Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 61, 1882

Chapter 61

This Ed glish named political subdivision of Fillmore county, was an original government township, and is one of the southern row of towns bordering on Iowa, and is the fourth from Houston oonnt J on the east, and the third from the western boundary. It is contiguous to Garimona, Harmony, York, and Iowa State, on the north, east west, and south, respectively. It is admitted to be one of the best fanning . towns in the county. On the margin of the upper Iowa River, which impinges upon the southern part of the town, there is considerable bottom land, and back of this it becomes more broken and hilly. At first along the river, there was a fine growth of timber. Back from the river is Bristol prairie with its rich dark loam. At the west of this prairie is Bristol grove, or grove as the Norwegians call it. The land in the northern and eastern part is somewhat uneven. The south branch of Willow Greek arises from the north center of the town, and flows east and north into the town of Garimona. The middle branch of Root River is another stream with like characteristics. In the northern part of the town there were some fine groves of timber at an early day, but most of it has fallen before the woodman's ax, while new woods are springing up in the vicinity. In the southeastern part, where the first claim was laid, there was at first some fine timber land.

Bably Settlement

The first claim known to have been made in Bristol was in thotall of 1852, by Samuel Drake, in section thirty-six. In July, 1853, M. G. and L. G. St. John, the first actual settlers, put in a personal appearance and bought Mr. Drake's claim, which was timber. M. G. located in section thirtysix, and his brother, L. G., in section thirty-five. These young men were natives ef New York, but had been living for eight or nine years in Wisconsin, from whence they came here. William A. Nelson, another young man, was along at the same time, and he selected a quarter, in sections thirtyfour and thirty-five, which he afterwards sold to Granger & Lewis as a part of Granger village. Mr. Drake was from Iowa, and did not remain. During the same year Mr. D. Growell, a native of Boston, came up from Illinois, and he staked out a farm in section thirty-two. It is thought that there were no more settlers that year.

During the year 1854, there were quite a number of acquisitions, among them James Springsteel, a native of the Buckeye State, arrived from Illinois and took his land in section thiriy-three.

Torger ToUefson and Ole Flatastal, whose names indicate their nationality, drifted over from Wisconsin and secured farms in sections one and eleven, and they may still be found there.

Thomas Drury and Gharles Bellingham, Englishmen, located on sections three and eleven. Mr. Bellingham moved to Lyon county in 1871, and in 1878 Mr. Drury died ; with them came two other English families.

Enut Halverson Verpe claimed large tracts in sections eighteen and twenty, and lived on a tract in section seventeen until he sold his home in 1870. On the 7th of June, 1878, he died at the residence of H. Halverson at the age of ninety- five years.

Samuel Bowden, from England, who had been living in Wisconsin, secured a homestead in section one, where he surrendered his life in 1862, and his widow still lives on the place.

Edward Bumham, a native of Franklin county, Massachusetts, arrived here on the 9th of June, 1856, and selected land in sections fourteen and twenty-three.

Halver Halverson found a stopping place in section eighteen. In 1857, while attempting to cross the Boot Biver in a boat, he lost his life. His son occupies the old place.

In 1856, a few other settlers arrived. Henry Achatz, a Prussian, found a resting place in section twenty-four, and he is still a above ground there. Orson Thacher, of the Green Mountain State, made a sojourn on section two until 1871, when he moved on to the great hereafter. His son remains on the place. William McGowan, from Scotland, settled on a place in section thirteen, which he yet retains. Isaac Campbell was on section thirtythree, and Widow Myers on section thirty-four.

John Black, a native of Scotland, came in 1857, from Wisconsin, where he had been livng, and found a place that met his requirements in section thirty, where he lived and wrought up to the time of his death, on the Ist of May, 1874. His widow lives on the homestead. James Amst came with Mr. Black; and from that time the filling-up process was rapid.

Emma and Effie Bice, twin daughters of John and Matilda Bice, were bom on the 18th of April, 1856. Effie died in infancy, Emma married M. N. Bradley, and they live in Harmony, as every married couple should.

Post-Office

The first Post-office in town was established in 1855, and was named Alxbridge, in honor of Old England, of New England, and various other places where this kind of a "bridge" exists. Daniel Crowell was Postmaster and mail carrier, going to Elliota, twelve miles, once a week. Thb office was at his house, on section thirty-two. In 1857, it went to Granger.

VailvUjLb Post- office. - The establishment of this office was late in the fifties, on the southeast quarter of section fifteen. T. P. Chase was the first to handle the mail key, then Alansou Andrews, who moved the office to his house in section twentyfour. He kept it for about three years when he was superceded by Edwin Teel, who moved the office to his house on the northeast quarter of section twenty-one, and it was called "Bristol Centre." Sometime in the middle of the sixties it was discontinued, and the citizens procured their mail matter from the most convenient o^ce for the several parts of the town. In October, 1876, a Post-office for the town was established with Owen B. Morris as Postmaster, and it was opened at his residence on section eight, where it is yet.

Political

The organization of the town which, while under a territorial form of government was merely a part of a voting precinct, took place on the 11th of May, 1858, when the first town meeting was held at the house of J. P. Howe. The town officers elected were: Supervisors, M. C. St. John, Chairman, and Georga Horton; J. J. Jones was subsequently appointed to fill the vacancy; Town Clerk, Charles Lewis; Assessor, Charles Bobertfl; Collector, Daniel Thacher; Constable, L. G. St. John; J ustices of the Peace, G^rge Knox and M. C. St. John; Overseer of the Poor, K. Bumham.

The town officers elected in Marcli, 1882, are: Supervisors, A. R Mark, Chairman, S. Brightman, and Isaac Davies; Assessor, Vander Bee; Clerk, F. M. Andrews; Justices of the Peace, KnuteKettleson and Halver Halverson; Constable, H. O. Serfling.

The first school in town was taught in M. C. St. John's house in the winter of 1854. Mr. St. John employed Adeline Stork to conduct the exercises; she had seven pupils and the term was thirteen weeks. The family moved into the kitchen to make room for the educational institution.

DiSTBiCT No. 69. - The first schoolhouse was built in the fall of 1856, of logs furnished by the settlers, who brought the material and put up the building on section thirty -five. Mr. W. E. Adams went to Lansing, sixty miles, for the boards, windows, and shingles. The first school was kept that wmter by S. R. Lewis. In the fall of 1867, it was moved to section thirty -six, where it now stands.

DiSTBiCT No. 60. - In 1862, this was organized and the same year the schoolhouse was built, the contract being made with T. Chase to complete it for $300, but he lost money on the job, and the district allowed him $25 additional. It was located on section twenty-two. Miss Affie Linderman was tha first teacher. The officers were J. C. Brown, Edwin Teel, and John Linderman. In the fall of 1881, the schoolhouse was burned, but will be rebuilt.

District No. 61. - This organization was effected about 1860, and the first school was taught in a granery, belonging to George Dmry ; it was afterwards kept in M. O'Connor's granery in the summer, and in the house in the winter. Maria Flynn was the first teacher. The schoolhouse was built in 1872. The first instructor in the schoolhouse was Oscar Ayers. The first director was M. O'Connor.

DisTBicT No. 62. - This was organized in 1860. The first school was in a shanty put up for the purpose near Mr. Joseph Ogg's granery. It was afterwards kept in Mr. N. Ogg's granery, and afterwards in John Shock's. Then a cabin was bought at at Buffalo Grove for $15, and moved to section five, where the school was kept until 1869> when the new house was built. It is known as the Prairie Queen schoolhouse.

DisTBiGT No. 65. - This was first organized in in 1857 or '58. John Carnegie, John Rice, and John Stahl were the first officers. The same year the men in the district turned out and put up a log house, getting out the shingles by hand. The lumber was sawed at the steam saw-mill at Waukokee. Its location was on the land of John Rice, on section thirteen. Ruth Anderson was the teacher; school was continued here until the new house was built on section twenty-four.

District No. 130. - Miss Mary Buskirk kept school in D. Crowell's house in 1858, and only the Crowell chiUrea attended. In 1869, the district was organized, and the first school kept in Norman Brace's house, Mrs. Brace being the teacher. This was in section thirty-two; afterwards it was in a log house in section thirty-one. The new schoolhouse was built in 1872, on section thirtyone, at a cost of $650. Miss Georgie L. Tibbales was the first teacher. James Arnot, N. Brace, and John Sims were the officers.

District No. 131. - This was organized in 1861, and the first school taught in the house of Joshua Horton, Alice Andrews being the instructor. The officers were, Ole Skrabeck, Henry Tarbest, and Joshua Horton. The school boarded around in different houses until the year 1866, when the schoolhouse was constructed on section eleven, where it now stands.

District No. 149. - This was formerly a part of No. 59, and was set off in 1861, and the first school kept in a house belonging to Burgess & Greenleaf. George Bates was the first teacher. After that the school was kept in the Red Tavern. In 1870, a schoolhouse was constructed in section thirty-three, costing about $700. In 1874, that was demolished and a new one put up in Granger. It is a two story building, cost about $1,200, and is. yet unfinished on the inside. Miss Sarah D. Teel taught the first school here.

District No. 151. - School was first taught in this district at the house of G. G. Roberts, in section eighteen, and afterwards in a log house in section nineteen. The same year, 1868, the district was organized. In 1870, the schoolhouse was built cm section nineteen, at a cost of $500.

Richard D. Jones was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse. H. Halveraon has been the clerk from the first. This is the Bristol Grove schoolhonse.

Religious

The Welch Oalvantstic Church. - ^This was organized late in the sixties by Rev. J. D. Wiliams, who now resides in Foreston, Iowa, and Rev. Daniel Rowlands, now of Mankato. The Welch residents of this town had attended seavice in York previous to this time, at private houses, and in the log schoolhouse. The above mentioned clergymen, with Rev. Jahn Evans, preached here at different times. In 1874, the church was constructed on section eighteen, at a cost of about $2,100. Rev. O. R. Morris is the pastor now in charge.

The Gebman Baptist Lutheran Church. - Meetings were first held in 1857, in the house of Joseph Ogg, on section six, and afterwards at the residence of Nathan Ogg, on section seven. Meetings were thus held until the schoolhouse was built, when that was utilized for meetings. In 1872, the church was erect-ed on section five, at a cost of 12,500. John Ogg was the first pastor, and the present one is Joseph Ogg.

The village of Granger was surveyed in 1857, by C. H. Lewis;, and B. Granger, of Boston, who were agents for a firm of capitalists under the name of Burgess & Greenleaf . The plat contained all but eighty acres of section thirty-four, and eighty acres were in section thirty-five. It was divided into 166 lots, 50x100 feet, except those made fractional by the Upper Iowa River, that sweeps up into the village. The streets are from sixty to eighty feet wide, and the alleys twelve feet, and the whole village was laid out in accordance with metropolitan ideas.

Granger <fe Lewis opened a store, and a Postoffice was established. The same firm began the erection of a flouring mill of stone, but when nearly completed the west end fell out. Discoutagement settled on the project and there it stood until 1864, when Mr. W. H. Wayman took it in hand, and during the winter got it in operation. The material for the building was taken from a quarry near by. It is two stories high with a basement, is 40x40 feet, and contains four run of stones, three for flour and one for feed. The

In the fall of 1857, Ed. Slawson opened a hotel and kept it for about four years; then, for a time, there was no public house here, but in 1865, Dr. Lewis Reynolds built the State Line House, and sold it to Mr. H. Slawson, who, in 1870, transferred it to Mr. S. Brightman, the present proprietor. Dr. Reynolds was the first resident physician. 0

A distillery was started by Mr. Wyman in 1865, in a buildiog 32x80 feet, but in a few months it was closed by the internal revenue officers. He also started a vinegar factory.

Haskins k Halstad introduced a drug store in 1870, but in a year or two it was closed. In 1872, Dr. D. J. Lathrop opened the drug store now managed by Frank Andrews.

In 1874, the Good Templars organized with twenty-eight members, and went on until there was a membership of 218. In 1876, the Good Templars State Convention was held here. The hall, in which the meetings were held, was burned in the fall of 1878, with the property, including a ' fine organ, belonging to the lodge. While the lodge existed there were entertainments, with literary and musical exercises, which were of value to the whole community.

Granger Grange No. 67 was instituted in the spring of 1872, nnd embraced in its membership some of the best men and women in town. For a time it flourished, but like all sublinary things it passed away. In January, 1878, the final obseques were arranged, and now it only lives in the remembrance of its friends. ^^Mequiescat in pace/'

In 1871, Henry Hasse, of Preston, built a brewery here, a large building with a stone basement near the river, and it is still in operation under the firm name of Henry Hasse & Son, and they are said to make fine amber colored fluid.

the bank of the Upper Iowa River. Rev. William Miner, a Free Will Baptist, officiated one Sunday, and the next Sunday Rev. Lewis Reynolds, a Methodist minister, preached here, and so they alternated from Sunday to Sunday, the novelty of the thing on this western frontier bringing together larger audiences than are now collected. When the school house was built, resort was had to thai

A Methodist society was organized in 1859. Rev. Mr. Dyer was the earliest preacher after the society was formed. In 1867, a church was built in Granger. It was quite a good frame building, costing about $1,500, and was afterwards converted into a hall, but was burned in 1878. In 1877, this society purchased the Congregationalist church, which is in Iowa. Among the pastors who have been here may be named, Rev. A. R. Puller, Rev. Nathan B. Randall, Rev. G^eorge A. Sheets, Rev. E. A. Terwilliger, Rev. A. D. Stanton, Rev. A. P. Bunce, Rev. J. S. Garvin, and Rev. Joseph Hanna, the present preacher, and there may have been others whose names are not recalled.

A Congregational Church was formed about 1867. Their edifice was in the State of Iowa. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Jones, well known as "Little Jones," on account of his diminutive size. He is now in California. In 1859, meetings were held in Mr. Reave*s house, and at the house of T. P. Chase, on sections fourteen and fifteen.

The German Lutheran Society was instituted in 1871. Rev. M. Reeck was the first preacher, and at first held meetings in the schoolhouse. Their church was built in 1878, at a cost of $1,500, Rev. R Kute is the present pastor. The first trustees were Gustavus Krager, Michael Michael, and Henry Williams.

Rev. L. G. St. John set apart some land in section thirty-five for a cemetery, and it was laid out on the 18th of November, 1856, by Enos F. Gray, of Newburg. Frankie Adams, son of Mr. W. E. and Mrs. C. A. Adams, who died on the 27th of August, 1856, about three years of age, was the first interment.

Another cemetery is in section fifteen, and was laid out in 1857, the land being given by John Rice. Benjamin Winn was the first burial. He was from Ohio. There are several others in town.

in 1808. When he was quite young his parents moved to Allegany county, New York, thence to Potter county, Pennsylvania. In 1833, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Jerusha Cole. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and worked at his trade until 1857, when he came west to this county. He settled in Bristol^ and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section thirteen. In 1859, he was appointed Postmast-er. He sold his interest in Bristol in March, 1862, and bought a farm in Blue Earth county. He improved the land, built a house and granary, and made that place his home until his death, which occurred on the 24th of January, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were blessed with six children; Lydia A., Ruth, Orrin, Maria J., Alice L., and Frank M. Mrs. Andrews resides in Iowa.

William E. Adams was bom in Luzerne, Warren county, New York, on the 15th of December, 1819. He attended school in his younger days, then worked in his father's saw-mill and on the farm. When he was about fourteen years of age his father died, and three years later he came west to see the country, first to BuflFalo, then to Cleveland, from there to Portsmouth, Ohio, down the river to Cairo, up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, going then to Pike county, Illinois, and in two weeks came again to St. Louis where he remained a short time and returned to Pike county. There he assisted in building a saw-mill, where he had worked about a month when Harmon WeUs, an old neighbor, came along and induced him to go home. They went to Wheeling, Virginia, by steamboat, on the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, then across the Alleghany Mountains by stage to Baltimore, from there to Philadelphia and the sea coast by rail, boarded a steamer for Albany, and thence home, by way of Albany and Saratoga Springs. In one and a half years he again started west, returned to Pike county, Illinois, by way of Bufialo, Chicago, Peru and Peoria. He visited a friend, was sick all summer, then returned home, taking the same route by which he came. In 1840, he engaged to repair a saw-mill with his uncle at Athol, New York, and remained there one year. In his native village he cast his first vote for president, for Harrison, in 1844. He then went to Brandon, Vermont, where he married Miss Cordelia A. Jones on the 7th of November. They were at his home one year, then returned to Vermont where he was engaged in fanning and running a saw-mill. In 1854, he came to Jackson county, Iowa, and worked about six months then returned to Vermont. In the spring of 1856, he removed with his family to Iowa near the Minnesota line, and pre-empted land in the latter State, in Bristol, section thirty-five, and in the fall purchased six acres of L. G. St. John, on which was a log house to which he moved. In 1866, he erected a frame house, rented his farm and removed to Granger where he remained five years, then purchased his present house in Florence ville, Iowa. They have had four children ; Asher R., who is married and lives fn Granger; Mary W., wife of Dr. Haskins, of Boomer; Frankie, who died on the 26th of August, 1856: and Nellie E.

Henry Aohatz is a native of Prussia, near Cologne, and was born in 1819. He lived in Cologne two years. He learned the trade of making tiles for roofing and worked at that until he came to America m 1849. Miss Josephine Fuhrman became his wife in 1851. She was born in Prussia on the 26th of June, 1823, and lived two miles from her husband's home in that country. Mr. Achatz served in the German army two years. On arriving in America, he went directly to Pittsburg, remained there but a short time, then went to Illinois. While there he was employed as a mason. On the 1st of May, 1856, he left Illinois and came to Minnesota, made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in this town in section twenty-four. He built a log house, 14x16 feet, which is still standing. He lived in that nearly nineteen years, when he built the frame house in which they live at present. Mr. and Mrs. Achatz have six children; John J., Herman J., William F., Henry J., Charles L., and Frederick F.

James Arnot was bom in Scotland in 1823. He attended school until, twelve years of age, and was at Bathgate Academy two years. He was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Gilchrist in 1845. They had one child. Mrs. Arnot died in Scotland. On the 14th of April, 1849, he lelt his native land and came to America. He remained in Long Island one year, then went up the Hudson River to Bristol landing. In 1852, he moved to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and worked his uncle's farm, which became his own on the death of his uncle two years later. He improved the land and made it his home until 1857, when he came to Minnesota and settled in the town of

Bristol, taking one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections twenty and twenty-nine. About 1867, he sold that and invested in eighty acres of land in Howard county, Iowa. Mr. Arnot was Town Treasurer three years, and Chairman of the board of Supervisors, three years. He has been Treasurer of school district No. 130 ever since its organization.

Edward Burnham was bom in Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, on the 24th of Febraary, 1826. When he was twenty-one years old he married Miss Huldah M. Call, a native of Jay, Essex county. New York, the ceremony taking place on the 29th of Febraary, 1847. They lived in his native State until the spring of 1856, then removed to Minnesota with his family and took a claim on sections fourteen and twenty-three, in Bristol. They lived in a tent until a log house was completed, and ten years later Mr. Bumham built their present frame house. In September, 1865, he enlisted in a Volunteer Company and went west to meet the Indians as far as South Bend and Winnebago City. Mr. and Mrs. Bumham have one child, Sarah, now Mrs. C. H. Brightman, living in Bristol. In Mr. Burham's younger days he was engaged in making brick, laying stone and farming. At present he turns his attention wholly to farming. He has been a very industrious man all his life, and a strong advocate of temperaance. He is now in comfortable circumstances.

Thomas Drury, deceased, was bom near Sheffield, England, in 1794. He was a shoemaker by trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Walker. In 1849, he left England and came to America with his family. They went directly to Wisconsin, rented a farm and lived there five years, then came to Fillmore county, Minnesota. Took a claim in Bristol, in sectian three, and was one of the first settlers in this part of the township. At that time they were obliged to go to Decorah, thirty miles, for flour. Mr. and Mrs. Drury were blessed with six children; George, Emma, Charles, William, Alfred, and Joseph. Mr. Drury improved his land and built a log house in which he lived until his death, on the 30th of August, 1879, aged eighty-five years. His wife died on the 15th of August, 1878, in her eightieth year. His son, William, was born in England in 1835, and lived with his parents until 1859, when he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Warkman, who is a native of Knox county, Ohio.

In 1861, he bongbt eighty acres of land in sections two and three, and two years later built the frame bouse where he now lives, In 1865, he bought forty acres of land in Oarimona, and twelve years later bought one hundred and twenty acres in section two in the town of Bristol. Mr. and Mrs. William Drury have had six children; Hannah J., Hattie M., Laura M., Thomas W., Norman S., and Eosella M. Alfred, another brother, went to Oregon in 1877, and George followed in 1881. Emma married Joseph Brelsford and lives at Etna; Charles lives near Fountain, and Joseph died at Carimona in 1877.

Dyer Ellth, a native of Vermont, was born on the 9th of May, 1816. In 1845, he married Miss Christann Dawsey, who was bom in Ohio. In 1854, he came west to Wisconsin, bought a farm and lived there seven years. In 1859, he went to Denver and Pike's Peak. Two years later he came to Granger, where he first bought six lot« and built a house, then bought forty acres of land in section twenty-eight. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company A, went to Fort Snelling, and in one month was ordered to Missouri, was there until the last of May, then started for Memphis and arrived there the 1st of June. The next day they had a battle at Gunntown, but were defeated and went back to Memphis. He next went to Oxford, Mississippi, then back to Tennessee, and from there to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was taken sick and carried to the hospital. He came home on a furlough for three months, reported at Fort Snelling, and in August, 18()5, received his discharge. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have had seven children; Alvin, Arlington G., Frederick, Adalynn J., Frank, May, Georgie E. Alvin died in infancy; Frederick, when seven years of age; Frank, at seventeen years, and May in her fourteenth year. Arlington G. is now in California, and the daughters are in the James River Valley, Dakota.

Joshua A. Horton dates his birth in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of March, 1825, and is of English parentage. When he was three years old his father died, and soon after he went to live with his uncle in Broom county, New York, whom he served faithfully until twenty-one years of age, then engaged to work in the sawmill of Chrystopher Eldredge. Joshua resided with him five years and. was united in marriage in 1850, with Miss Laura Piatt, daughter of Samuel and Phebe Piatt, of Waterbnry, Connecticut. Mr. Horton bought a farm in Vestal, Broome county. New York, lived there ten years, and in 1860, sold out and removed with his wife and four children, two boys and two girls, to Minnesota, and settled in Bristol. He purchased what is known as the Willow Creek farm, on which flowed the famous spring which is the source of Willow Creek. After he was comfortably settled for the winter, he began to look over the privations and disadvantage in which he had placed himself and family. He found the settlers for two miles around without school or school district and, with a few exc-eptions, antagonistic to an English school. There was no lack of school funds, plenty of scholars, but no school house. In the winter of 1862, Mr. Horton and Col. Mark assisted in the organization of a district, appointed a school meeting, elected a board of officials, drew the money from the county treasury, and Mr. Horton set aside one room of his house for school purposes. In the winter of 1864, Mrs. Horton obtained a certificate and taught the school. -The next spring they sold the farm and bought on Bristol prairie, where Mr. Horton had the first drilled well, its depth being two hundred and seventy -five feet. It is furnished with a windmill and tank. In 1877, his house caught fire and burned with nearly all its contents, but he has erected another, and a better one in its place. They have six children; Olivet, T. J., Hattie, Deline, Libba, and Calvin.

Henry Haase was bom in the town of Clenzie, Hanover, Germany, on the 23d of November, 1820. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the tailor's trade, which he worked at twenty -two years. On the 27th of Oc toiler, 1854, he was married to Miss Mary Fick. In 1856, he came to America, landed in New York and went to Rochester. One year later he came west to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and located in Carimona, where he pre-empted eighty acres of land. He afterward bought two quarter sections adjoining, where he lived nine years. He then removed to Preston, bought two dwelling houses and engaged in business as a merchant tailor. In 1871, he sold his interest there and came to Granger, where he bought forty-four lots and two houses. He immediately built the Brewery of which he is now the proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Hasse have two children; Eeinhart H. and Mary C. Reinhart is in business with his father.

WiiiiiiAM B. Hutchison was born in Illinois, in 1842. When six years of age his father died, and three years later his mother married James Spiingsteel. In 1854, the family removed to Minnesota, and became pioneers in Fillmore county, settling in Bristol. He lived at home until 1862, meanwhQe going to school at Granger. On the 11th of February, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B, going from^^ort Suelling to Fort Ridgley. The latter part of the summer they went up the river to meet the Indians, who numbered about 1,500. There were forty-eight soldiers and six citizens. About fourteen miles from the Fort they met the Indians, and twenty-five of the forty -eight soldiers were killed. They were then re-inforced by fifty men from Company C, and finally drove the Indians back. In November Mr. Hutchison was sent South and joined Sherman's army at Gtermantown. He was at the battle of Vicksburg, after that joined Banks on the Bed Kiver expedition, and was at the battle of Pleasant Hill. He re-enlisted as Veteran at Black River, Mississippi, in 1864, and came home on a furlough. The same year he married Miss Angeliue Crowell. He subsequently joined his company at Memphis, then went to Nashville, and was at the battle in which Hood was repulsed. They followed his army to Eastport, Mississippi, then to New Orleans, and from there went to the vicinity of Mobile, and afterward started to Demopolis, but while en route, news came of Lee's surrender and Lincoln's death. They were discharged and mustered out of service in September, 1865, when he returned to Bristol. In 1864, his step-father purchased land for him in sections twenty-eight and thity-three, the same farm on which he lives at present. At one time he was engaged on the railroad in Cottonwood county, and also in lumber and shingle mills. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison have six children; Amy D., William G., Daniel H., Effie J., Annie Laura, and Arthur E.

Halver Halverson was born in Norway, in 1843, and thirteen years later his parents emigrated to America, coming directly to Bristol Fillmore county. His father took land in section eighteen, and sowed his first crop in 1857. His wife and son were to harvest the wheat while he went to Rushford to work, but in crossing Root River, two miles above the village, his boat overturned and he was drowned. His widow married again four years later, when Halver went to work for himself. He was employed on a f ann, and in 1864, went to Brownsville, where he clerked in F. A. Hilbort's store. He returned to the old homestead and in 1867, was joined in wedlock with Miss Inger Apian. The issue of the union has been eight children, seven of whom are now living; Nellie, Oliver, Emma, Halver, Carlina, Ida, and Oscar.

Knute BjETTEiiSON was bom in Wisconsin on the lOtb of February, 1849. Five years later his parents moved to Chickasaw county, Iowa, and and established a claim. Knute lived at home until twenty -one years of age, then he purchased a farm in Howard county, Iowa, where he lived seven years, then sold and oame to Granger. He married Miss Louisa Gilbert. He bought a store of H. Slawson, and has now a large stock of goods. His father died in 1874, and his mother several years before. Mr. and Mrs. Kettelsou have two children, Mary J., and Karl H. S.

D. J. Lathrop, M. D., was bom in Aurora, Erie county. New York, in 1851. He first attended the district school, and at nineteen years of age entered the medical department at the University of Buffalo, where he graduated in Febraary, 1872. He received his diploma from ex-President Fillmore, then Chancellor of the University. The following spring he came to Granger, Fillmore county, where he succeeded Dr. Jones. He started a drag store where the Post-office now is, but in 1877, sold out to Mr. Andrews. Dr. Lathrop is the only resident physician in the town.

Adam R. Mark was bom in Venango county, Pennsylvania, in 1840. His father came to Bristol in 1856, and bought eighty acres of land in section eleven, where he lived five years, then sold and went to Preston. Adam lived with him there some time, but finally returned to Bristol, bought eighty acres in section twenty -three, where he resided eight years, then removed to section foart-een, where he purchased eighty^ acres of land. On the 24th of Jnly, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Duska Serfling. In 1873, he completed the house where he now lives. His father, Henry Mark, is living at Guthrie Centre, Guthrie county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Mark have had six children; Franklin P., Mary E., Thresa M., Emma L., William H., and Burton R. Mr. Mark is Chairman of^ihe board of Supervisors. He also owns a house and lot in Preston.

WiiiiiiAM McGk)WAN is a native of Scotland, bom in March, 1825. His parents came to America in 1841, landed in Quebec and went to Ottowa. William engaged to work on a farm, and afterwards was employed on a steamboat, but subseqnenilj returned to farming, and in 1856, left Canada and became a pioneer in Fillmore county, where he took land in Bristol, section thirteen. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, CJompany CThey were ordered South, and he was with his regiment to the last. He was taken prisoner once, but was soon paroled and oame home.* In 1863, he re-enlisted at Little Book, Arkansas, and came home on a furlough. He was discharged and mustered oat in 1865. His father, whose name was William McOowan, oame to Minnesota with his son, and settled in the town of Harmony, but died in 1856. His mother died in 1879. In 1865, he was married to Mrs. Margaret McGowau, widow of James McGowao, who died in 1864. They had six children; William, Mary J., who died in infancy; Eliza J., Bobert, Margaret, who died when five years of age, and Greorge. Mrs. MoGowan's maiden name was Margaret Armstrong. They have one adopted child, Charlie.

WiLLiAif Nelson, deceased, came to Bristol with M. C. St. John in 1853. He had a claim in sections thirty-four and thirty-five. He was a single man, and enlisted for three months in the Seoond Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term he re-enlisted, and came home on a short furlough. He was wounded at the battle of Antietam and died in about three weeks. His mother lives in Iowa, near the Minnesota line, not far from the former claim of her son.

Michael O'Conner was born at Abbey's Leaix, Queen^s oounty, Ireland, on the 10th of August, 1831. He left his native land in 1853, and came to America, landing the 25th of September, at Boston, where he learned to make boilers, working at his trade two years. In 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss J. Mulhall. He worked on a farm in Lake oounty, Illinois, and in 1856, came to this oounty, traveling by rail, steamboat, and team, settling in Bristol and staking a claim in section three. He improved the land and built a log house i^ which he lived eight years, then erected the frame house in which they reside at present He has since purchased seven hundred acres of land, and keeps a large stock of cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor have had thirteen children; Andrew, Cicily, Elizabeth, who died on the 19th of May, 1877; Anastaria, Michael, Timothy, Alice, Frances, Martha J., Mary, Sarah, John, and Hannah.

Chanoey F. Bobinson was bom in Erie county. New York, on the 17th of February, 1857. He attended school, and later worke<l on his father's farm. In 1873, he came to Bristol, arriving there the 9th of March. For eight years he worked on a farm in town. He was joined in marriage, in 1878, with Miss Ella M. St. John. Two years later he purchaseii a farm of Dyer Ellis, in section twenty-six, and moved on to it in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Bobinson have one child, Ada.

David W.* SEEiiV was bom in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1833. When about five years of age his parents removed to Potter county. In 1854, he was married to Miss Lydia A. Andrews. Three years later he came to this county, arriving the 5th of July' and settled in Bristol, taking a claim in section twenty -five. He improved the land and erected a dwelling house. In 1862, he joined Captain Colburn's Volunteer Company and went west to meet the Indians, going as far as Winnebago City, and returning in October. He sold his farm in 1865, and purchased one in Blue Earth county. In the latter part of April he joined a company of minute men and started in pursuit of the Indians who murdered the Jewett family. The same day he was accidentally wounded in the arm, and it was soon after amputated. In June he returned to his farm, but soon sold it, purchasing his former farm in Bristol. Frank Schultz bought it of him in 1876, when Mr. Seely came to Granger, purchased two lots aud a dwelling house, in which they now reside.

M. C. St. John, one of the first settlers of this part of the county, was bora in Genesee county, New York, in March, 1817, and removed with his parents to Chautauqua county, when eleven years of age. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Sally B. Beed in 1838. She is a native of Murray, Orleans county. New York. Mr. St. John moved to Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1843, where he bought a farm, built a house, and lived ten years, when he sold and became a pioneer in Minnesota. In company with his brother he bought a claim in Bristol, also pre-empted land in section thirtysix. He built a log house, 16x22 feet, which was the first house in the town. They lived in that eight yea^, when he built the frame house in which he resides at present. Mr. and Mrs. St. John have had three children ; Laura, who died in 1864, at the age of twenty-two years; Lorenzo, and Ella M.

Benjamin Serfling was bom in Saxony, Germany, in January, 1846, and emigrated to America with his parenta when three years of age. Thev landed in New York, and came to Kane county, Illinois, where they lived until 1858, and then remove<l to Minnesota, settling in Bristol, where his father pre-empted forty acres of land in section ten. He afterward bought forty acres more and built a house, in which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1869. He was buried in Bristol Center Cemetery. Benjamin lived with his father until eighteen years of age, then went to Chicago, where he drove an ice wagon. He was married on April 2d, 1868, to Miss Sophia Kent. Mr. Serfling joined Frank Howe's Champion Circus of Chicago, with which he traveled two years, visiting the principal cities of the Northwest. He then came to Bristol and bought a farm on section ten. In 1874, he moved to Granger and opened a billiard hall, which he stiil owns. In 1878, he made a visit to Kansas and came back by the way of Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Serfling have five children; Mary, Charlie, Lee A., Laura, and Bennie.

James Sprinosteel was bom in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1818. When quite young he made sash and blinds, and followed that trade for one and a half yeare. James went to Illinois the year that Harrison was elected President, and was engaged in hunting and trapping. He was employed as a stage driver for a number of years in Indiana and Illinois. He was united in marriage in 1851, with Mrs. Mary J. Hutchinson, of Ohio; Three years later lie became a pioneer in this county, and claimed land in section thirty-four, but afterwards sold one hundred and twenty acres of -this to Granger and Lewis. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of Isaac Vanhoughton and built the first house in the village of Granger. Mr. and Mrs. Springsteel were blessed with five children ; Theodore, Cassie L., Charles E., James and Frank. His first wife is now dead. The maiden name of his present wife was Miss Mercy A. Crowell. They have one child, Stella B.

nine years of age, he removed with his parents to Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. They settled in the wilderness and cleared a farm. Mr. Thacher married Miss Annie M. Glidden, a native of New York. They resided in Pennsylvania until 1856, when they moved to Bristol, this county, taking land in section two. He built the first frame house in the town of Bristol, and lived in it up \o the time of his death, on the 14th of November, 1871. His widow departed this life on the the 20th of May, 1872. His only son, Daniel, was bom in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of December, 1835. He came to Minnesota with his parents, and now lives on the old homestead. He pre-empted one-hundred and sixty acres of land in 1857, part in Bristol, section two, and the remainder in Carimona, section thirty - five. One year after he disposed of his interest in the latter township and has since dealt extensively in real estate. In January, 1859, he was married to Miss Mehitable D. Page, a native of Vermont. They had three ohDdren; Ada J., Sophia M., and Orson D. In the spring of 1861, he built a bam, hauling the lumber from Mc- Gregor, a distance of eighty miles. His first wife is dead. The maiden name of his present wife was Miss Elizabeth Grooteboer. They have two children, John B. and Ray. In 1878, he built the large frame house in which they reside at present. Mr. Thacher was the first tax collector in the town.

ToRGER ToiiEFsoN is a native of Norway, bom on the 11th of October, 1818. He lived there until twenty-eight years of age, and was a farmer. He married in 1842, Miss Isabelle Felland, who was bom in Norway in 1820. He emigrated to America in 1846, and landed in New York, from which place he went to Dane county, Wisconsin, and bought sixty acres of land. He lived there untQ 1854, then sold and came to Fillmore county. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Bristol, section eleven. He erected a log house, which had a sod roof, and the first few years he had a very hard time, having to go a great distance for seed, besides paying high prices for it. Mr. and Mrs. Tolefson have had nine children ; Annie, who died in 1868; Tollef, Ole, Tone, Nellie, Esther, Jane, Grace, and Isabelle. In 1878, Mr. Tolefson built the frame house in which they now reside.

1847. Three years after, be moved to Spencer Massochnsetts, where he bought a saw-mill and afterwards built a sash and blind factory in company with his brother, J. S., Usher. They remained there about seven years, then sold and went to Woodstock, Connecticut. In three years he went to North Coventry, where he remained until 1861, thence, on the Ist of June, to Bristol, this county. He purchased a farm in section twenty-seven, where he lived until 1881, then removed to Granger, where he lives at present. Mr. and Mrs. Usher have had two children; George A., who died on the 25th of July, 1875, in his seventeenth year; and Annie E.