. W. Sprague, S. P. Sprague, G. M. Traxler, Frank Allison and P. Brode. It is a valuable enterprise.

District No. 20. - This was set off from a district north of it extending into Amherst. The schoolhouse was built in 1867, and is on the southeast corner of section eight and cost about $600. The first school was taught by Miss D. Stewart.

DisTBicrr No. 21. - In 1858, Elder W. Morse, a Baptist clergyman, began teaching school from one house to another. In 1860, the present house was built on the farm of Josiah Fay in section eighteen.

District No. 22. - In 1855, a school was opened in a house built the year before by A. Eastman, in section fourteen, on the northwest part, but the next year was removed to the southeast of the same section. The building is now used by William Will ford as a stable. The first school was taught by Miss Clarisa Eddy. The schoolhouse was built in 1865, and is on section fourteen.

District No. 23. - On the east of section twentyfive the first school kept in a claim shanty belonging to John Graham, on what is now the farm of Engebert Ellingson. This was in the fall of 1856. In the winter of 1857-58, a log house was constructed for school purposes on section thirtysix, on land now owned by J. Donald. The present brick schoolhouse was built in 1872, at a cost of $800 besides volunteer labor. The first teacher in the district was Miss Sarah West Benedict.

District No. 24. - In 1866 the first school was called to «rder in the present schoolhouse by Miss Alice Baker Sprague, and the regular sessions have sinc3 been held there. At the first school there were twenty-six names on the register. The -location is on the southeast comer of section twenty-eight.

District No. 26. - In a frame house of W. Willford's on section twenty-one, in 1862, the first school was opened by Miss Hannah Bursell and taught here for a single term, when a temporary frame structure was put up near the east line of the same section, and there one term was also taught. Then the present schoolhouse was built on section sixteen, at a cost of about $300.

Richland Post -Office

About the first Post-office in the county, in this vicinity, was at the house of Ehjah Austin, just south of the village of Lenora, on the present farm of William S. Hoyt, in section eleven, with Mr. Austin as Postmaster. This was before a mail route was established, and it was usual for some settler to bring it from Decorah. When Austin's family moved away the office went to the house of B. F. Tillotson. It was called Biohland, and afterwards went to Amherst.

This is an elder sister among the villages of Fillmore county. Its location is in the northeaKtem part of the town and southern pact of that fertile region, Richland Prairie. Its advantages as a townsite are its surroundings. As a trading point with several States it had for a time a promising existence, and would have gone on prospering had not the magnetic force of the railroads on either side drawn its vitality away.

Its Early SettijEment. - The projector of this townsite was Elder John L. Dyer, an enthusiastic Methodist minister, who, in 1855, took the west half of the southeast and the east half of the south- west quarter of section two. In the year 1856,. he Bok*mnl J set off the southwest forty for a town site, and with a zeal, which was certainly laudable at that time, proposed to sell lots and appropriate the avails to the building of a large Methodist church. It was to be of stone and in the basement there was to be a school or academy, which should be denominational in its teachings.

Mr. Dyer devoted his energies to this object in his ponderous and energetic way, and many lots were sold, some of them realizing $60 each. In the winter of 1856 and '57, stone was hauled for the building and work was commenced. The walls were nearly up when the panic of 1857 struck the enterprise and left poor Mr. Dyer stranded on the shore of hopelessnes, and his work to crumble under the remorseless action of the elements.

Mr. Dyer, it is believed, was originally from Galena, Illinois. He had a daughter, who kept his house, and three sons^ who were seldom at home. One of them became a Judge and was shot by a mob at a Coiurt House, in Colorado; another was drowned in the service during the war, and the other sou, Samuel, has lived in Kushford but is now in Colorado.

Stores. - Mr. Dyer, in 1856, put a small stock of goods in a cement building diagonally opposite the present hotel, and his son Joshua managed it.

From that time the village has continued to have from two to four stores. At present E. D. Washbum has a compact stock of goods. W. F. Stevens had a large stock of general i^erchandise and does a good business, he also does a jewelry business and carries quite a stock of those goods.

Hotel. - During the summer of 1859, Charles Churchill put a tavern on the present site of Washbum's store, which was materially remodeled for its present purpose.

Physician. - Dr. J. M. Wheat is one of the early pioneers of the county and has lived in or near the village since 1856. He has an extensive practice.

appointed Postmaster in the winter of 1856, and Joshua Dyer was his deputy, who kept the office at his store. Afterward Mrs. Bennet acted as deputy, with the office at her house in the village;- Then John Hobart had the office at his store, and was followed by William Smith, and on his death his wife, received his commission. George Johnson held it in his store until it was burned in 1878, when A. C. Seelye had it at his hotel for a few months, when the present Postmaster, N. J. Willsie was appointed. He keeps the office at his house, and has an original method of delivery, which is quite convenient and expeditious.

Lenora Cemetery. - The land for a burial place was purchased of WiUiam Smith and O. F. Holmes at a very early day. Austin Eastman's remains were the first to be deposited there, in the fall of 1856. The records in regard to the early cemetery organization are lost, but another organization was effected on the 7th of September, 1867, with regular officers, rules, etc. The lot is elevated somewhat, and wits its fine monuments makes a beautiful appearance.

DiHTRicrr No. 19, Or Lenora District. - School is said to have been kept in the limits of this district before any other in the county, although it is impossible to tell how many others will claim a like distinction. It is certain, however, that a large log schoolhouse was built in this district in the spring of 1854, just east of the present hotel. The district was then very large, and men for miles around took part in its construction. It was 20x26 feet. A school was soon opened w^ith Miss Lucinda Miller at the teacher^s desk. She is now Mrs. Caleb Onstine, of Chatfield. This building was utilized as a church and for public meetings, and during vacations, James M. Graham used it as a residence while he was fitting up an abode for himself.

A large number living south of Lenora, required nearer accommodations and so in 1856, it was determined to build a schoolhouse near the north line of section fourteen, which was done, and Miss Martha Streator, now Mrs. S. V. Kingsbury, presided over the first youthful gathering, and for a time the school in the village was closed. In the new house Dr. J. M. Wheat and Silas Pennock were among the first teachers. New district organizations have very much reduced the size of its former dimensions. In 1865, the present commodious building was erected in the village.

Methodist Church. - The first preaching in what is now the Lenora circuit, was bj Rev. Benjamin Crist, an early Methodist missionary, who made trips on foot between Brownsville and Chatfield, and made an occasional detour to this place to hold meetings in some cabin. As early as 1854, he had services in the house of Mrs. J. Streator.

As already related, Mr. Dyer began to build the church on a grand scale, but the services still continued in the little schoolhouse. There was a short conference about 1860, and Rev. James Cowden and Rev. John Door were here. Rev. W. H. Soule followed them. In 1863, Rev. Charles J. Hayes was stationed here.

In 1865, Rev. Mr. Ma{)es was called to this charge. He was a worker and began the erection of a church, being greatly assisted by James M. Graham who gave time and money to the work. The new structure was commenced within the walls of the old building. A mason was employed and Mr. Mapes and Mr. Graham '^ttended^* him, mixing the mortar and conveying it and the stone to the skilled workman who laid it op. In this way it was built, and nide seats put in, and it was dedicated in 1866, Elder Daniel Cobb presiding.

In 1866, J. Lamberson was assigned to this place and Elliota. Rev. I. H, Richardson was here in 1868, remaining two years. Rev. J. W. Stebbins was then here two years, and hewas followed by Rev. W. T. Broughton. In 1874, Rev. E. A. Terwilliger was the pastor. The next preacher was Rev. W. A. Miles, followed by Rev. W. M. Bowdish. In 1879, Rev. E. S. Bunoe had charge. In 1881, Rev. T.

I. N. Smith and wife, James Lynn and wife, and John Miller, at the house of the latter. Rev. Ira Tracey, of Spring Valley, officiating. Meetings were held at the log schoolhouse. Mr. Tracy was followed by the old pioneer, Rev. W. W. Snell, now at Rushford, and this became a branch of the Rushford society. From February, 1859, to some time in 1861, Mr. Snell came regularly once in two weeks. Rev. George Bent was the next expounder of the gospel; he remained to preach every second Sunday for nine years, and was followed by Rev. John A. Cruzen, from Iowa, who supplied the pulpit for five months. Rev. C. A. Marshall followed, remaining for about three years, having service once in two weeks. Rev. H. R. Lamb was the next supply, then Rev. James A. Mitchell. In 1876, Rev. George Sterling officiated. Rev. Charles W. Wiley preached here up to the 25th of April, 1880, having appeared in 1878. All these ministers were connected with congregations in Iowa. The meetings have been held in the Methodist ohuroh, but now there is no regular service.

Presbyterian Church. - There is no regular organization in this form of belief, but Rev. Preston Barr, of Lanesboro, comes here once in two weeks and supplies theoongregational needs, using the Methodist church as a place of worship.

Baptist Church. - As early as 1854, Elder William Bly came here on a missionary tour from Elliota, and as there were no roads he blazed the trees as he came, to find his way back. He had service at the house of Mr. Austin in section eleven, which was north of the present village. In 1856, an organization was effected, with Mr. Bly as preacher. Rev. Mr. Sheldon and Rev. Mr. Morse, were afterwards here. The meetings were in the schoolhouse. So many of the members moved away that the meetings were finally discontinued.

Lenora Archeak Society. - In the year 1859, a literary society was organized at Lenora, called the Archean Society, the object of which was to improve in composing and expressing their thoughts on paper. A paper was made up, composed of the articles written by members of the society and others, and named "The Monthly Union,*' and read once a month in the Lenora log schoolhouse, by some member of the society who had been chosen at i»ome former meeting as editor. The names of some of the members of the Archean - Society were, E. F. Dyer, W. W. Braden, William Willford, S. V. Kingsbury, Henry Titus, W.C. Jackson, Mrs. Sherburne Stevens, Miss Maria Streator, and Miss Mary Simms. William Willford was first editor. The society kept up its organization for about three years, and when the "Union" was read there was always a crowded house to listen to the articles written by the home talent of Lenora. When the rebellion commenced the society was obliged to discontinue the "Union." The members of the society were profited bp the enter-

In the summer of 1853, when this region was first settled, Captain Elliott, whose claim proved to be on the southwest of section thirty-two, planned to have a village here, and gave away lots to all who would improve them, and as soon as the land was in the market it was platted and recorded. A store was started, and a hotel, by the enterprising proprietor, and in 1854, he sold his stock of goods to Harvey Marsh who managed the business up to February, 1855, when the hotel and store were both burned, but Mr. Marsh at once rebuilt.

John Boone next put up a large stone store, and it still stands, with "wholesale and retail" visible on the front. At one time there were four stores, with hotel, shops, and other village concomitants.

John Cleghorn also soon put in a good stock of goods, and it is said dug the first well. He was a member of the constitutional convention, and has since been Receiver in the land office in Sioux City, Iowa, besides holding other positions.

This was at one time a stage line center, Walker's Dubuque and St. Paul line being among the number. The old Territorial road was east of Elliott's claim, and there was great rivalry between this place and Syford's, who also kept a hotel, as to the travel. It was finally brought through the new village, and prosperity seemed to be a secured promise, but to-day it is more than a deserted town, for the village itself has deserted, and gone to Boomer, and its old business men are among the most successful ones in the new village.

Eluota School, District No. 25. - The initial school was in the winter of 1855-56, in an addition to the house of C. B. Kimball, and it was presided over by Miss Sarah Allen, of Belle vue. This was east of the village, and during the following summer it was kept at the house of Andrew Cheney. In 1856, the old stone schoolhouse was constmcted. This served the purpose up to 1869, when it was burned, and after quite a bitter contest a new one was put up at a cost of about $500, on the northeast corner of section thirty-one, and the regular district school has been kept there since.

PosTOFFiCE. - A Postmaster was commissioned here in 1854, Captain Elliott holding the document. He was succeeded by Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Manuel, and finally by Dr. Sturgeon, whosur-

Elliota Cemetery. - Is located on the State line south of the village plat. Captain Elliott's child was the first to find a resting place here.

The Second Adventists, or Millerites, pitched a tent here and created considerable excitement at one time, the Rev. Mr. Sheldon being the Evangelist.

Methodist Church. - Service in this interest was first held in the old stone schoolhouse, which, some time after that, was burned. The walls were purchased, and it was repaired, and a spire now surmounts the structure. Among others who have officiated here may be mentioned: lievs. C. Hayes, J. Lamberson, I. H. Richardson, J. W. Stebbinj, W. T. Broughton, E. A. TerwQliger, W. A. Miles, W. M. Bowdish, E. S. Bunce, and T. H. Kinsman. It is presumed that the meetings will be discontinued here as Boomer will absorb the congregation.

As to the earliest history, the first class was organized in 1857. Tbe first (juarterly meeting was held in November of that year. Rev. D. Cobb was the presiding Elder, with six or eight members. In the winter of 1857 and '58, there were great revivals.

Reformed Presbyterian Church. - The first minister w.-is the Rev. M. Stevenson, a missionary from Janesville, Wisconsin, about 1865. He had service in schoolhouses and in the Methodist church, and remained about two years when Rev. J. Buck was appointed by the Presbytery. He was here fur two years and during that time the church, 4.0x60. feet, was constructed. Several others have been here since, but now there are no regular services.

Baptist. - In the first year of the settlement meetings were held at the house of Elder Bly. All parties, of whatever belief, turned out, as no other meetings were being held then. There is no record of any organization.

This is a young village which has sprung into existence siuce the opening of the Narrow Gauge railroad, late in December, 1879. The Post-office is Boomer, the Post-office authorities having with great good sense refused to multiply the liability of mis-sending communications by adding another Canton to the confounding number already in existence. As the village was **booming" when the order came to suggest a new name, in a spasm of enthusiasm the name Boomer was suggested by John Manuel and sent on. It is evident, however, that so long as there is one name for the village and another for the Post-office there will be more or less confussion, which a single name, that would at once distinguish it from all other places in the wide world would overcome. The village is located on the divide between Boot River and the Iowa River system, and its growth and very fine prospering condition is due to the splendid farming country around.

Previous to the advent of the railroad, the farmers, to sell their produce or make their purchases, had to go to Lanesboro, Preston, or Rushford, each of wliich were striving for the trade of this vicinity, which includes some of the best farming lands in the county. Since stock raising has become the staple business, the convenience of a village and railroad station right at their doors is certainly appreciated. Without question Oanton village has secured much valuable trade that formerly went to other distant villages. The statistics of the railroad agent show that this has become a most important shipping point, as stock and other farm products come from quite a dis' tance in Iowa for sale and shipment here.

Frank Adams, of Dubuque, the engineer of the railroad when building, perceiving the eligibility of the location for a village, bought thirty-two acres of land of C. Willford in section twenty-one, the same amount from John Olson in section twenty,' five acres from J. Sullivan in secion twenty-eight, and five acres from G. B. Hudson in section twenty-nine. It is so situated that the water from one part of the village runs into Root River and on the other into the state of Iowa. It will thus be seen that the village occupies parts of four sections. This was in the fall of 1879, and Mr. Adams immediately had the site surveyed and platted, and duly recorded >vith the name of Canton. The next spring 800 shade trees were set out, and about this time Charles Willford purchased a half interest in the property. In the spring of 1882, William Willford bought out Frank Adams, and the undisposed of lotfi now belong to C. & W. Willford, and B. E. Edwards.

a small way when it was first laid out, by John Meyers, a man with an itinerating proclivity, who put up a board shanty for a boarding house. In a few days Dr. Abraham Wiltse put up a shanty which he also dignified by calling it a boarding house.

The first store was erected by David Donald, who at once put in a fine stock of goods, and took Joseph Ernest in as a partner. The business was continued but a short time. The building still stands on the east side of Main street and is now used by Miss Annie McLaughlin as a millinery store.

During the first part of the winter, John Manuel, who had a store in Elliota, commenced moving his store and goods, and by January, 1880, he had a good stock of general merchandise for sale. In a few weeks he moved up a larger building, 22x60 feet, and transferred his goods into this. At present the larger of these buildings is occupied by P. H. Harsh with hardware, and the smaller by H. C. Hillickson & Co. with general merchandise.

James Young commenced his store about the same time that the moving was going on. The structure was the first substantial building erected in town, and is 24x60 feet, and in point of time it is the third store in the village.

Hotel. - ^The boarding houses above mentioned, after a time gave place to the "Commercial," a large building moved up from Elliota by L. D. Fay.

Railroad Station. - The depot was first located about three quarters of a mile east of the present village, on the farm of A. Woodle. This was in fulfillment of the conditions under which the bonds were voted, viz: '^that the depot should be the nearest to the east line of section twenty-one** the west line of which is in the center of the village. It remained there until the fall of 1881, when it was moved to the village. It is probably true that the annual shipments of live stock here exceed those of any other station in Fillmore county.

Elevators. - Coincident with the building of the railroad, the elevator built by the railroad company went up. From the first it was operated by A. & T. McMichael, of McGregor, Iowa. It was opened on the 1st of December, 1879, and received about 21,000 bushels of grain the first mouth. It is 24x28 feet with a warehouse of like size at-

Canton

About the same time another elevator was erected by McCormiok & Go., of Lanshig, Iowa. It has a capacity of 12,000 bushels. It is 24x24 feet, and a flat warehouse 16x24 feet is attached. A single blind horse here does the ^evating. Thefle establishments always pay well up to the Milwaukee and Chicago prices, of course after deducting the cost of transix>rtation. And they buy whatever the producer has to sell.

Blacksmith. - S. G. Sands, the first winter of the village, got a shop built and started a fire in his forge. S. Boyd, who is still here, also l^gan o]>erations in another shop.

PasT-OFFic!E. - Tliis was established iu tlie fall of 1879, and, as already stated, called Boomer. John Manuel was the first Postmaster, and held the place with James Manuel as deputy, np to July, 1880, when James himself was appointed. It is kept in the new store.

Methodist Episcopal Chuiuui. - Meetings were first held in the Billiard Hall of 8. A. Capron in October, 1881, and have been kept up every two weeks since that time. It is now part of the Lenora charge, and Rev. T. H. Kinsman furnishes the supply. A contract has been made for a nice church, 26x52 teet, with a spire, and will cost $1,700. The presumption is that when completed it will absorb the EUlota charge, and form a good substantial society.

Village School. - When first recorded as a village the territory embraced the comers of four school districts, but in the fall of 1881, a new district. No. 174, was formed by taking forty acres from each of them, and thus making a new one from the 160 acres thus obtained. Arrangements are making to build a schoolhouse two stories high, with a belfry and other adornments, at a cost of about $2,000. It will be 26x50 feet, have improved seats and suitable apparatus. The first school was taught by Miss May L. Mason in the house of Qeorge Hudson, in March, 1881.

CoBNET Band. - In the spring of 1882, the young men of the village organized a band, procuring their own instniments at a cost of $187.77. They received instruction from Thomas Evans, of

Owns Hip

The vicinity of section thirty-six is called Prosj)er, as there \h a Post-office of that name located here. Soon after the close of the war of the rebellion, Mr. E. B. Clark secured a Post-oflice and was appointed Postmaster, keejiing the oflice at his house iu section tliirty-five. In about one year it went over the State line, with Enoch Rollins as Postmaster. In 1880, F. R. Miles succeeded to the position, and the office is now in his store near the railroad on the farm of Peter Brode, and has a daily mail.

Cemetery. - An acre and a half was purchased by subscription in sectitm twenty-five, on the present farm of M. C. Call. It is fenced and quite well kept, and is practically a free buri.'il place, which is quite a consideration when we remember that with the prevailing fashion in obsequial observances, it is much more expensive to die than to live.

C. AiiBAHAMsox is a native of I(»wa, bom in Decoi-ah on the 2d of October, 1S57. At the age of ten years he went to Dane county, Wisconsin, and lived with an uncle for five years. He then returned to Decorah and learned the hamessmaker's trade, at which he was engaged three years. In 1877, Mr. Abrahamson moved to Lauesboro, worked at his trade for a lime, and subsequently opened a livery stable, which he carried on about a year, then went to Dakota and found employment at different occupations. In 1880, he returned to Fillmore county and opened a harness shop in Canton, in which business he is still engaged. Miss Louisa Rognals became his wife on the lOth of December, 1879. They have one chihl, Robert L.

Robert Armstrong, who come here in 1853^ with the "Elliott Colony" is the only one of that number now living in the town. He is a native of England, bom near London, and reared in Manchester, where he perved an apprenticeship of seven years at the cabinet maker's trade. He came to America in 1847, and worked at his trade in the Middle States a few years, then in Gloucester, New Jersey. On the 1st of January, 1849, he was joined in wedlock with Missi Eliza Demington. They resided in Philadelphia for a time, and in 1852, came to Bock Island, Illinois. The following spring they joined a company coming from Moline to Fillmore county, Minnesota. Mr. Armstrong took a farm in this township the same year, which he improved, and also worked some at his trade, but now devotes his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have had nine children, eight of whom are living.

S. AvEKY, manager of the county poor farm since 1881, is a native of Rensselaer coimty, New York, bom on the 11th, of April, 1834. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when twentytwo years old came to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in different occupations and finally employed as clerk in a store at Ripon. In 1861, he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and the following year enlisted in the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving three years; first on the frontier and then in the South. After his discharge he returned to Olmsted county and opened a general mercantile store in Pleasant Grove. He was united in marriage with Miss Helen D. Wooldridge on the 11th of November, 1868. They moved to Spring Valley in 1874, and Mr. Avery was interested in the wheat market and \ lumber transactions until 1881, when he was

- arid Bodleys were early settlers in Ohio, and are numerous and prominent in some parts of that State. The subject of this sketch received an ordinary district school education, and was reared to farming, which has always been his business. In November, 1854, he came to Fillmore county with his father, who is still living here, and is upwards of eighty years of age; his mother is also living, being several years younger. Fillmore county was very sparsely settled twentyseven years ago, the Bradens being among the pioneers, settling at Lenora, where our subject now owns a well improved farm. Mr. Braden was a member of the legislature in 1866-67, and served eight years as County Treasurer. He is one of the most popular men of the younger class, in the county or State, being eminently trustworthy and true, alike to hisi friends and the public interests which he serves. In June, 1862, he enhsted in the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, became First Lieutenant of Company K, and was soon after promoted to Captain. Before the regiment received marching orders southward, the Indian outbreak occurred, and in the autumn of 1862, it accompanied General Sibley in the Fort Ridgely and Camp Release campaign, and in 1863, shared in the toils and privations of the expedition acroes the plains to the Missouri River. Returning, the regiment went south as far as the Gulf of Mexico, and was mustered out in September, 1865. He was Provost Marshal, for some time, of the district of Southwest Missouri, comprising over one-third of the State, with headquarters at Springfield.

In politics Mr. Braden is a republican, straight, unwavering, prominent in the party, and a conscientious, as well as an earnest worker for its interests. In the Masonic Fraternity he is a Knight Templar, and prominent in local organizations. He was married to Miss Addie Griswold, of Spring Valley, in 1866. The have four children.

J. S. Beach was bom in Dunham, Lower Canada, on the 13th of October, 1826. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and remained in his native place until twenty-four years old, when he moved to Wayne county, New York. While there he married Miss Martha Dumelt and soon after removed to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where he purchased a farm and resided about ten years. His wife died in 1863, and Mr. Beach sold his farm, and in 1867 came to this place, which has since been his home, his farm being located in section thirty-two. The maiden name of bis present wife was Velzora Remick, a native of Massachusetts.

Sidney Boyd was bom in Coshocton county, Oliio, on the 27th of September, 1850. His parents came to this place in 1864, and located a farm which Sidney made his home until he commenced learning the blacksmith trade in 1872. He afterwards opened a shop on his father^s farm, which was the first in this township. On the 1st of November, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily A. Sutherland, who died in 1876, leaving one child. Mr. Boyd o^^ened his present shop in the village of Canton, in 1879. He was married a second time on the 8th of June, 1881, his bride being Miss Dora Townsend.

America, resided for three years in Philadelphia and then moved to Bock Island, Illinois. In 1855, they came to this township, and when seventeen years old the subject of this sketch commenced learning the blacksmith trade in Decorah, Iowa. His eyes failing him after alK)ut throe years he was obliged to engage in other occupations, but in 1873, came to the village of Lenora and opened his prt^sent blacksmith shop. Miss Emma CMcDonald became the wife of Mr. Bnsse on the 20th of April, 1873. They have been blessed with three children.

Gk>KWOOD BuRSKLL, dcccascd, who was one of the pioneers of this place, was born in England in 1808. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at it in his native place until coming to America in 1830. He lived in Canada until 1855, when he came to this town, which was his home until his death on the 7th of June, 1879. His wife died the following Septeml>er. Their son Thomas now owns the homestead. He was bom in Canada on the 25th of June, 1845, and resided with his parents until their death. Miss Alvina Brode was the maiden name of his wife, whom he married on the 22d of September, 1865. They have four children.

Peter Brode was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 7th of April, 1836. At the age of seventeen years he moved with his parents and located in Lee county, Illinois, where he remained, engaged in farming two years. In 1855, he became one of the pioneers of this place and selected a claim which he has since cultivated and made his home. He was joined in matrimony, on the 27th of September, 1863, with Miss Lucy B. Elliott, a native of Moline, Illinois, and a daughter of Captain Elliott, the pioneer settler of Elliota. Eight children have been bom of this union, seven of whom are living. Mr. Brode gives a portion of his time to stock-raising, and is interested in a large sorghum mill located on his farm. He has been a member of the board of Suj)ervisors for three years.

George Bacon, a native of New York, was bom in Oneida county on the 4th of November, 1831. He left home at the age of seventeen years, was engaged as traveling salesman for several years, and afterwards at the carpenter trade. He married Miss Sarah M. Payne on the 14th of March, 1868. The following year they came to Fillmore county, and in 1860, purchased their present farm. For a short time after coming Mr. Bacon was employed at carpentering, but has since devoted his time to farming and stock-raising, giving considerable attention to the dairy business. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have had eight children, six of whom are living.

JosiAH Castekton is a native of England, bora in Rutland county on the 9th of August, 1832. He resided with his parents until 1856, when he came to America and located in Illinois, thence, a year later, to Winneshiek county, Iowa. While there he married Miss Jane Kew on the 27th of February, 1864. The same year they moved to this township and purchased a farm in section thirty-one which is now well cultivated and has good substantial buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Casterten have had seven children, six of whom are now living.

S. A. Capron is a Canadian, his birth dating the 11th of August, 1840. When eighteen years old he came with his parents to Beloit, Wisconsin, remained thirteen years and came to this place where his father died. Mr. Capron then carried on the farm for a few years and still owns the same. He was married to Miss Nancy Pen rod in Deceml>er, 1875. One child, Nina, is the issue of this union. In 1878, they moved to Elliota and purchased the hotel there, but sold the following year and resided on a farm two seasons. In 1881, Mr. Capron opened his present restaurant and billiard hall.

John O. Cook was born in Gloucester, England, on the 14th of August, 1817. In 1854, he left his native place with just money enough to come across the ocean; remained one year in Canada and came to Fillmore county, taking a claim in Harmony township, but was employed in the hotel in Elliota. He bought a house and lot in 1857, in which he put a stock of general merchandise and carried on the business five years, since which time the village has been his home. At the same time he carries on his farm in Harmony. He owns about three hundretl and sixty acres in this vicinity. On the 22d of September, 1861, Miss Maria E. Marley became his wife. The union has been blessed with five children.

David Donald, the first white child bom in this township, dates his birth the 7th of January, 1853. He lived with his parents in section thirty-six until after his father's death. On the 25th of December, 1879, he was joined in marriage with Miss

William Donald was bom in Scotland on the 17th of February, 1845, He came with his parents to America when about seven years old. Located in Milwaukee where he resided until the death of his father, soon after which he came to this place. He purchased a farm in section thirtyfive to which he has since added, his lands now aggregating three hundred and fifty acres, a portion being across the State line in Iowa. Mr. Donald was Assessor of this town in 1881.

W. J. Demaray is a native of Canada West, bom on the 15th of September, 1825. When twentyone years of age he commenced life for himself, and in 1863, came to this county and was engaged in farming pursuits near Elliota for two years. He was married before coming here to Miss Kebecca A. Smith, the ceremony taking place on the 30th of June. 1860. They have two children, Melviu J., and Sarah H. A. Mr. Demaray has a fine farm near the village, well cultivated, good buildings and some fine stock.

John Dagen is a native of Ohio, bom in Wellington, Loraine county, on the 2d of August, 1853. In 1860, the family moved to Ashtabula county, and six years later to Winneshiek county, Iowa. They have been residents of this place since 1669, John making his home with his parents until 1880, having purcjj^^d a farm just east of the village in 1875, on ^ch he erected a fine 12,000 house in 1880. On the 28th of July, of the latter year. Miss Lucinda Jane Ryan became his wife, and they immediately moved to their new house.

Arcuiibald Donald, deceased, one of the pioneers of this place, was born in Scotland in 1875. He was reared to agricultural pursuit^ and for some tiniC had charge of an extensive estate in the "Highlands.'' He came to America in 1850, and two years later settled in this place, in section thirty-six. In 1865, while on his way to Rochester, he was drowned in the river. He left a wife and five children, all of whom are now living and reside in this vicinity.

Julius W. Elliott, deceased, the founder of the village of Elliota, was l)om in Vermont in 1822. He learned the blacksmith trade in his native State and was engaged at the same in the middle and western States. He came to this section of the country in an early day, and returning to Moline,

Illinois, organized a company who were among the first settlers of this county, and located in different parts of the same. This was in May, 1853, and Mr. Elliott took land on which he afterward laid out the village of Elliota. He was the first Postmaster and first blacksmith in this place. In 1871, he moved to Missouri, where he died in 1876. He left a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom now live in Minnesota and Dakota.

Thomas Elliot, a native of Ireland, dates his birth the 11th of Jane, 1802. When thirteen years old, he commenced learning the weaver's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, after which he worked at the same until coming to America in 1 83 1 . He located in Renssalaer county, New York, where he engaged at his trade for a time, then gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, and in 1855, came to Fillmore county and purchased a farm in Harmony township. He soon returned to New York, and a year and a half later brought his family west, and renided on his farm in Harmony until coming to his present land in this place. The maiden name of his wife was Jane Limda, who has home him four children, three of whom are living. Mr. Elliot is the oldest member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of this locality.

Godfrey Fbego is a Canadian, his birth dating in Maskinonge, Quebec, on the 17th of February, 1840. Since the age of fourteen years he has supported himself, engaging with farmers, and finally purchased land upon which he lived four years. On the 2d of May, 1860, he married Miss Mary E. Bates. In 1864, they came to this place and bought their present farm which contains three hundred and thirty-six acres, a portion of which is cultivated and the balance in timber. For two years Mr. Frego rented his farm, and was engaged in buying and shipping live stock, but has since devoted his time to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Frego have had five children, four of whom are living; Eliza J., George E., Murray I., and Hiram W.

0. W. Gbaham is a son of James Graham, who was one of the pioneers of this place. C. W. was born on the Ist of May, 1843, in Hancock county, Ohio. He came here with his parents, in 1854, and attended the first school in the township, and one of the first in the county. In 1864, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Company B, and served one year. His wife was formerly

Miss Irene Nelson, whom he married on the 27th of October, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Graham resided in Lenora village for a time, then moved to tbeir farm which has since been their home. He has been Justice of the -Peace for the past six years, and has also held other local offices.

G. M. Graham, a brother of the subject of our last sketch, was one of thehrst white children lx>rn in this place, his birth dating the 20th of January, 1856. His father, James M. Graham, was one of the prominent early citizens of this place, giving liberally to all school and church purposes, and to him mainly is due the building of the Methodist church. He filled many town and county offices, and was a member of the Territorial Legislature in an early day. He was bom in Madison county, Ohio, on the 19th of December, 1816, and married on his twenty-first birthday, his bride being Miss Husan Willford. Mr. and Mrs. Graham came to this township with their family in 1854, and located on a farm in section twelve. He died on the 81st of March, 1866. The farm has since been divided among the children, G. M. retaining that part on which the house was located. He attended the schools of this town, completing his education in Rnshford, and afterward taught for five winters. In 1878, he returned to the farm, and has since made it his home, his mother living with him. His wife was formerly Carrie Dibble, the marriage taking place on the 6th of March, 1879. They have two children.

Simon Houck was bom on the 26th of February, 1819, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. His father died when Simon was quite young, and his mother was afterward married to Samuel Brode. They moved to Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1828, and Simon learned the carpenter trade. He was joined in matrimony with Miss EIizal)eth Gray, on the 5th of October, 1843. They resided on a farm in the latter count}? until 1851, when they removed to Rock Island, Illinois, from which place they drove to this township in 1856. Mr. Houck took land in section twenty -six, and erected a house in which they lived for a time, but has since built a more substantial dwelling, near which is a fine spring. Mr. and Mrs. Houck have had four children, three of whom are living. Besides his farm labor he is engaged in the manufacture of sorghum.

In 1840, the family removed to New York, and resided on a farm until 1856, when Avery started with a team to Minnesota. Arrived in Yucatan, Houston county, and remained a few weeks, then made a trip through the western and central part of the State, but finally returned to New York. Six years later be again came tf) Minnesota and located on a farm in Yucatan. While there he was married to Miss Nancy Barton, the event taking place on the 4th of Octol^er, 1869. In 1870, Mr. Herrick moved to a farm in Amherst township, and in 1875, t<M>k charge of the Coimty poor fAnn, remaining there five years, when he purchased land in this place and has since made it his home.

P. H. Hahsii was l>om in Hancock coimty, Ohio, on the 27th of June, 1858. He attended the schools of his native place, and afterward the Heidelberg College, of Tiffin. He left school when his father died, in 1875, and took charge of the farm. On the 31st of October, 1878, he was joined in marriage with Miss Ida A. Hoyt. They moved to this place in 1880, and Mr. Harsh opened a hardware store, wliere he kee{>s a large stock and also sells farm implements. Mr. and Mrs. Harsh have been blessed with two children.

Harmon Hoyt is a native of Wayne county, New York, and dates his birth the 7th of August, 1818. He was married on the 27th of Decern l>er, 1842, and remained at home until 1845. They then moved to Hancock county, Ohio, purchased a farm and made it their home until coming to this township in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt have had six children, one of whom is dead.

Henry Helltkson may be numbered among the early births in this county, his place of nativity being Newburg, and the date the 12th of October, 1853. His parents came here in 1852, and Henry resided with them until the age of twenty-one years when he entered the employ of 0. N. Goddard, of Decorah, Iowa, and remained with him three years. While in that place he was joinod in matrimony wilh Miss Annie Larson, the ceremony taking place on the 18th of September, 1880. In February, 1882, Mr. Hellikson opened a general store in this villa^^e, and has since done a good business. He has one daughter, Eva Maria.

O. F. Holmes was bora on the 22d of March, 1825, in Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio. His father died when he was sixteen years old, and he, with three other brothers, carried on the farm for nine years. Miss Charlotte J. Bryant became the wife of our subject on the 2d of March, 1848. The four brothers started west in 1857, O. F. coming up the river to Brownsville, from whence he came to this place by team and located a farm in section three. In 1876, he rented his farm and moved to the village of Lenora, which he has since made his home. Mr. Holmes was the first Chairman of the board of Supervisors, and held the office three successive years, was appointed a member of the board of County Commissioners, and afterward elected to the same office, holding the position three years. He has a family of four children, one died when yonng.

H. H. Haskins, M. D., was bom in Middlesex, Vermont, on the 10th of September, 1844. He came with his parents to Columbia county, Wisconsin, when seven years old. In 1864, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving about one year in detached service in St. Louis, Missouri. After his discharge, he came to Fillmore county and was engaged in various pursuits until 1874, when he entered the employ of the Winneshiek Paper Mill Company, for whom he traveled three years. He subsequently studied medicine in the Iowa State University, graduating on the 7th of March, 1877. He was married in October, 1873, to Miss Mary W. Adams, who has borne him one child, Leon L. Dr. Haskins was engaged in the practice of his profession one year in Iowa, then came to this village and soon after opened a drug store, in which business he has since continued, and has a good trade.

John Jacobson, one of the old settlers and successful farmers of this section, is a native of Norway, born on the 29th of December, 1830. In 1842, he came to America with his parents and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, where his father died. John afterward supported himself, and in 1853, moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, but the following year came to this township. He was married on the 3d of September, 1853, to Miss Annie Johnson. They have had eight children, four of whom are living. By good management, Mr. Jacobson has withstood the hard times, and is now the owner of 530 acres of land in this vicinity, has fine buildings and a well improved farm near the village of Lenora.

in Booneville, Oneida county, on the 27th of January, 1830. He resided at home with his parents until 1852, when, in company with three brothers, he started for the West. On reaching this township, they made their home with Albert Nichols for a short time, Seymour finally locating a farm in section thirteen, and the following spring commenced improving the same, and has since made it his home. He was obliged to go to Decorah, Iowa, a distance of twenty miles, for mail, and fifty miles to mill. On the 31st of August, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Streeter. The result of the union is two children, Frank S. and LaDeslia F. Mr. Kingsbury attended the first religious meeting and assisted in the organization of the first Sabbath school in Fillmore county.

Horace Kingsbury was born in Halifax, Windham county, Vermont, on the 22d of February, 1S26. He was raised on a farm, and when old enough commenced work on the construction of a railroad, afterward operating a chair factory in his native State. In 1849, he was imited in marriage with Miss Medelia Fames, the ceremony dating the 17th of May. They moved to Franklin county, Massachusetts, in 1853, and three years later came to Fillmore county, and pre-empted land in Newburg township, upon which they lived eleven years. In 1867, Mr. Kingsbury purchased the hotel at Lenora and carried on the same six years, then bought his present farm, which is just east of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury had seven children; Horace E., Delia E., Stella E., Charles H., William E., Clara B., and Gertrude Blanche. They are now childless, three having died in Newburg and four more in as many weeks in this place in 1877. His mother, who was bom on the 8th of August, 1791, in Massachusetts, is living with Mr. Kingsbury.

A. KiMBALii is a son of C. H. Kimball, deceased, who was bom in New Hampshire in 1809. He learned the cabinet-maker*s trade when young, but devoted most of his life to farming. He located in Kane county, Illinois, in 1833, where the subject of this sketch was bom in June, 1854. The family came to Fillmore coimty the same year and settled on a farm near Elliota, where the father died on the 13th of Deceml^er, 1873. Our subject was married on the 26th of January, 1861, to Miss Emily Peacock. They resided on a farm near his father's, until 1878, when they removed to the village of Elliota. On the organization of tlie village of Canton, Mr. Kimball opened a wa|;on repair shop, and in 1882, put in a stock of furniture and undertaker's goods. He was J ustioe of the Peace from 1873 to 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have been blessed with two children.

John MrLiiER, a native of Seneca county, New York, was born on the 16th day of March, 1821. When young he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he was employed about ten years in Geneva and afterwards in Indiana. He was married at Havana, New York, on the 28th of October, 1849, to Miss Eveline Gifford. The result of the union is two daughters. In 1856, they came to Burr Oak, Iowa, but the following year located in Lenora, where Mr. Miller opened a blacksmith shop. While living in Burr Oak he took a farm in section twenty-seven of this township, to which he moved from Lenora some time after, and has since lived, giving a portion of his time to his trade.

George McMastbr was bom on the 27th of April, 1830, in the state of Massachusetts, where he was reared and learned the spinner's trade. In 1849, he moved to Vermont where he married his wife, who was Miss Martha Cadman, and resided until 1853. They then came to Illinois, and in February, 1855, drove from Galena to Decorah, Iowa, where they joined Captain Elliott's company and came to Fillmore county. Mr. McMaster located a farm in section thirty upon which he lived a number of years. He enlisted in Company D, of the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, in 1864, aud served one year. He built the first shanty between Elliota and Big Spring, on the St. Paul and Dubuque territorial road, and in 1869 sold his former farm and moved to his present, which is in section twenty-eight, near the village of Canton* His house is built of hewn blocks, six inches square, and one hundred and twenty acres of the farm is well cultivated. He devotes considerable time to stock raising. Mrs. MoMaster died on the 12th of September, 1869, leaving six children; E. J., bom the 27th of October, 1855; M. M., the 16th of November, 1858; John, the 16 th of August, 1860; G. J., the 18th of August, 1862; David, the 3d of October, 1864; and M. J., the 26th of Marcli, 1867. The two youngest, a son and daughter, are with their father.

GtTLio A. MAiiAN is a native of Norway, bom on the 16th of March, 1834. He came with his parents to America in 1857, direct to Minnesota, and located in the township of Harmony. Gulio was joined in matrimony in 1860, with Miss Rachel Johnson. Their children are Edwin and Ole. He made his father's house his home until 1868, when he purchased two hundred acres in section four which is now well cultivated. Mr. Malan is largely interested in stock raising, his fann being peculiarly adapted for that purpose, with a stream and several springs. His residence is situated on an eminence which overlooks the villages of Newbarg and Lenora.

John Manuel, a native of England, was bom in Comwall county, on the 29th of September, 1833. His advantages for obtaining an education were limited and when eleven years old he was employed at the brickmakers' trade, but went to sea at the age of fourteen. He finally became employed on the river as boatman, pilot, etc., and in 1855 came to America. The ship was wrecked off the coast of Newfoundland and the passengers were taken by the fishermen to Byron Island, where many died of starvation. Mr. Manuel finally reached Canada and worked his way to the United States, coming to Iowa in the fall of 1855, and the spring -following to this county. In 1861, he opened a small brick store in Elliota and is now one of the successful business men and extensive land owners of Fillmore county. He was married in July, 1862, to Miss Phoebe Demaray, who has home him four children. Mr. Manuel was Postmaster of Elliota for sixteen years. He opened a a general mercantile store in Canton in 1879, and has since continued in the business, his residence being Elliota.

James Manuel is also a native of Comwall county, England, bom on the 8th of October, 1850. When nine years old he was engaged in copper and tin mines near Redruth and Truro, remaining in that occupation ten years. He came to America in 1869, and directly to Elliota where he enterred the store of his uncle, John Manuel, and in 1873, was chosen assistant Register of Deeds. At the expiration of the term he retumed to his former position, and in 1879, when his uncle opened his store in Canton, took charge of the store at Elliota, and in June of the following year bought the business. He was joined in wedlock on the 19th of January, 1881, with Maryette Webster. They have one child, Susie Mary. In August, 1881, Mr. Manuel, moved to his present commodious quarters. He is Justice of the Peace.

Iit8T0Rt Of Fillmore County

settler in this county, was born in Boonville, Oneida county, New York, on the 17th of January, 1821. He was married in his native place and resided there until the 24th of Septeml>er. 1844, when, with his wife and one child, he moved to Columbia county, Wisconsin. In the latter part of February, 1851, Mr. Nichols, with two companions, started on foot in search of a home in Minnesota. They followed up the Lemonweir River some distance above Portage City, thence by an Indian trail to La Crosse, which at that time contained one hotel, where they spent the night. The next day they crossed the Mississippi, and the Root River near where Hokah now stands, found a shanty in which they remained over night and on the morning of the 7th or 8tb of March staked out their claims. As the line between Minnesota and Iowa had not yet been surveyed they did not know in which State their claims were located. They returned to Wisconsin by the way of Prairie du Chien, settled up their affairs there, and on the 14th of May a company consisting of Mr. Nichols, wife and two boys, Messrs. Kincaid and Stephens, and a hired man named Thomas, started with three wagons, five yoke of oxen and a cow for Fillmore county. Mr. Nichols' claim proved to l)e in the township of Canton and the others settled in Iowa, and for one year his was the only family in the township. In the spring of 1873, after a residence of twenty-two years in the place, Mr. Nichols moved to Jackson county in the southwestern part of this State and still resides there.

J. R. Nelson is a native of Loraine county, Ohio, and dates his birth the 8th of July, 1846. He attended school until he was seventeen years old, then enlisted in the One hundred and twentyeighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company E, and served two years. After his discharge he continued his studies attheOberlin College. In 1860, he came to Fillmore county and bought land in Amherst, but soon after located in this township. On the 19th of March, 1870, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Maria J. Hoyt. They have two children. Mr. Nelson at present holds the office of Chairman of the board of Supervisors.

GuNDEB OiiBON is a native of Norway, bom in Christiania on the Oth of February, 1846. He came to America when twenty-three years old, directly to Fillmore county, and was employed by farmers until 1870, when he worked a farm on shares. In 1873, he purchased land in section thirty-two, which has since been his residence. He afterwards sent to Norway for his parents who have since lived with him, also his sister and brother-in-law, who likewise live in the town.

Silas Pennock, who was among the earliest settlers in this place, was bom in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of November, 1812. He was reared on a farm and employed in his father's tannery until the age of twenty years. Then coming to Illinois he was engaged in farming there twelve years, and came to Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1854, to this township. He located a farm in section eleven which he has since improved and made his home. Mr. Pennock has filled several offices since his residence here.

J. C. Rice was bom in Canada Elast^ on the 20th of April, 1836. In 1856, he came to this township and pre-empted land in section seventeen, but soon after traded it for a portion of his present farm. Mr. Rice came here with very little means, but by good management has become the owner of two liundred acres of fine farming land upon which are good buildings. He was married on the 15th of March, 1861, to Miss Catherine Bursell. They have five children.

Dr. R. a. Sturobon, one of the successful and early physicians of this section, is a native of Ireland, bora in Belfast, on the 7th of June, 1830. When quite young he was sent to Dr. Bryee's Academy and afterwards to the Queen's College at Belfast, graduating in 1847. He subsequently spent two years in the Belfast Hospital and then went to Liverpool where he was appointed Medical officer on the ship "Silas Greenman," and sailed for America. He resided in Montreal, Canada, three years, then came to Burr Oak, Iowa, and two years later to this township, remaining but a few months, however. During the war he was in Missouri, and at the close returned to Fillmore county; has since been actively engaged at bis profession and has a large practice. He also owns a dmg store in Elliota village, and is building another in Canton. Dr. Sturgeon was united in marriage with Miss Jane Young, a native of Fife county, Scotland, on the 18th of July, 1866. Of five children, the result of this union, two are living.

A. C. SEEiii:E, a native of Oneida county, New York, dates his birth the same as Queen Victoria^ May 24, 1819. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1845, commenced learning the moulder's trade. He was married on the 17th of October, 1843, to MisshSelina Miller, who died just nine years later leaving one child. Mr. Seelye was again married on the 18th of October, 1854, the maiden name of his wife being Janette S. Washburn. They moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1855, and a year later came to this township and resided one year. Mr. Seelye then purchased a farm in Preble upon which he lived several years and afterward in Newburg three years. In 1875, he bought the hotel in Lenora of which he has since been proprietor, also carrying on a farm in the township. He has filled a number of the local offices since his residence here. Mr. and Mrs. Seelye have been blessed with three children, two boys and one girl.

S. S. Stark is a native of Otsego county, New York, bom on the 15th of March, 1838. He afterward resided in Wyoming and Genesee counties, and in 1859, came to Minnesota, locating a farm in Amherst township which he still owns. He built a hotel on his land near Highland Prairie, and carried it on many years; came to Canton village in 1882 and purchased the Canton Hotel which is now known as the Stark House.

Tj. C. Tarvestad is a native of Norway and dates his birth the 29th of December, 1830. He resided on a farm with his parents until coming to America in 1850, and first located in Illinois. He was married to Miss Malinda Johnson in 1851, and they resided on a farm there one year. They afterwards came to Iowa and a year later to Minnesota and settled in this county. In 1866, Mr. Tarvestad purchased two hundred and forty acres in section twenty- four, Canton township, and has since devoted his time to its improvement, and also to raising live stock; has many fine cows and sells cream to several creameries. Mr. and Mrs. Tarvestad have had nine children, four are married, four living at home, and one is dead.

Charles B. Willford, a pioneer of this place, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 5th of January, 1816. He was married in Marshallvllle, Wayne county, Ohio, to Miss Eliza Eerr, in the year 1836. They settled on a small piece of land in Big Lick township, Hancock county, the same year. The Indians at that time were very numerous in Ohio. After his children grew up, he determined to go west, that his four boys might have a chance to secure farms, and in June, 1854, came to Minnesota. He pre-empted land in section fourteen, in this township, and the following September moved his family here, driving the entire distance from Hancock county. The homestead in an early day was known as "Grubb Hill," and Mr. Willford owned it until after the death of hip. wife, when his son S. S. purchased, and has since carried it on. His father is now living with him.

William Willford, a son of the subject of our last sketch, was born on the 3d of March, 1837, in Big Lick, Hancock county, Ohio. He was educated in the county schools, and in the spring of 1854, entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, with the intention of remaining two years, but as his parents came to Minnesota in September of the same year, he was pursuaded to accompany them. He was engaged in teaching in Allamakee county, Iowa, and in December, 1855, commenced a term in district No. 12, Fillmore county, it being the second winter term taught in what is supposed to be the first schoolhouse built in the county. Mr. Willford married Miss Mary J. Ward on the 10th of October, 1858, and settled on the southeast quarter of section fourteen. He has served as Assessor of the town of Cimton eleven years, Town Clerk two years, and Notary Public one year. In June, 1881, in company with B. E. Edwards, of La Crosse, he purchased a onehalf interest of Frank Adams, in the town site of Canton village, which is at present owned by Charles and William Willford, and B. E. Edwards. The subject of this sketch left his farm in the care of his brother, E. R, in July, 1881, and took charge of a lumber yard in the village, for Edwards k 08l)omp, of La Crosse. He is now selling farm implements and lumber for the latter firm, and acting agent for the Canton proprietors, and doing a general conveyancing lousiness.

Charles Willford, one of the early settlers here was also bom in Big Lick, Hancock county, Ohio on the 5th of June, 1839. When young he moved with his parents to Wayne county, but socm after returned to Hancock county , where he received his education. In the fall of 1854, the family came to this place, and Charles lived with his parents until his marriage on the 23d of July, 1862, his wife being Miss Mary E. Swartwood, who was bom on the 9th of January, 1842, in Amherst, Ohio. He then settled in section fourteen, and has since purchased two other farms, on one of which a portion of Canton village is located. He moved to the latter in 1880, his house being just outside

M. J. WiiiiiSiE, a native of Clinton county, New York, was bom on the 24th of July, 1842. He moved with his parents to Canada when an infant, and resided there until 1856, when he oame to this county. In 1863, he went to Kansas, and was engaged as clerk one year, thence to Illinois where he enlisted in the One hundred and thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D, serving six months. After his discharge Mr. Willsie returned to FiUmore county, and in 1866, purchased a farm in Canton township, but in 1872, sold and removed to the western part of the State. The following year he again returned to this county, rented a farm for a time, and in 1877, moved to the village of Lenora, and the following year was appointed Postmaster. He was united in marriage on the 27th of December, 1877, with Miss Frances M. Plomteaux. They have had seven children, six of whom are living. In 1879, Mr. Willsie was second assistant Clerk, and in 1881, Engrossing Clerk in the House of Representatives.

J. M. Wheat, M. D., was bom in Delaware county, New York, on the 3d of April, 1825. He received an education in the schools of his native place and the high school at Franklin, after which he taught in Kentucky for eight months. He then returned to Delaware county, and entered the office of Dr. Albert Sullard, and also attended the Oeneva and Albany Medical Colleges, from the latter of which he graduated in 1853. Dr. Wheat practiced his profession for a time in Delaware county, then went to Tennessee, and in 1855, came to Iowa, and the following year to Fillmore county. Since his residence here he has probably traveled over more miles, and attended a greater number of patients than any other doctor in the county. He was married on the 10th of Jime, 1862, to Miss Almira E. Foote, who has borne him two children. Their home is pleasantly located on a farm adjoining the village of Lenora, besides which he owns other property, the legitimate fruits of an active professional life. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1875 and 77, and the following year to the State Senate, which position he has since retained. He was on the Page impeachment case, and also that of Judge Cox. His legislative course has been marked by no feature of especial interest, except that he was author of the Constitutional Amendment of 1881, appropriating the remaining swamp land of the State to the schools and charitable institutions of Minnesota.

John Young is a native of Scotland, born in Dunfermline, Pifeshire, in 1812. When young he was engaged in the manufacture of damask goods, and afterwards kept an inn and mn an omnibus from his native city to Charleston. For a few years before leaving Scotland he was in the brewery business, coming to America in 1858, and directly to Fillmore county, since which time he has been a resident of this place where he owns ^ good farm.