Fillmore County, Minnesota - Db8ctriptivb Early Settlement Political -, 1882 (part 2 of 2)

M. G. Fellows, proprietor and editor of the "Lanesboro Journal" was bom in Orange county, Vermont, on the 27th of December, 1825. At the age of eighteen years he entered the office of the "Vermont Patriot," and learned the printer^s trade. He finally concluded to complete his education, and in 1844, attended the Bradford Academy in his native State. In 1851, he entered the Madison University, New York, from which he graduated in 1856. Mr. Fellows then taught school in the Brookfield Academy, New York, and also in Cleveland Ohio. In 1858, he returned to New York and became assistant editor of the "Hamilton Republican." He was afterward engaged in the same position with several leading newspapers, and finally returned to Vermont and took charge of the pajier in the office of which he had served his apprenticeship. On the 1st of May, 1860, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Ellen McDonald. Two years later they moved to New York and Mr. Fellows again entered the office of the "Hamilton Republican, remaining ten years. After severing his connection with the latter paper he moved to Michigan and purchased an interest in the "Morenci News," remaining, however, but one year. He then came to Lanesboro and assissted in the publication of the "Lanesb(W Journal;" then in the "Preston Republican,'' and in Februf^ry, 1882, took charge of his present paper. Mr. and Mrs. Follows have one child, Frank H. During his student life Mr. Fellows won the distinction of being a rapid and entertaining writer, both of poetry and prose, a reputation which he has honorably retained.

Robert R. Greer, one of the first merchants in this city, is a native of Canada, bom in Huntingdon county, Quebec, on the 10th of May, 1842. He was reared on a farm and also worked in a blacksmith shop owned by his father. When but thirteen years old he came to Decorah, Iowa, where he found employment at his trade until moving to La Crosse in 1863. In 1868, he caftie to this place, and in company with his cousin, J. C. Greer, erected a frame building in which they put a stock of groceries and have since added general merchandise. Mr. Greer was the first Mayor of Lanesboro after its organization ais a

Jambs C. Greek is a also a native of Huntingdon county, Quebec, his birth dating the 14th of May, 1842. When eighteen years old he commenced learning; the wagon maker's trade at which he was engaged near his home and also in Massachusetts. In 1863, became to Decor ah, Io\^a, and three years later moved to the state of New Jersey. He has been a resident of this place since 1868, there being but two shanties in the present city limits on his arrival. In January of the following year, as stated in the preceding sketch, he opened a grocery store, their firm being the oldest now in the city. On the Ist of November, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Cook, the ceremony taking place on the 1st of November. They have three children; Theresa E., Leslie C, and James L. In 1871, he was elected Oounty Commissioner, but resigned at the end of two years and was then elected to the State Legislature, filling the latter position one term Mr. Greer, as well as the firm of which he is a partner, has been identified with the progressive interests of the place ever since arriving here. He is a member of the company now engaged in the construction of the North Star Creamery in Lanesboro.

Setmobb Gilbert is a native of Genesee oounty, New York, bom the 17th of October, 1831. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, coming with his parents to Wisconsin in 1839, and locating on a farm about ten miles from Milwaukee where they were among the old settlers. Mr. Gilbert was married in 1860, to Miss AlmiraNash. In 1862, he enlisted in Company G of the Twenty-Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, and discharged for disability after serving three years. His wife died in 1865. The maiden name of his present wile was Martha E. Case, whom he married in 1868. They moved to this place in 1874, and Mr. Gilbert, in company with Mr. A. F. Nash, built a flouring mill, which was burned four years later. The two partners then, with Mr. White as a third, purchased the Lanesboro flourmill, to which business the subject of this sketch has since given his attention, the firm name being White & Gilbert, they having bought the Nash interest.

Rev. PATTii GoTAAS is a native of Norway, born the 10th of Decemb^, 1847. He resided with his parents until seventeen years old, when he came to America and directly to this county, locating in Highland Prairie. In 1866, he entered the Norwegian Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, gradut>ting in the spring of 1873. He then returned to Norway and attended the University in Christiania, from which he was graduated in 1878. The following year he came again to America, and immediately took charge of the parish in this city, having previously been ordained by Rev. V. Koren, of Decorah Iowa. He also conducts services at Union Prairie and Whalan.

Edward Johnson, one of the sncccssful business men of this town, was bom in the northern part of Norway, on the 26th of June, 1846. He was engageil in mercantile pursuits in his native country, and came to America in 1867. For two years he was engaged as clerk in a store in Minneapolis; then came to Fillmore county, locating in Whalan. In 1870, he came to this city and for several years was employed in flouring mills. Miss Malena Hermanson became the wife of Mr. Johnson on the 25th of Dec^mlier, 1870. Of five children born to them, but one is living. Mr. Johnson opened his present fine grocery store in 1879. He is a member and officer in the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Charles Johnson, one of the early settlers and active business men of this city, is a native of Norway, bom on the 14th of September, 1847. In 1861, he came with his mother to Minnesota, locating in Spring Grove, Houston county. In the spring of 1868, he and his brother lx>ught land in this place, which they soon after sold to the townsite company, and which is now the business center of Lanesboro. Charles was afterward engaged as clerk in a store in the town. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Hanson on the 17th of May, 1871. Mr. Johnson engaged in the dry goods business in 1874, and at the same time was elected Deputy Postmaster, holdmg the office two years. Ih 1876, he sold the store and opened his present one with a stock of hardware, the firm name being C. Johnson & Co. The marriage has been blessed witu two children, both boys.

Ole Iverson, one of the oldest settlers in this part of the State, was bom in Norway in the fall of 1830, and remained in his native land until the spring of 1852, when he, in company with a num- berof associates, started for the "land of promise," arriving in New York on the 29th of June. In the summer, he wended his way to Chicago, where he remained for about two years engaged as a mechanic. He then moved to Decorah, Iowa, and in 1855, in Illinois, he married Miss Belle Nelson, of Boone county. In 1856, he came to Oarrolton township to build a mill, and being so well pleased with the country, determined to settle here, and at once brought his family. He engaged first in farming, and went to Winona in 1858, but returned to Lanesboro in 1860, and went into the restaurant business, at which he continued until 1876, when he commenced the erection of the Winona Hotel in Lanesboro, and completed it at a cost of $7,000. He has since been manager and proprietor of it. Mr. Iverson is a member of the "Southern Minnesota Old Settlers* Association.'' He has been blessed with five children, three boys and two girls.^

Edwabd Kevin, a native of Ireland, was bom in Tipperary county on the 22d of June, 1838. He came to America in 1863, and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was in the employ of J. J. Hogan, wholesale grocer. He remained until 1868, when he came to Fillmore county and opened a store in Rnshford. On the 14th of November, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Johanna Mulvihill, whose father is one of the pioneers of this county. In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin came to Lanesboro, where he erected a building in which he put a stock of groceries, and continued in the business untill 1875, when he opened his present billiard and wine hall. Of six children bom to him, four are living.

JoHAN L KviTTUM was bom in Norway on the 19th of August, 1843. He learned the tailor trade, at which he was engaged until 1869, when he joined the Norwegian army and served as Sergeant for six years. He was married on the Slst of November, 1870, to Miss Margrete Rosten. In 1876, they came to America, and directly to this place, where Mr. Kvittum was engaged in various occupations until 1880, when he opened his present tailor shop, the firm name being Kvittum k Saether. Mr. and Mrs. Kvittum have had five children, four of whom are living.

C. O. Krogotad was bom in the southwestern part of Norway, near the city of Drammen, on the 22d of December, 1844. He was reared on a farm, and learned the shoemaker trade in the city of

Drammen, coming to America when twenty-two years old. He came directly to this county and located in Bushford, where he followed his trade for three weeks, then clerked in a general mercantile store. In 1873, he came to Lanesboro, and opened his present store in 1874, in which he keeps drugs, books, and a line of stationery.

Ellbf Lovland, one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of Norway, his birth dating the 26th of December, 1842. He received his education at the Christiansand Stift Seminary, graduating in 1861, after which he taught school for seven years within the same Stift. In 1866, he married Miss Torund Osland. They came to America in 1668, and directly to Minnesota, locating in this county. During that summer he came to Lanesboro, and was employed by the Lanesboro Company to assist in making improvements. In the fall he opened a school which he continued for several years, since when he has been engaged at the cooper trade. Mrs. Lovland died in 1876, and Miss Anna Maria Westeren became his wife on the 7th of November, 1878. They are active members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Lovland has been secretary since its organization in this place. He was elected to the State Legistature in 1880.

Olb Laxglib is a native of Throndhjem, Norway, where he was bora the 7th of July 1836. He received a good education, and afterward was engaged in teaching, which he followed in his native country about nine years. In 1866, he came to America, and for one year taught school in this county, on Highland Prairie; then in Spring Grove for three years. After the expiration of six years he returned to Fillmore county, and resided in Amherst for a time. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Pederson Lomen in May, 1872. The following year they came to this place, and Mr. Langlie opened his present store, since which time he has built up a good trade. Of five children bora to him, three are living.

John Leahy was bora in the county of Kerry, Ireland, in March, 1822, which place he made his home until 1847. He then came to America and resided in New Hampshire two years, then in New York about three years. In 1851, he was imited in marriage with Miss Julia Nolan, the ceremony taking place on the 23d of November, in BnfilEdo, New York. In 1853, they moved to Ohio, and a year later to Wisconsin, and Mr. Leahy was em- ployed on the Southern Minnesota railroad. He came to this plaoe in 1869, and for three years was engaged in a boarding house. In 1876, he opened the American House, which he has since conducted. Eleven children have been bom to Mr. Leahy, six of whom are living.

John McOAUiiEY was born in Ireland, and came to America when about ten years old. He resided with his family in Winona county a few years; then moved to La Crosse, where his parents now live. In 1863, John enlisted in the Third Minnesota Light Artillery, serving two years and two months. He was afterward engaged in steamers on the Mississippi Biver, in which occupation he lost one hand. He came to this place in 1881, and opened his present billiard and wine hall.

B. A. Man, the present Mayor of Laneslx>ro, is a native of New York. His grand- father. Dr. Albon Man, was one of the pioneers of Franklin county, in that State, and cut a road through that and Clinton counties for which service he received from the State an extensive homestead in what is now WeetviUe, Franklin county. During the war of 1812, the old house (which was the only large frame building in that vicinity) became quite a noted hospital for the soldiers. Albon Man died in 1819, from the effects of injuries received by a fall from his horse. He left three sons and four daughters. Buel, the father of our subject, coming into possession of the old homestead. B. A. was bom on the same on the 15th of Jiuie, 1840. He remained at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the One hundred and sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, Company H. He held the position of First Lieutenant, and for good behavior in the battle of Graham's Landing, South Carolina, where he was on staff duty with Lieut. GK)vernor Woodford, of New York, was offered a Captain's commission, which he respectfully declined, retaining his former rank. He remained as brigade and regimental Quartermaster till the close of the war, with the Second - Brigade Coast Division, Department of the South. After receiving his discharge he retumed to New York. In 1869, he came to Minnesota, and acted as agent for the Lanesboro Townsite Company, continuing that occupation for six years. He then opened a loan and collection office, and in 1878, was admitted to the bar, since which time he has practiced law. The maiden name of his wife was Abby T. Wecott, of Malone, New York.

Louis Miller was bom in Cop':»nhagen, Denmark, in 1845. When he was fifteen years old he went to sea with the intention of learning navigation, but on reaching America left the ship and came Indiana, In 1864, he joined the United States Navy connected with the Mississippi Squadroon and remained in the service two years. He was then engaged on steamers, and by close attention acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. For many years he was purser for the Coulson line of boats on the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, and now owns an interest in the same. He engaged in the drag business in this place in 1879, spending the winters here and the summers on the river. The firm name is L. Miller k Co. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary Henderson who has borne him one child, Ida L.

John Mullen is a native of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, born on the 14th of December, 1858. After receiving his education he entered a mercantile establishment and was also engaged in farming. In May, 1876, he came to Lanesboro and was one of a firm to open a general mercantile store, remaining with the company three years, after which he carried on a branch store for J. C. Smith, of La Crosse. Since April, 1880, he has been landlord of the Lanesboro Hotel.

C. J. Nilson, a native of Norway, was bom on the 22d of December, 1855. He leamed of his father, who was a shoemaker, the trade, and was engaged at the same until 1870, when he came to America. He resided in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, a few years; then in Dubuque, Iowa, a short time, and in 1874, came to Fillmore county, locating in Whalan. He came to this place in 1878, and the following year opened a shoe shop in which he has since devoted his time and energy.

Mark Nelson, who was bom the 9th of May, 1818, is a native of Denmark. When he was young he leamed the shoemaker's trade, at which he was engaged near his home until coming to America. He was joined in marriage on the 13th of December, 1845, with Mias Emilie Larson. They left Denmark for this country m 1869, and came directly to Lanesboro, which has since been their home. Mr. Nelson opened his present shoe store soon after coming here, and has since done a successful business. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been blessed with five children, four of whom are living.

Samuel A. Nelson **Ertckstad" ia a native of Norway, where he was bora the 6th of January, 1851. When he was an infant his parents came to America, locating in Chicago, and three years later to Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1865, they moved to a farm in Newburg. At the age of seventeen years Samuel entered a business college in Chicago, from which he graduated in 1870. Two years later he engaged in general mercantile business in Lauesboro, continuing in the same six years. He was joined in marriage with Miss Julia Skarie in January, 1878. The following year he opened his present large establishment, the firm name being Nelson k Nepstad. Mr. Nelson has held the office of Town and Village Treasurer, each two years. He has two children, both boys.

Christ SonANSBEBo was bora on the 30th of April, 1854, in Norway. He came with his parents to America when but six years of age, and located in Veraon county, Wisconsin. At the age of seventeen years he was employed in a butcher shop at Sparta, remaining four years. In 1875, he came to Fillmore county, and opened a shop in Peterson. In May, 1878, he was married to Miss Helen Everson, the result of which union is one child. They came to Lanesboro the following year, and Mr. Sohansberg, in company with John and Severt Solberg, opened the only butcher shop in this place.

M. ScANLAN, who was bora in Ireland on the 25th of September, 1840, is one of the oldest settlers and active business men of this town. When young he came with his parents to America, locating in Lake county, Ohio. In 1856, he came here and resided with his brothers (who had come the previous year) until tlie arrival of his parents in 1857. Upon the organization of Lanesboro Mr. Scanlan found a portion of his farm to be located inside the \illage limits. He soon after, in company with 0. C. Abbott, erected a store in which they kept a line of hardware. In 1876, he sold his interest in the latter, and has since l)een engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He is also a member of the firm of H. Lyngaas & Co., general merchants. Since 1859, Mr. Scanlan has been Town Clerk, and in 1869 and 70, was a member of the State Legislature.

James Thompson was born in the town of Union, Canada West, on the 7th of November, .1839. In 1841, the family came to Winnebago county, Illinois, where James attended school, and after the death of his father, in 1853, he assisted his mother in setling up the estate, teaching a district school during the fall and winter of 1860. He came to Saint Paul in August, 1861, and was engaged with his brother, Clark W. Thompson, then Superintendent of Indian Affairs, spending a year at the Chippewa Agency, near Crow Wing, Minnesota. He entered the commission and grocery house of J. C. ife fl. C. Burbank in 1863, and had charge of their Military Transportation of GK)vernment supplies to the Forts Ridgely and Wadsworth for two years. He visited Hlinois in 1866, to close up his father^s estate, and in the following year he moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was agent of the Southera Minnesota Railroad Company at Grand Crossing, station for nearly two years. In 1869, Mr. Thompson came to Lanesboro, and in company with Harrison Williams and his brothers, Clark W. and John M. Thompson, built the Lanesboro Mills, and on their completion he was made manager by the firm of Thompson & Williams. Miss Ella L. Horton became his wife on the 10th of May, 1876. He sold his interest in the Lanesboro Mill in 1879, and in September, 1880, commenced his present fine establishment, which is known as the "Anchor Oat Meal Mill," and is one of the leading industries of this thriving town. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of two children, James and Horton.

John H. Travis is a native of Dutchess county, New York, bora the 11th of January, 1821. When he was ten years old he entered a cotton factory, afterward learaed a trade in a soap and candle factory, and later, in a print establishment. Mr. Travis was employed in a blacksmith shop for eight years; then engaged as a machinist, and finally as a millwright. Miss Sarah Nutt l»ecame his wife on the 18th of August, 1841. Of eight children, the result of this union, five are living, lu 1860, the family moved to this county, and for many } ears Mr. Travis was a prominent farmer of Amherst, but in 1877, rented the farm there and came to this village, where he is engaged in gardening.

Thomas Thorp, a resident of Minnesota since 1852, is a native of New York City, born the 16th of July, 1844. After coming to this State, in 1852, he located in Minnesota City, Winona county, and remained engaged on a farm until 1871. He then cammenced learning the cooper trade, and in

1872, came to Lanesboro. The following year be entered the cooper shop of Doud, Son k Co., where he has since had entire charge. He was united in marriage, on the 10th of J une, 1873, with Miss Nellie Cotton, who had also been a resident of Winona count v since 1852. They have been blessed with one child, Nellie C.

O. G. WAiiL, one of the old settlers of this county, was born near Logansport, Indiana, on the 25th of June, 1844. At the age of ten years he came with his parents to Fillmore county, located on a farm near Chatfield, and attended school in that village. In 1861, he entered the oflfice of the "Chatfield liepublican," which, in October of that year, was removed to Preston, where Mr. Wall assisted, mechanically, in producing the first newspaper ever printed at the county seat of Fillmore county. In 1862, ho enlisted in Company B, of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was among those who defended Fort Kidgely on the occasion of the Sioux outbreak in August, 1802. He was discharged for disability after eight mouths service, and subsequently re-enlisted in the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, Company F, serving one year. In 1864, at the age of twenty years, he engaged in his first newspaper enterprise, taking and conducting the "Free Homestead," of Winnebago City, for Mr. J. L. Christie, who entered the service in a Minnesota regiment. He successfully conducted the "Homestead" until after the close of the war. He was afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits in the latter place for three years. In 1867, he went to Caledonia on a leave of absence, and assisted in establishing the "Houston County Journal," and in 1868, returned and bought a half interest in the office, with his brother, P. P. Wall. In 1870, he purchased his brother's interest, and conducted the paper alone until 1873, when he sold out^ spending a year out of business on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. In 1874, he removed to Lanesboro, and established the "Lanesboro Journal," which he conducted six years. Mr. Wall was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Fifth Division of his district in 1875, and Postmaster at Lanesboro in 1879, the latter of which he now holds. He has filled many other local offices, among them that of Mayor of Lanesboro.

1817. He was reared on a farm nnd resided at home until his marriage in 1841, to Miss Annie K. Stonedahl. They came to America in 1847, and first found a home in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained until coming to this place in 1854. They settled in section twelve, and Mr. Bell built the first house in Carrolton township. They had six children; Gertrude, Kari, Jorina, Lucretia, Knudt, and Annie. Kari died on the 22d of July, 1877, and Mrs. Bell on the 22d of September, 1880; both were buried in the Root River Cemetery.

Thor Christen, a native of Norway, was bom on the 13th of January, 1834. He came with his parents to America in 1848, and located in Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1854, they moved to Fillmore county, and settled in what is now Carrolton township. Mr.' Christen took a claim upon which he has made substantial improvements, and now has a fine farm. He was married in March, 1858, \o Miss Carrie Erickson. They have had thirteen children; Christian, Sophia, Leva, Petra, Lena, John, Christina, Edward, who died in infancy, Elisha, Theodore, Clara, Edward, and Julia. Mr. Christen is one of the pioneers of this place, there being few settlers except Indians when he came. He was obliged to go to Decorah, Iowa, a distance of forty miles, for provisions, making the trip with an ox team.

Neils Davidsen was bom in Norway in 1834, and remained in his native country until 1861, when he came to America to seek a home. He arrived in this township the same year, and was employed by farmers for the first few years. In January, 1864, he was united in matrimony with Mise Martha EUingson. Two children have been bora of this union; Annie, the eldest, died in infancy, the second was also named Annie M. Mr. Davidsen purchased a farm in 1869, has since devoted his time to its cultivation and has a very comfortable home.

Ole Dusschee was bom on a farm in Norway in 1836, and came to America in 1854. He resided in Illinois one year, then in Winneshiek county, Iowa, one year, from which place he came to this county and purchased a farm in Fountain township. In 1877, he built the Big Spring flour-mill, near Lanesboro, of which he is yet th3 proprietor. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits for a few years after. coming to Lanesboro. Miss Betsey Dumrud became the wife of Mr. Dusschee in 1873.

Barnabas Dawson, deceased, was a native of England, born on the 25th of September, 1825. He served an apprenticeship at the wheelwright and machinist trade after which he worked at the same four years. He married Miss Mary Ann Archer, a native of England, in 1849. They sailed for America on the 11th of October, 1851, coming directly to Wisconsin, and resided in different parts of that State. They subsequently lived in Winneshiek coonty, Iowa, and while there Mr. Dawson was engaged in the erection of a mill in Oarimona, Fillmore county, which was the first built in the county. He moved his family to the latter place in 1855. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company E, blew the first bugle for the regiment to assemble and the last when it disbanded. After serving three years and two days he received an honorable discharge and returned to his family. When the railroad was built to this place he was employed by the company to erect its first building in Lanesboro, where he moved his family and remained until 1877. He was then engaged to enlarge the mill at Olear Grit, and soon after bought the hotel of that place, which he also enlarged and remained in the business until his death which occurred on the 4th of February, 1882, after much sufiering. He left a Tiidow and eight children; Alfred, James, Susanna M., Elizabeth A., John Henry, Olara B., Joseph and Arthur B. 0. They had three daughters who died; Annie, when four years old, and Margaret and Mary Anne in infancy.

James Dawson is a native of England, bom in Derby county in 1851, and came to America with his parents when only an infant. He attended school until ten years old, then commenced learning the wagonmaker^s trade and afterwards learned the millwright trade. Soon after the Chicago fire he went to that city and found employment in the "Old Eagle Works," remaining three years. In 1873, he came to Lanesboro and started a foundry and machine shop, which he continued until 1877, when he sold and came to Clear Grit and has since worked at his trade. In 1874, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary Gilbert They have had two children; Herbert L. and Ernest, the latter of whom died at the age of two years.

bom in Niagara county on the 7th of September, 1831. He attended school and leamed the carpenter trade when young. In 1856, Miss Barbara Wagner, a native of Quebec, became his wife. In 1859, they came to Minnesota and located in Fillmore county, Mr. Isenhour working at his trade in Preston, Amherst, and Canton. He purchased a farm in section twenty in this township in 1867, and has since improved the land and made it his home. He owns a hotel and is Postmaster at Isenhour station which was named for him. He has a family of seven children; Melvina, Adeline, Fred, Clinton, Ora, Ira, and Myrtle.

L. L. Olson, one of the first settlers in this township, is a native of Norway, bom on the 27th of November, 1823. He was married in 1851, to Miss Annie EUefsondatter. They emigrated to America the same year and came direct to Wisconsin, where Mr. Olson was employed by the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Pacific railroad company. In 1856, he drove with an ox team to this place, located a farm in section one and immediately commenced its improvement. For a number of years he was obliged to go to Winona, a distance of thirty-three miles, for provisions, and to Preston, nine miles distant, to a grist-mill. He now owns a fine farm with good substantial buildings, Mr. and Mrs. Olson have had thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy; those living are Ole O., Erick, Rachel L., Annie L., Lena, Andrew, Thomas, Estena, Elsie, and Betsey.

J. H. Skabie dates his birth the 16th of February, 1831, in Norway, and when seventeen years old came to America. He first settled in Norway, Bacine county, Wisconsin, but soon moved to Bacine, where he served an apprenticeship with William Turabull as carpenter. He afterwards went to Chicago and was employed in a sash and blind factory, but after working about two months met with an accident with a circular saw, losing one finger. He then returned to Norway, Wisconsin, and a few months later to Bacine and again engaged with his old employer during the winter. In the spring Mr. Skarie moved to Decorah, Iowa, and worked at his trade until 1855, when he made a prospective tour through Winneshiek, Worth, Mitchell, and Winnebago counties, Iowa, and Freeborn county, Minnesota, in search of a home, but not satisfied returned to Decorah, bougnt a lot and erected a store building, which he rented. He was joined in marriage with Miss Selle Ander-

80D in 1855. They have had eight ohildren, five of whom are living; Henrj M., Julia M., Carl E., Osoar A., and William M., and three died in infanoj. Mr. Skarie made other trips to this section, first in 1855, and again in 1857, and finally took land in Oarrolton township, which has since been his home. He first lived in a log house, but now has a good frame building, and in 1877, built a fine bam.

Jacob Wetbbiqht was bom in Elkhart county, Indiana, on the 1st of February, 1837. He was reared on a farm and attended school in his native place. In 1855, he came to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, thence to Coon Prairie, and in the fall of 1856, to Buffalo Grove, Fillmore county, but returned to Coon Prairie soon after. The following Febmarj he again came to Fillmore county and was engaged in constructing the race of the woolen mill in Preston. In the winter of 1857 and '58 he made a visit to his native State, returning to Preston in the spring, and was engaged in driving team between the latter place and Winona, until 1861. He was then employed by a lumber firm in Winona, m which occupation he continued until the first call for troops, when he enlisted in Capt. Bishop's company at Ohatfield, but as the quota was full they disbanded. Mr. Weybright then went to Illinois, but again returned to Preston, and in the spring of 1862, went to Chippewa Falls, where he had charge of a stationary engine, remaining fifteen months. Then after visiting Preston and Indiana, he made a trip to California and was engaged in mining until enlisting in Company K, of the Eighth Califomia Volunteer Infantry, where he served eleven months. In the fall of 1865, he retumed to ludiana, thence to Chicago, and attended Eastman's Business College until moving to Douglas county, Kansas. He was married in Fillmore county, to Miss Sarah Jane Eddy, the marriage taking place on the 6th of March, 1869, but at once retumed to Kansas. They have two children, Eddie C, and Walter J. In 1873, they came to Minnesota and settled in section twenty in this township, which has since been their home.

Harmony

The organization with this concordant designation, is on the southern tier of towns in Fillmore poonty, the third from Hbuston county, the town of Bristol is on the west, Preston on the north, and Canton on the east. The Iowa River runs through section thirty-one, and two branches from the same river start near the center of the town to run southeast into it. The territory of the township has the regular thirtyndx sections of a government town.

About one-third of the town, the central and southern part, is ooniposed of prairie. There were originally but three bodies of timber in the whole township, on section ten about 100 acres, on sections thirty-three and thirty-four 250 acres, and on section thirty, about 100 acres. The balance, except the prairie, consisted of oak openings, or grub land, and there is probably at the present time more timber than when it was first settled) owing to its protection from fire.

The soil may be called a clayey loam, is quite uniform throughout the town, and makes the finest wheat growing districts in the county, but com is now one of the most important crops, for while it requires attention after planting, it is nevertheless more certain than wheat.

There are three quite extensive ravines in the northern part, laying north and south, and through each flows a stream of greater or lees magnitude, having their origin in springs, of which there are quite a number, the most important and well known being Big Spring, which at an early day, attracted much attention. It comes up in the northwest part of the township, and pro- duces what ia known as Camp Creek. This noted spring was in the claim of Moses Barnes, made in 1853. I was here tbat the first hotel was built, in 1858, by Mr. Barnes, and being on the stage line he did a thriving business for several years, particularly in the winter, when the navigation of the Mississippi was suspended, as this was on the St. Paul and Dubuque line. The second tavern in town was opened by Daniel Dayton, in section six, in 1855. At first he put up a log building, in the autumn of that year, and it was known as the Ravine House. The next year lie constructed a stone addition, and it was continued as a hotel until about 1865. This building is now the residence of Z.ira Dayton, a son of Daniel Dayton.

Camp Creek derives its name from the fact of the large number of immigrants and other travelers who came by this route, making a stopping place along the stream. The other rivulets receive various names, such as Partridge Creek and Dayton Creek, and in this part of the town they flow directly or indirectly into Root River.

The pioneer resident of tlie town was Calvin Hoag, who secured a place in section thirty-four in the fall of 1852. He entered the Union army daring the war of the rebellion, and lost his life in the defense of his country. He was the only settler that year.

After Hoag, the father of Calvin, settled on section twenty-five. He died on the 7th of April, 1875, leaving his son James on the homestead, where he still lives.

In 1854, quite a large number Hocked in, and a list of them, as far as possible, will be given: Moses Barnes, William Stork, William Bingham, George Chandler, William Chandler, Torgen Drenson, who is not now living, and-Erick Erickson, who is also gone; the latter brought five sons; Erick, who is now in Stevens county, Ole S. now dead, Thomas and Rev. Ole Erikson Solseth, who is a clergyman at Watson, Chippewa county; H. Nelson and two sons, Austin and N. H.; John Ellis, John Williams, who has since removed; Ole Quammen, and Andrew Oleson, who have also gone; Tallak Brokken, Arqe E. Kirkelie, S. E. Kirkelie, who is away ; Nels Knudson and son, Nels H. Knudson; Henry Eveuson and Loren Evenson.

The next year, 1855, those who came were Halnar Kirkelie, now deceased. Tor Kirkelie, who is now in Dakota; Ole W. Dahle, who has removed, Gulmand Egelson, now dead, Knud Peterson, and Thomas Halverson, both removed; Halver Johnson and Halver Berg.

The following letter from one of the early and prominent citizens is given entire, as it contains an interesting account of those early days:

Gentlemen : Your request was duly received, but I have had so much on my mind that I could hardly compose it suflBciently to write before, and if you can use what I here present, you are welcome to it, and can put it in suitable form for publication.

I was born on the 27th of February, 1808, in the county of Otsego, New York, and learned and carried on the hatter's trade in Cooperstown till the business failed. On the Ist of June, 1837, with ray wife and child, we landed in Racine, Wisconsin, and settled in the north part of the town of Geneva, Walworth county, where we suffered untold hardships in common with the settlers of that region. Our first purchase of provisions for a winter's supply was lost in Geneva Lake, leaving us destitute to fight our way, to keep soul and body together. Of the many things I did in that new country, nothing affords me greater satisfaction than the rememberance of my action on the great moral questions that agitated the community in which I lived at that time. I called a meeting at my house and organized the only Anti-Slavery Society ever existing in those parts, and strenuously advocated the cause, and it finally became very popular in the town, the county, and the State.

My wife was Angeline Johnson. We were married in Cooperstown, New York, on the 7th of September, 1835. As to our children, Adaline was born in Cooperstown, Edwin, William Ellis, Ann

Louisa, Charles Franklin, and Bosalie Gertnide in Wisconsin. Feeling that my work in Wisconsin was done we all removed, in the latter part of June, 1854, to Harmony township, Fillmore county, and on the 10th of Angnst pre-empted a quarter of section ten.

We found, at that time, but few settlers in town. I recollect Moses Barnes was in possession of a claim, on which i«« the famous Big Spring, and Erick Erickson, Mr. Nelson, and After Hoag, with their faimilies, were in town. I am not certain, but think Hoag was the first settler in the south part. Knud Peterson was the first settler and proprietor of Greenfield, which was once quite a little village, but finally entirely disappeared.

In the development of the town it was my lot to enact a very prominent part, in the laying out of roads and attending to other things incident to * a new settlement, having been Chairman of the board of Supervisors for many years, and Assessor and Justice of the Peace, each for one term.

The Indians were quite numerous when we first arrived in Minnesota, and they conceived a great admiration for our bright colored bedquilts, and for our improved rifle, which in the hands of our boys, William and Edwin, did great execution among the deer, and we had plenty of venison and deer skins.

At first Democracy was rampant in town, county, and territory, and in my efforts to free the town from this rule I was ably assisted by After Hoag, Daniel Dayton, and many others, by organizing the ant i -slavery sentiment in town in opposition to it, and after a hard struggle we succeeded, and I can say without boasting that I became quite oonspiouous as a leader in the struggle.

In the summer of 1854, I passed through where the county seat now is, the flourishing village of Preston, and nothing was then there to mark the site of a village, except a single log cabin, which, solitary and alone, stood amid the invisible possibilities around it

Since the 17th of May, 1878, when I was stricken with partial paralysis, I have retired into comparative obscurity. I shall be glad if you can make anything out of what I have written, but I fully realize that in a county history where so many hundred are mentioned, the allusion to each must be brief.

The town was organized on that same lltli of May, 1858, when the original townships in the county held their first town meetings. It was held at the *K>reenfield" schoolhouse. The judges of election were Moses Barnes, John H. Addison, and William Walter. The whole number of votes cast was eighty-one.

The following officers were elected : Supervisors, Francis Craig, Chairman; James E. McMillan, and Thomas Elliott; Town Clerk, O. S. Erickson; Assessor, After Hoag; Collector, Austin Nelson; J ustices of the Peace, William Benson, and William Knox; Constables, Thomas Ryan, and Ttomas Halverson.

The officers for 1882 are: Suj^ervisors, A. Daniels, Chairman; T. Brokken, and Thomas Kyau; Town Clerk, Samuel Aaberg; Treasurer, Edwin Stork; ' Assessor, T. Brokken; Justices of the Peace, William Craig, and Samuel Aaberg; Constables, Thomas Ryan, and O. A. Craig. It will be seen that some of the men who were the town officers in 1858, are town officers in 1882.

Religious

Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical. - This is situated in the northeast comer of section twentytwo. The society was organized in 1856, with ten members. The first minister was Rev. V. Keren, the second was Rev. Mr. Rasmussen, the third was Rev. Mr. Jenson, the fourth and the present pastor is the Rev. Tobias Larson, who came here in 1865. The meetings at first were held in the schoolhouse at Greenfield. The church was completed in 1867, and is of brick, 48x86 feet, and an annex 18x16 feet. It has a membership of about 100^ at the present time.

The German Evangelical Church. - This society was organized in 1874, and is located in section eight. Up to the year 1882, services were held in the schoolhouse No. 38, when a small building was constructed for both church and school purposes. When first organized there were about eighteen members, and now there are about twenty -five. The pastor is Rev. Frederick Kuethe.

District No. 39, on section nine. District No. 40, on section twenty-three. District No. 42, on section twenty-seven. District No. 41, on section twenty-six. District No. 44, on section- twenty-nine. Two districts are joint affairs, partly in this town, and partly in Preston.

Post-Offices

The first Post-office was called Peterson, and Enud Peterson was the Postmaster. The name was afterwards called Windom in honor of Senator Windom, but has been called Harmony since about 1872. There have been two other Post-offices in town. Big Spring, in the northwest part, and Wilton Centre in section one. But they have been discontinued and Harmony is the only one remaining.

This thriving little viUage is a station on the Narrow Oauge railroad, which was started in 1880. Its location is in sections fourteen and fifteen. It has two general stores, one hardware and a grocery store, the Post-office, a wagon shop, shoe shop, blacksmith shop, and lumber yard. There are two elevators with a capacity of 12,000 bushels each. The prospects for the village seem to be good.

This was at one time quite an important little hamlet, but it is now extinct. It was located about three- fourths of a mile south of the present village of Harmony, about sixty rods east of the Norwegian church. It was started by Enud Peterson, in 1856, who built a store; the next year William Burchlard built a hotel, and several sa- ' loons, these apparently indispensible adjuncts to every aspiring village, were in full operation.

For a time the town was in a thriving condition, but it gradually went into a decline, and no one could tell the exact time when it ceased to exist, it was so near dead so long before.

Big Springs

James P. Tibbetts came from Bangor, Maine, to Preston in 1855, and pre-empted a quarter section of land in the town of Harmony, about a mile from Big Spring. As a speculation he had the land platted on paper, and recorded as "Big Springs," dividing the entire 160 acres into lots, with blocks for business purposes, blocks for residences, for public institutions, for churches, and for parks, with a river flowing from the Big Spring, which was the center of the place, and to be the center of attraction. It was taken to Chicago and lithographed in colors. He was then ready for business, and went east and succeeded in selling most, if not all the farm in this way, obtaining from $25 for a residence lot to $150 for a corner business lot. All this time there was but one miserable little shanty on the place, which was eight miles from Preston and one inile from Big Spring.

The story is told by an old resident, among other incidents, that two ladies from Pennsylvania, having bought a corner business lot, came on with a view to opening a first class millinery store, and to their dismay, they found their lot a mile from a house, in the center of a slough, covered with grubs. It is hoped that the sorrow and sadness that filled their hearts on their return to their eastern home was compensated by the wisdom they had acquired, although this must have been obtained at the loss of their confidence in human nature. Several years later, when the taxes had become past delinquent, Mr. Tibbetts bought up the tax titles and the property was again sold, this time as a farm.

Wilton Oenteb

On section one is the site of this hamlet. By looking on the map the village seems to be made up of a store with a Post-office in it, a schoolhouae, a blacksmith shop, and a residence. But it should be remembered that the capital of the State, not many years ago, had a smaller number of buildings than this.