Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 66, 1882

Chapter 66

This is the third town from the western boundary of the county on the northern line. Olmsted county joins it on the north, Pilot Mound on the east. Fountain on the south, and Jordan on the west. It contains thirty -six sections as orij;inally nin out by the government surveyors. The northeast part of the town is prairie, while the northwest was a solid body of heavy timber, and the south half of the town was oak openings, and is a rolling section of country.

Tlie Root River, with its numerous tributaries, flows through the central part of the town. Sugar Creek flows northeast to mingle its waters with the parent stream in section fourteen. Bear Creek comes from the west through section eighteen. The north branch comes into town in the northwest corner, and finds the Root River in section seventeen. Numerous other rivulets arise from springs and help swell the "Hokah," as the Aborigines called the Root River.

The Root River and Sugar Creek have blufls on either side rising from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet or more, with projecting rocks and a variety of trees. The land is considered valueless, and, it is likely, will never be cultivated, unless in

The soil is generally a clay loam with a yellow clay subsoil, with the exception of the valley of the Root River, which is of a black sandy character to a depth of about ten inches, and this is superimposed on a whitish sand several feet, reposing on a bed of white clay. The larger part of the town is admirably adapted to stock raising, and the balance for tillage purposes, and in an early day the yield of wheat was enormous. About two- thirds of the town is under cultivation, the other third being blufis and timber.

Bably Settlement

The immigration to Chatfield commenced in 1853, along the Sugar Creek valley, and this went on increasing until all the land was taken, and of course, new comers could then only purchase of the pre-emptors. R. H. Findley built the first house on section twenty -seven in the Sugar Creek valley in 1853, it was of logs, 14x16 feet.

One of the first frame houses was put up in the spring of 1854, on section twenty- four, by J. S. Edwards, bringing the lumber from Winona, and his family came in the fall.

Another frame building was erected in the spring of 1854, by James McClellan, on section six, and stood on the pre^nt site of the village of . Chatfield. McClellan placed a small stock of

In 1853, Hugh Paisley pre-empted a claim in section ten, and he, it is claimed, was the first settler in town to commence improvements on a claim, and who came there with the intention of securing a home. He pat up a little log hut and spent the winter of 1853-54.

In 1854, D. W. Breese came and was the first to settle on section thirty- three, where he has remained ever since. On first coming here there was on Indian village or encampment near, which varied from twenty, at times, up to perhaps a hundred, and of course Mr. Breese and his family were the subjects of never tiring curiosity to the untutored children of the forest. They would come up in squads to the house, and sit and examine everything, and beg for food by pointing into their mouths. They were always amused to see Mrs. Breese wash and dress the children, the ablutions of course were considered a religious rite.

Col. J. B. Jones arrived in this year and soon after purchased an unfinishetl saw-mili, which ho completed. In 1856, he opened a law office, the first in town, and has since been identitied in nil public en terj) rises.

In 1855, William Bailey, H. Brown, Urbin Wright, Patrick Lynch, Patrick McGraw, George FoUinsbee, Tralo Erickson, Ole Jacobson, and Nels Nelson came to procure homes here.

In 1856, there were several accessions, among them, Martin Brannan, Michael King, M. Murphy, Patrick Williams, Thomas Larvin, John Conley, D. D. Frink, and Joseph Caw.

In 1858, James Power, Patrick Doyle, and Alfred Crosby put in an appearance. And after these the following persons dropped down in various parts of the town : Patrick Brennan, Ole Olson, D. C. Cartlich, M. W. Rooney, H. Hanson, and others have been coming, one by one, to take the place of those who have moved on.

The first man to arrive at the point where the city of Chatfield now stands was' T. B. Twiford, who passed through here in 1853, on hin way from below to Winona, and the situation so attracted his attention, that he induced a party of eleven persons to return with him, and the village was laid out, and slowly at first, buildings began to be erected. G. W. Willis and James McClellan, with William B. and E. B. Gere, T. J. Safl'ord, S. A. Sturgis and others were of the party.

Among the large number of arrivals which took place at this early day the best remembered will dealer in real estate juid pension solicitor. On the be noticed.

Simeon Crittenden came from Ohio and arrived here on the 2Uth of September, 1854. He preempted a claim near town and went into the carpenter and real estate business.

Frank Whitney drifted around here in 1854, and U)ok some land about a mile and a half from the village, in the soutb, and in two years went to Pilot Mound.

In 1857, Chatfield was the most nourishing town in southern Minnesota. On the 1st of January of that year, a local directory reveals the following:

In the spring of 1858, the amount of business done at the Chatfield Post-office was as follows: Letters mailed weekly, 423; received, 434; papery

Chatfield was laid out as a village in the spring of 1854, by T. B. Twiford and G. W. Willis. Wm. B. Cxere, T. J. Safford, and Mr. Sturgis soon came in and became interested in the success of the new place.

Opposite the town nestled in a quiet valley reposes West Chatfield, it wtis laid out by Mr. Crittenden in the spring of 1856. ^ Chatfield is on the left bank of Root River, fifty miles from its confluence with the Mississippi, and j at the mouth of Chatfield Creek. It is on a broad and picturesque plateau, forty feet or so above the river toward which it gently inclines. It commands an extensive prospect in all directions, except the northwest, where abrupt bluffs interpose. Numerous springs gush out from the hillside.

Looking north, the valleys of three rivers challenge the admiration of the beholder; looking west the eye can feast on forest scenery, and southeasterly, as the valley expands, beautiful farms with woodland and prairie and bold headlands meet the admiring gaze, and eastward, a high and fertile prairie, with groves of timber are seen in charming display.

As to water power, considerable of it has been improved, but there is much more awaiting the enterprise and energy which will some day appear for its development.

It was incorporated in 1857, the first meeting t being upon the 1st of April, the following officers being elected: Council, H. B. Morse, Presidtnt^ ] JohnR. Jones, A. Haven, and I. Cole; Recorder, | Jolm W. Sleepier.

The officers for 1882 are: Council, I. F. O'Ferrall, President, J. D. Ward, J. H. Waters, and Levi Bemis; Recorder, R. A. Case; Treasurer, G. H. Haven; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Underleak; Marshal, John Scott.

Some Early Events

Fannie McClellan was the first child, as it is supposed, bom in the town, outside of the village. She was a daughter of William and Mary McClellan, and arrived in tlie spring of 1854. Slie is now the wife of L. G. Kilborn, in the village of Wykoff.

On the 11th day of May, 1855, Josephus Gillett and Miss Mary Willie, at the house of the bride's parents, were united in the bonds of wedlock.

Mr. J. McClellan, commenced the erection of a store and dwelling, and a stock of goods was put in. This Wcis on the corner of Fillmore and First Streets, and still stands as a dwelling.

Gere k Edwards started a real estate office in 1854, and this business seemed to flourish, for in 1858, there were thirteen real estate firms in town.

T. J. Safford put up a store and placed a stock of goods in it, and also lived in the same building, which is now occupied by C. M. LoveU, as a dwelling.

The first school hero was in the summer of 1855, Mr. Armstrong was the teacher. The earliest graded school was in the Baptist Church, and G. L. Case and Mary C. Edwards were the teachers.

The first clerk of the Territorial legislature was H. L. Edwards of this town. ' The first religious service in the village was in 1856, and Dr. A. H. Trow, a Baptist minister, officiated.

The earliest schoolhouse was built in 1855, at a cost of §400. Its size was 20x30 feet. The building is used as a dwelling by Mr. O. Foss. l' A church was put up in the tall of 1856, by thej 'Baptists, at a cost of $1,000. It still stands oppo-S kite the residence of Charles Lovell. It was builtj l)y Simeon Crittenden.

The first building put up in the town was a log tavern on the comer of Main and First Streets; G. W. WiUis was the proprietor, who»kept it for some time, and then Mr. Sturgis managed it, but it has long since disappeared.

. Chatfield Township. - The early proceedings of the board of this town is an entire blank, the records of proceedings prior to 1871, having been burned in their large fire of that year. Since 1871, however, their records are intact, the management having been harmonious and judicious.

lows: Supervisors, Levi Ober, Chairman; Orin Tiiurber, and Thomas Oleson; Clerk, F. W. Shimer; Treasurer, G. H. Haven; Assessor, J. N. Wilson; Justices of the Peace, H. B. McKenny and R W. Twitchell; Constables, John W. Scott and W. J. Freeman.

The first man, or one of the first, to expound the Word in Ohatfield, was Rev. Clark, in the Chattield "Woods," as it was called, there were fifteen in his audience. Another earlj preacher was Rev. A. H. Trow.

Baptist. - At one time late in the fifties there was an organization of Baptists. In 1858, a small one storj building was erected, 20x40 feet, and for quite a time there were regular services, but after a time they were discontinued.

Methodist EpiscoPAii. - On the 28th of May, 1859, the Methodist church at Chattield was dedicated to the worship of God. A large number of people were present, and all the ministers from the neighborhood. A collection was taken up which cleared the society from debt, except to the amount of about $100. This was among the very first churches in Fillmore county, and the organizers of it have acquitted themselves with credit. There are now about one hundred members. The following named ministers have been stationed here, the first being in 1856: Revs. John D. Rich, E. Tucker, John W. Stugdill, Nahum Tainter, N. Lathrop, Andrew J. Nelson, B. Blain, J. R. Creighton, O. 0. Gregg, A. M. Stevens, W. Carver, W. C. Shaw, J. L. Fasig, J. W. Yokom, H. C. Jennings, M. O. McNiff, G. F. WeUs, C. H. R)gers, and Rev. Mr. Horn, the present pastor.

Catholic, St. Mary's Church. - This wasor^^anized about 1866. The structure was built at tliis time, at a cost of $6,000. Father Essing was the earliest priest and remained three years. The parsonage was built in 1868, Father William Riordan was here for twelve years. Father John Hanly took charge in July, 1881, and still remains. There are about seventy -five families depending upon the ministrations of this church.

Presbyterian. - This society was organized in 1856, by Rev. E. .D. Holt, with twelve members. The church was built in 1856, at a cost of about 82,000, and has a present membership of 100. The following named ministers have been stationed here since its organization : Rev. Clark, Revs. E.

Chatfield Cemetery Association. - This organization was efi'ected on the 22d of May, ] 855, and six trustees were chosen; Charles G. Hawley, Nelson Allen, for three years; Wm. B. Gere, T. J. Safl*ord, for two years; and Riley S. Nichols and James W. Willis, for one year.

Catholic Cemetery. - This was laid out in 1857, and was hurried up by the accidental drowning of Peter McCouley, who was a good swimmer and undertook to teach William Lynch, wlio was a novice in the art. .Swimtning into the middle of the river he made his last dive, while Lynch was fished out alive. Mr. Hugo donated the land for the cemetery, which is on section ten.

Th first saw-mill was started in 1854, by T. B. Twiford, and before completion wjis purchased by Col. J. R. Jones who completed it. The mill was run by water-power, and was equipped with a sash saw. This was converted into a iiouriug mill, and is now run by Mr. Dickson.

Crissey's Mill. - A saw-mill was built by Jud. Crissey in the summer of 1855, on Simeon Crittenden's land imd was operated by steam. After running for four or five years it was changed to a water mill, and in 1864, was transformed by Griswold k Crissey into a Woolen Mill, which was operated until 1880, by the above-mentioned firm, when N. Marsden having purchased it, he and his son, John W., begun operating the establishment. It has (me set of machinery and a set of custom cards, with machinery for finishing, and employs ten operatives. The power is derived from the Root River, and is delivered througli a twenty-five hi^rse-power turbine wheel.

Cuss(jn's FijOURiNii Mill was first built in 1860, and two years ago was remodeled. It now has four run of stones, operated by water, and has a capacity of 150 barrels a day. Twiford Edwards first built the mill. Its location is in Elmira, Olmsted county.

North Brancu Flouring Mill. - This flouring mill is located on section sixteen, on the north branch of Root River, and was built in 1875, by Dickson, Easton Johnson, at a cost of $50,000. It has six run of stones and six sets of rolls. After being in operatian one year, an addition was built at a cost of S8,000, and the capacity carried up to 100 barrels a day. But the production of hard

Elmira Flouring Mill. - The location of this property is on Mill Creek, in Olmsted county. A saw-mill was built here in 1857, and converted into a tlouring mill in 1866, by F. Levarta, who had been interested in the mill for some years. In 1870, it was bought by James C. Cussons and S. T. Dickson. In 1876, Mr. Cussons secured Mr. Dickson's interest, and since then it has been entirely remodeled. It has two run of stones and a set of smooth rolls, and turns out a good quality of flour.

Saw-Mill. - In the spring of 1865, Joseph Caw and John Murphy built a saw-mill on Bear Creek, in section seventeen. The building was 20x25 feet and made of hard wood sawed in a steam mill over in Jordan, and had a thirty -two inch water wheel propelled by a head of ten feet. It could cut up 1,500 feet of lumber in a day, and it kept ripping away uutil 1881, when the dam complied with a pressing invitation to go out, and it has never been rebuilt.

TnuRBER\s Saw-Mill. - A saw-mill was built in the spring of 1879, by Orrin Thurber, who still owns and operates the establishment. It has a good water-power where it is run, just west of the city limits. The cost of the mill was $2,500.

Chatfield Door Sash and Blind Factory. - This establishment was brought into existence in 1875, and is located on Fillmore street. It has a six horse- power steam engine, and is kept in constant operation.

Chatfield Iron Foundry. - This was built in 1878, by a joint stock company, and shortly afterwards passed into the hands of Milo White, who managed it until 1881, when A. G. Lombard purchased the concern. It was at first started as an iron and steel fence manufactory, but now does i all kinds of work. It is operated by a ten horse- i power steam engine. The cost of the establishment was $3,000.

Sugar Cane Mills. - In 1880, Henry Young put up a large mill, 24x30 feet, with a wing 50x100 feet, and arranged for making 500 gallons of syrup a day.

Springdale Creamery. - This enterprise is owned by a company composed of almost all the business men in Chatfield. It started at first as a cheese factory, and is located on the railroad track a half mile out of town. It has a six horsepower steam engine, with improved butter making machinery, and can deliver 1,200 pounds of splendid butter each day. Fifteen teams are employed in collecting cream which is over an area extending ten miles. About $5,000 is invested in the business.

Broom Factory. - In 1870, D. K. Lovell put up a concrete building on Third street for the manufacture of brooms, and for eleven years the business went on in a fiourishing way, but in 1881, the concern was turned into a blacksmith and repair shop.

The Root River Bank is one of the old substantial institutions of the county, it was established in 1857, by Gilbert and Easton, but after a time it passed into the hands of the jimior member of the firm, Jason C. Easton, who is still the proprietor oC the establishment. The amount of capital behind the bank is only limited by the wealth of the owner which is amply sufficient for^every emergency.

The Chatfield Bank. - ^n May, 1880, this institution was organized by O. Ferrall & Frego. It occupies a corner brick block on Main and Third streets. It has ample capital for the transaction of all business that offers.

This town being the largest in the county at the time of the breaking out of the war, furnished a large number of recruits, and at one time there was a recruiting station here. The names on the roll of honor from tliis town will be found in the general article on the subject.

The Chatfield Academy. - This collegiate institute was incorporated on the 25th of February, 1856. The trustees were H. B. Morse, J. H. Mc- Kenny, C. B. G. Jones, C. M. Lovell, Charles Wilson, A. Haven, Wm. B. Gere, E. D.Holt, T. J. Safford, J. R. Jones, R. W. Twitchell, G. W. Willis, F. G. Raymond, Isaac Day, and 0. G.

As the academy filled up, new educational facilities were offered. Rev. G. W. Fuller was Instructor in Latin and Greek. Drs. Isaac Cole and Luke Miller lectured on anatomy, physiology, and hygiene. There were within a year sixty-two students.

District No. 84. - TJiis is reported as the first district in town to be regularly organized, outside of tbe village, which was in the fall of 1858, with the following named officers: Director, Joseph Caw; Clerk, Peter Jolmson; Treasurer, George W. Sawyer. In the spring of 1859, a log schoolhouse was built on land donated by Sabin Woodward, in section seventeen; it was 18x22 feet and cost $200. Miss Hill, now Mrs. Hanson Woodward, was the first teacher. This house wtis occupied up to 1872, when a brick building was const nicted on section eighteen at a cost of $1,500. Miss Dasie Bank is the present teacher.

District No. 100. - The next district to be organized was this one, on the 1 1th of September, 1859, and on the 2l8t of October tbe officers were elected as follows: Director, Daniel S. Hoit; Clerk, M. O. Camp; Treasurer, R H. Findley. A tax of $75 was levied to build a log school bouse, which was erected on section twenty-seven, and Mr. O. Compton was the initial teacher. In May, 1862, the number of the district was changed to

District No. 84. - In the spring of 1867, it was divided into two districts, the other being numbered 147. The old district built a new schoolhouse on section twenty -five, a frame building 18x26 feet, at a cost of .$600, which was completed in 1868. After the sub-division the first teacher was Miss Mat tie Sbaw, in a house owned by John Jacobs. Miss Mary King called the first school to order in the new schoolhouse. Isaac Isakson is now teaching school there in the Norsk language.

officers: Director, Patrick McGrand; Clerk, Michael King; Treasurer, Martin Breman. In the summer of 1863, the first school was gathered into the granary of Andrew Gal breath, on section two, and Miss Lizzie Galbreath was delegated to do the ''thrashing," should it be required. The next winter the school got into the house, where seventeen pupils congregated. The next spring an acre of land was procured by Thomas Parsley for $15, and a schoolhouse 18x24 feet was built on section fourteen. In 1876, an addition to this, 10x24 feet, was made. Miss Laura Barl>er was the first to handle the ferule in the schoolhouse, with twenty-five scholars. In 1877, a new district was formed from this and called

District No. 128. - The headquarters of this district are in section two, where the schoolhouse is located. The first teacher was Miss Stewart.

District No. 85 was organized in 1863, with the following officers : Director, W. Brown ; Clerk, M. W. R«>irii \; Treasurer, D. W. Breese. Mrs. Lucy Brown opened a school in her own house in 1860, and in 1862, the citizens rolled a few logs together, and there they laid as evidence of good intentions until 1863, when a frame building went up in si^ction thirty-two at a cost of $600. Here Mi-s. Brown also taught, to get the house in running order. In 1878, the present house was built. Mr. Harry Armstrong was the first to teach in this building.

District No. 147 was set off as above indicated, in 1867, and the first officers were: Director, Navin Wright; Clerk, D. C. Cartlich ; Treasurer, Thomas Sawyer. The first school was got together in the house of the clerk, with D. D. Ferrall in charge. The next year a log house was built, 16x24 feet, on section twenty-one, on land owned by George Goldsmith, and Miss Minnie Sawyer was the inspiring genius among the mixed pnpile.

District No. 173 was organized on the 19th of February, 1878. The officers were : Director, I. Fay; Clerk, George M. Farrington; Treasurer, H. F. Douchey. A frame house was built, 16x20 feet, in 1877, on land owned by A. W. Fargo, in section thirty-one. Miss Maud McFaul was the first instructor, with twenty pupils. This district comprises a part of the town of Jordan.

of two stories, 24x33 feet, and cost S3,000. Tho second building was erected in 1879, at a coat of about $400. Primary No. 2 was provided in 1880, at a cost of $300. The whole school comprises 300 scholars. Prof. Davis is the principal, and Prof. Moore the assistant, with a complete corps of teachers.

Major Georqe Andrus was bom in Franklin county, New York, in 1842, and came to Minnesota in 1859. He located in Blue Earth county and worked at the blacksmith trade until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B. He was discharged for disability the following year, but soon re-enlisted in tlie First Minnesota Kangers and served as Sergeant for one year, till the expiration of his term. He again re-enlisted, this time in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, was mustered in as Second Lieutenant, and soon after promoted to First Lieutenant. In February* 1865, he resigned and was afterwards commissioned by the Governor of Minnesota as Major of State Militia. His wife was formerly Miss Louisa Churchill. They have one son, Royce E., and a daughter died when young. Major Andrus dates his residence in Fillmore county from 1866. He is now engaged in wagon making and blacksmithing; has served two years in the Assembly branch of the Legislature of Minnesota, being elect .'d in 1875, and again in 1880, and has filled the office of Deputy Sheriff of this county.

Amos C. Barber was born in Cortland couuty, Ne\^York, on the 12th of March, 1847. He came to Minnesota in April, 1868, and the following year bought a farm in this township, in section twenty-nine, where he lived ten years. He was married on the 6th of May, 1874, to Miss Emma G. Finks. They have one child, a son, bom the 7th of March, 1878. Mr. Barber moved to his present farm in 1880, and has a fine two-story frame residence.

Martin Brennan is a native of Ireland, born on the 17th of November, 1837. He emigrated to America in 1852, resided in New York three years, then came to Minnesota and pre-empted a farm in section fourteen of this township. He was joined in marriage, in November, 1863, with Miss Mary Ryne. They have eight children, all of whom have assisted in making thair home comfortable. In 1867, Mr. Brennan sold the land which he took

M. H. BiBBiNS was bora in St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 25th of January, 1829. He removed with his parents, EUphaz and Laura Bibbins, to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1833, and remained in that State ten years. His father was a millwright by trade. He brought his family from Ohio to Carroll county, Illinois, and in 1856, to Chatfield, where he died in 1875. He left a widow and six children; M. H. and Julius, living in Minnesota; Edward, in Dixon, Illinois; Mrs. Clarissa Wilmot, in Delaware county, Iowa; Mrs. Helen Cummings, in Illinois, and Mrs. Mary Kincaid, in California. Mr. Bibbins, the subject of this sketch, is superintendent of the farms, in this vicinity, of J. C. Easton. These farms are largely devoted to the raising of sheep, which aggregate about four thousand. Mrs. Bibbins was formerly Miss Sarah J. Hawley. They have three children; Anna, wife of W. H. Silsbee, of Chatfield; Sidney E., and Ida C, wife of A. K. Bush, a dmggist in Dover, Minnesota.

F. D. BandtjE is a son of S. B. Bandle, who was bora in Connecticut, and moved to the state of Illinois, when a young man. In 1854, he came with his family to Fillmore county and settled in Sumner township, remaining until coming to this place in 1866. He engaged in blaoksmithing and wagon making, afterward moved to Iowa and thenca to Kansas, returning to this place in 1876. F. D. was bora in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1852, and came to Fillmore county with his parents when two years old. He started in business with his father in 1873, and since the death of the latter, in 1880, has carried on the shop alone. His wife was Emma M. Brown, a daughter of Harvey Brown, an early settler of this county. He died on the 4th of July, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Bandle have one son, Harry.

L. Bauer is a native of Baden, Germany, bora in the year, 1838. He came to America in the spring of 1868, located in Chatfield the same year, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for about two years. He then be;a:an trading in hides, fur, wool, etc., and in 1873, opened his present meat market which is the largest in the place, also ships live stock and packs and shins a large amount of meat, doing an extensive business. His wife was Miss Augusta EUer. They have eight children, three sons and five daughters,

Levi Bemis was bora in 1827, in Washington county, Vermont, where he was reared to farming. When a young man he was engaged in carpentering, school- teaching, and also had some experience in mercantile pursuits. When he came to Minnesota, in 1856, he took land in High Forest, Olmsted county, but soon moved to Chatfield and has since considered it his home, although not settling here permanently until his marriage in 1858. His wife was Miss Emeline Eaton. Mr. Bemis engaged in the mercantile business in 1860, but owing to ill health has twice retired from active labor. His oldest son, Victor E., is now associated with him, the firm name being L. Bemis and Son. Mrs. Bemis died in August, 1873, leaving four children ; Victor E., Hurry L., a student at Carleton College, Frank A., and Willis E. He was again married in 1876, to Miss Jennie Inskeep, who died on the 25th of December, 1881. He has not confined himself wholly to merchandise, but loans money, deals in real estate, is engaged in agricultural and other pursuits, and is numbered with the succepsful business men of Chatfield.

W. L. Crawford is a son of John Crawford, a native of Washington county, New York, where he lived until moving to Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1844. He came to this place in 1866. W. L. was bora in Oneida county. New York, and came west with his parents. He came tf # Chatfield first in 1858, and again in 1862, and since 1866, has been a permanent resident, engaged in farming. Mr. Crawford has been twice married; he has by his present wife five children, two sons and three daughters.

Jam^ M. Cussons, a native of England, was bora in Horacastle, Lincolnshire, in 1834. His father being a miller, James, the eldest son, was reared to the trade and destined to inhei*it his parent's business. Hearing favorable reports of America he came over in the spring of 1852, and worked at his trade in New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, and Illinois, when **tramping" was not as disreputable as now. He was predisposed to consumption, (no sign of which I appears now,) and was recommended to a change of climate. Therefore he came to Minnesota, in April, 1861, and located in Chatfield, where for six years he was a partner of S. T. Dickson in the milling business. He accumulated several thousand dollars which he invested in mill property at Hori- I con, Wisconsin, intending to flour Minnesota wheat in transit, but Milwaukee needing it to keep up her reputation for "Hard" wheat, the railroad company refused to let him have it, although he offered to pay through rates to Milwaukee. The only alternative was to move the mill, which was done, to Winnebago City, Minnesota, where a stock company was formed, but he found the move checkmated by griisshoppers so far as making money was concerned, and after a five year's struggle lost everything. He returned to Chatfield in the summer of 1876, and bought, on long time, the "Elmira Mills," a run down trap, but his old friends rallied with grists, the toll was put into improvements until the mill earaed sufficient to rebuild itself, and is now the neatest and best little mill in southern Minnesota, and has all the business it can do. His wife was Miss Ann Col ton, a native of England. They have ten children, four sons and six daugters.

Frederick Coffin was born on the island of Nantucket on the 20th of March, 1811. His father was master of a whaling vessel, and when a young man Frederick accompanied him on a voyage to the Pacific ocean in pursuit of whales. They finally settled on a farm in Connecticut and afterward moved to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where his father died. Frederick came to Minnesota in 1853, and was one of the earliest settlers of Olmsted county where he remained until 1877, then settled in Chatfield. and has since made it his home. His wife was Miss Carolina Mack, who was bora in Connecticut. They have seven children ; Lydia, Mary A., Harriet, Amelia, Edward, Eveline, and Walter.

Simeon Crittenden is a native of Ohio, bora in Ashtabula county in 1832. He learned the trade of carpenter when a young man, and has been engaged in mechanical work most of his life. In 18'>4, he came to this place and has since devoted most of his time to the millwright trade. Mr. Crittenden has been twice married, first to Miss Caroline Morrill, a native of Bangor, Maine, who bore him one child, Harry. His present wife was Miss Georgia Atchinson. This union has been i blessed with two children, Edith and John J.

R. A. Case is a son of Lyman Case, one of the early settlers of Olmsted county, moving there in the fall of 1857. He was born in Vermont, and afterward resided in New York, where R. A. was bora. They moved from Olmsted county to Chat- I fiehl, where Mr. Lyman Case died in 1876. R A.

was for some time engaged with Joel S. Sawyer, dealer in real estate and pension solicitor. On the death of the latter, in May, 1875, Mr. Case succeeded him in the business, and has since taken a partner, the firm name being Kingsley & Case. Mrs. Case was formerly Miss Jennie Whitney, daughter of J. W. Whitney. They have two children, Eva and William. Their oldest child, Lillian, died on the 27th of March, 1882.

D. C. Cartlich, deceased, one of the earliest settlers in Spring Valley, was born in Ohio on the 24th of March, 1826. He was married on the 7th of April, 1853, to Miss Mary I. Stinson, and they enjoyed life together until the 27th of May, 1875, when death separated them, calling the husband and father to his last resting place. His remains were interred in the Chatfield cemetery. Mrs. Cartlich was also bom in Ohio, on the 25th of December, 1829. She came with her husband to the territory of Minnesota in the fall of 1855, and settled in Spring Valley. In 1^62, they traded their farm for the one upon which she now resides, in section sixteen. She has had seven childrem six of whom are living, one boy and five girls. The two eldest daughters are married, one living in Wells, Faribault county, and the other in Elmira, Olmsted county.

Joseph Ca.w was bom in Warm Springs, Morgan county, Virginia, on the 28th of January, 1826. In 1848, he moved to Indiana where he was married on the 18th of September, 1850, to Miss Elmira Murphy. They came to this place in 1856, and were among the pioneers, settling in section eighteen. They built a log house in which they lived until 1862, when Mr. Caw erected his present residence. His wife died on the 5th of May, 1879, leaving eight children, four girls, and four boys. On the 23d of February, 1882, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah A. Woods. They have, a good farm and a pleasant home.

J. C. Dickson, M. D., is a native of Springfield, Illinois, bom in 1837. In 18^, he began the study of medicine and chemistry in his native place, and attending lectures at the chemical department of the University of Michigan, where he was a student one year, from the 1st of October, 1866, to the same day and month in 1867. He took two full courses of lectures upon the principles of chemistry and mineralogy, and prosecuted the study and practice of the former in the laboratory of analytical and applied chemistry for six months, and also a course in Querlitative analysis and practical pharmacy. During the winter of 1867 and '68, he attended medical lectures in the same institution, and the next winter a partial course in the Louisville Medical College of Kentucky. In the spring of 1869, he came to Chatfield, Minnesota, where he was engaged in mercantile business until 1871, then commenced the practice of medicine in Jasper county, Iowa, removing to Chatfield in 1873. Dr. Dickson was married to Miss Ida M. Johnson, who has borne him three children, two of whom are living, Fannie and Maud.

Patrick Doyle, a native of Ireland, was bom on the 25th of December, 1822. He was reared on a farm, and came to America in 1847, landing in New York on the 11th of May. On the 25th of February, 1854, he married Miss Mary Neater. They came to Minnesota in 1858, and bought a fanu in this township upon which they lived ten years, then moved to their present home in section nine. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle have seven children, all of whom are living, and four residing at home.

S. T. Dickson is a native of Illinois, born in Sangamon county, in 1817, his parents having settled in that State in 1802. He moved to Wisconsin when a young man and engaged in mining, was also a resident of Iowa, California, and Minnesota while they were territories. Mr. Dickson is one of the earliest settlers of Chatfield, coming in 1855, and is numbered among the prominent business men. In 1855 and ^56, be, with Colonel J. K. Jones, built the mill here, and he now owns the same alone. Mr. Dickson also built the North Branch mill in which he now owns a one-half interest. Mrs. Dickson was formerly Miss Jane James, a native of Kentucky. * Jason Clark Easton, the most extensive banker and land owner in Minnesota, is a native of Lewis county, New York, and was born in West Martinsburg, on the 12th of May, 1823. His parents were Giles and Olive (Green) Easton. His father, grandfather, and great grandfather were all bora in Hartford, Connecticut, where the family settled in an early period in Colonial history. His mother's family was from Rhode Island. Mr. Easton prepared for college at Lowville in his native county, and entered Yale College in 1847, but his health failing, he left in the freshman year. On the 2d of February, 1848, he established, at Lowville, a newspaper called the "North- era Jouraal" and conducted it about four years. He was united in marriage on the 10th of September, 1851, with Mifis Sarah J. Johnson, daughter of Abuer A. Johnson, of Deer River, Lewis county. In the spring of 1856, they came to Minnesota and settled in Chatfield, wliere Mr. Easton opened a private bank. He also owns a similar establishment at Lanesboro, and is largely interested in several other banks, possessing larger banking interests than any other man in the State. He was for several years in the grain commission business in Chicago and Milwaukee, for two years bought grain at all stations on the Southern Minnesota Railroad, and subsequently became a director and the heaviest stockholder in this railroad ; was also President of the Southera Minnesota Railway Extension Company. Mr. Easton owns about thirty improved farms which he rents, and a few near home which are cultivated under his own supervision, besides fifteen or twenty thousand acres of wild land in Minnesota and a large amount in Dakota. He has some of the best stock, cattle, hogs, and sheep in Southern Minnesota. Few men are his equal in the ability to grasp every detail of all branches of so vast a business as he conducts. Mr. and Mrs. Easton have one child of their own, Lncien Fred, who is a graduate of the Shattuck Military School at Faribault, and a graduate of the law department of the Michigan State University. They also have two adopted children of his deceased brother, Giles C. Easton, and Mrs. Easton^s deceased sister, Esther A. (Johnson) Easton; Hattie L. and Abner J., who are receiving a liberal education.

OiiB Ekickson, a native of Norway, was born on the 4ih of August, 1834. He emigrated to America in 1848, and resided in Wisconsin until 1852, when he came to this township and preempted land in section twenty -seven. In June, 1856, he married Miss Leva Evanson. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Erickson built a log house in 1856, in which he lived until 1879, when he erected his present frame dwelling.

Dr. J. 0. Fate, a son of John Fate, one of the early settlers of Spring Valley, was bora in Ohio in 1840. He came to Fillmore county in 1858, two years before his father, and in October, 1861, enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served till September, 1865, a period of nearly four years. After his return he attended school; was for two years a student in the State Norrajd School, and afterward engaged in teaching a number of years. He began the study of medicine in 1876, and graduated at Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, in February, 1880, coming here the following April. He married Miss Josephine McAdams, a native of Ohio. She died on the 18th of July, 1874, leaving one daughter, Edith.

J. S. Gove, who dates his birth in 1846, in Vermont, came to Chatfield in 1868. Soon after coming here he entered the store of Levi Bemis as clerk; was afterward employed by Milo White, and also in the employ of G. H. Haven for several years. In 1876, he opened a drug store, in which business he has since continued. His wife was Miss Ruth Coe, a daughter of A. B. Coe, of New York.

Andrew Galbreath was bora in Clermont county, Oliio, in 1819. His father, Robert Galbreath, is a native of Scotland, and came to America in 1816. Andrew moved from Ohio to Fillmore county in 1863, and settled on liis present farm in section two, which now contains two hundred and seventy acres. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Shotwell, who was bora in Ohio, in 1824. They have eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mr. Gblbreath is the only representative of his father's family now residing in this State.

Henry S. Griswold was bora in the town of Adams, Jefferson county, New York, on the 24th of January, 1833. His father, Jeremiah Griswold, was a soldier in the second war with Great Britain, and participated in the battle of Sackett*s Harbor. Henry received an academic education, and at the age of thirteen years was prepared to enter the second year in the Hamilton College, but was too young to be admitted. He therefore discontinued his studies, and became a clerk in the store of Henry W. Whipple, now Bishop of Minnesota. He was for four years clerk in Hungerford's Bank at Adams, one year in Fort Stanwix Bank in Rome, and in the spring of 1857, came to this place and engaged as book-keeper for J. C. Easton. Two years later he was elected C-ounty Treasurer, and in 1861, became a paymaster's clerk in the regular army stationed at St. Paul, resigning at the end of ten months. On the 1st of May, 1861, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary L. Redway a native of Adams,

New York, the ceremony taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have one daughter^ Marian Esther. In 1867, Mr. Griswold bought a half interest in the Chatfield Woolen Mills, but disposed of it in 1877. He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1871.

Thomas Holmes, one of the early settlers of this place, was bom in England on the 17th of February, 1815. He was married in March, 1842, to Miss Hannah Suggett. They came to America the following year, arriving in New York on the 5th of July, tbenoe to Cleveland, Ohio, where they resided until coming to this place in the spring of 1854. Mr. Holmes purchased his present farm the following year, built a small house, and in 1866, erected his present stone dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have had ten children, but four of whom are living.

George H. Haven is a son of Augustus Haven, one of the earliest business men of Chatfield, who was born in Vermont in 1808. He was engaged in the dry goods business in Boston for many years, then in the grocery business in Galena, Illinois, one year. In 1856, he came to this place and established a general store which he conducted until his death, which occurred in 1863. George H. succeeded bis father in the business and has since conducted the same. He was bom in Windsor coimty, Vermont, in 1841, and his wife is a native of New York. They have one child, Ruth. Mr. Haven had a sister, Emily, the wife of Rev. F. P. Dalrymple, who died in October, 1881.

Rev. M. J. HANiiY, pastor of St. John's (Catholic) Church, was bom and educated in Ireland. He came to America in 1861, and was ordained at Chicago the following year. Besides the church here, Father Hanl^ also has charge of one at Carimona and another at Fountain.

John R. Jones is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, where he was bom on the 18th of May, 1828. His father was a Protestant Methodist preacher, and moved to Indiana when John was about ten years old. In 1842, the family came to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where the subject of this sketch read law with George W. Green. He was married in 1849, to Miss A. D. Crawford of the latter place. They have no children of their own but have adopted two. In 1852, Mr. Jones visited and explored southem Minnesota, thence to Dubuque, Iowa, finished his preparatory studies and was admitted to the bar at Dellii. He was one of the pioneers of this county, located in Chatfield in 1854, built the third shanty here and hung out the first shingle in this part of the State. His field of legal conflict extended from fifty to one hundred miles in all directions, and he has always had an extensive practice. In 1855 and '56, in company with S. T. Dickson, he built a flouring mill, which is now owned by the latter. Mr. Jones was Prosecuting Attorney of Fillmore coimty in an early day, resigning to accept the office of State Senator, to which he was elected in 1857. In AuguBt, 1862, when the Sioux war broke out, he was Colonel of the Third Minnesota Militia, and took that regiment to the frontier. Two months later he enlisted as a private in the volunteer service, receiving a Lieutenant's recruiting commission. He was, however, mustered in as Captain of Company A, in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, promoted to Major and discharged in 1865, his regiment having participated in several battles with the Indians. Major Jones is a democrat in politics, and a Royal Arch Mason. He is a member of the Reformed Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, there being nor c of that denomination in this place.

Rev. Stephen Jones, deceased, one of the pioneer missionaries and clergymen of this county, - was of Welch extraction, and was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 2d of January, 1807. His father, J ustice J ones, was in the war of the Revolution, and moved from Maryland to Ohio in 1800. His eldest brother, Captain Edward Jones, was in the war of 1812, and died of fever brought on by wounds, at Fort Meigs, Ohio, in 1814. While yet a child, the subject of our sketch took a deep interest in religious things, and before he was of age began teaching a Sabbath school, organizing meetings for social conference, and preaching the gospel. He continued in the ministry until his death, never asking or receiving a stated salary for his services, but taking what was offered him, which, very often, was nothing, or a mere pittance, but always had enough and to spare. He came to Chatfield in December, 1855, and lived here until his death, which occurred at his residence on the 29th of January, 1879, of heart disease. During his residence here he traveled over most of the State, preaching and organizing churches, as far ab known he was the first Methodist Protestant minister in Minnesota, and organized the first church of that denomination in the State. He was the first President of the conference, and was re-elected from year to year, with one or two exceptions, as long as be lived. He was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends all over the State. His widow, now seventy- three years of age, still survives him, also three children; Col. John R. Jones and Mrs. Samuel Fofres, of Chatfield, and Hon. Richard A. Jones, of Rochester, Minnesota. He was a man of great benevolence, and was never known to utter an angry word, or even seem to be disturbed in his temper. He left behind him a memory aud influence more lasting than a monument of marble, greater aud better than words can express, which will be known only by the fruits gathered in that Haven to which he has gone. Gone? No.

*'Doth the cloud perish when the beamfiare fled, Which steeped its skirts in gold. Doth it not through the path of night unknown, On outspread wings of its own wind upborne, Ponrs rain upon the earth.

James Johnson is a native of Illinois, born on the 15th of July, 1858. He came with his parents to Minnesota in 1863, located in Pilot Mound, thence to Chatfield in 1865, where he remained until the spring of 1882, when he bought a farm in this township and has since made it his home. He was married on the Slst of December, 1880, to Miss Anna Dougherty. The union has been blessed with one child.

Nathan C. Kingsley, County Attorney of Fillmore county, was bom in Connecticut in 1850. He moved with his parents to La Salle county, niinois, in 1857, and to this place in March, 1869. After coming here he learned the trade of a miller and attended to his legal studies in moments of leisure. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1876, and began practice in February, 1877, with Charles N. Enos, Esq., of Ruahford. The present firm of Kingsley and Case was established in 1878. Mr. Kingsley was elected to his present office in November, 1880, and is also President of the school board of Chatfield. His wife was Miss Clara Smith, a native of New York.

A. M. Lombard is one of the early business men of tliis place, having come in December, 1856. He was bom and reared in the state of Maine where he learned the machinist trade anj for many years was engaged in engineering. For a time after coming here he followed the occupation of putting up engines, and spent several years traveling in the interest of the business. He acted in the capacity of engineer 'in the employ of the government during the war, accompanied Gen. Banks in his Red River expedition, and remained in the sei-vice about one year. Mr. Lombard engaged in the tin trade in Chatfield in 1865, and in 1878, added to his stock, hardware, having since done a successful business. His wife is a native of Missouri aud has borne him four children; Luther, Lulu, Abner, and Joseph.

Alpheus Lombard, one of the first who located within the present limits of the village of Chatfield, coming here in 1855, is a native of Maine, bora in 1825. His father, Abraham Lombard, came to this place in the fall of 1859, aud died in March, 1867. Mr. Lombard married Miss Ellen Edwards, who was born in Massachusetts. They have three children; Coleman, Mary E., and Lilly.

C. M. LovELii, one of the early business men, and most successful merchant and capitalist of Chatfield, is a native of Windham county, Vermont, bom in Febmary, 1827. When eighteen years old he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and received a mercantile education in one of the houses of that city, remaining six years. He came to Minnesota in June, 1854, but soon went to McGregor, Iowa, where he was engaged in business one year, then bought a stock of goods and moved to Homer, Minnesota. In the spring of 1856, he came to Chatfield and the year following opened a store, since which time he has been continuously in business, not confining himself wholly to merchandising but is quite extensively engaged in loaning money, dealing in real estate, etc. Frank W. Shiner, who was employed by Mr. Lovell as clerk for ten years, is now a partner in the business, the firm name being Lovell and Shiner. Mrs. Lovell was formerly Miss Ellen M. Hart well, born in Langdcm, New Hampshire. They have two children, Annie H. andFrink.

N. Mabsden was bom in England in 1834, and came to this country with his parents in 1839. The family settled in Oneida county. New York, where Mr. Marsdeii was reared to the business of manufacturing. He came to Rock county, Minnesota, in 1868, and two years later brought his family, and has since lived in this State. His wife is a native of New York. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Marsden has had extensive experience in both cotton and woolen manufacturing. He and his son are the present owners and proprietors of the Chatfield Woolen Mills, which they bought in the spring of 1880. The firm name is N. Marsden and Son.

Edward MoAlber, a native of Ireland, was bom in 1848, and came to America in 1869. He resided in Wisconsin one year, then moved to Iowa, and in 1872, came to Minnesota, and three years later purchased his present farm in section twenty-seven, Ohatfield. He was married on the 3d of October, 1875, to Miss Anna Lavin, and they have three sons. Her father, T. Lavin, one of the early settlers here, was born in Ireland, and came to this country in 1839. He remained in New Tork until 1846, then came to Wisconsin, and in 1856, to this township, locating in section twentyseven where he has since lived. The maiden name of his wife was Ellen Conolly, whom he married in Ireland. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

John Harrison McKbnny, deceased, a man of mark in this part of the State, was among the older class of journalists. He was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of October, 1813. When seven years of age he removed with his parents to Winchester, Virginia, where his father died in 1826, after which the mother moved with her family to Staunton where she died in 1829. Mr. McKenny learned the printing business in the office of the "Staunton Spectator," and was engaged at the same in various places until 1837. He was married in St. Louis in 1834, to Miss Mary E. Duval who died in July, 1836, leaving one son, Duval, now a farmer in this county. In 1837, Miss Mary A. Sleeth, a native of Virginia, became the wife of Mr. McKenny. This union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are yet living, two sons and four dan ghters. The sons, Sylvanus S. and Henry B., are the publishers of the 'KJhatfield Democrat," making it a strong exponent of the principles which their father so long and ably advocated. The latter came to Burlington, Iowa, in 1837, and assisted the Hon. James Clark in the pablication of the first number of the "Burlington Gazette." He became a partner in 1839, and was a resident of that State until 1848, when he came to Minnesota, but returned to Iowa and again became one of the proprietors of the "Gtazette." In 1854, he was appointed, by President Pierce, receiver of the United States Land office at Houston, Minnesota, and two years later removed with the Land office to Chattield. In the spring of 1861, he and his younger brother, James S., purchased the **Chatfield Democrat," and conducted it the remainder of their lives.

Mr. McKenny was a member of the Democratic National Convention in 1864, for many years was the leading man of his party in Minnesota, and through liLs paper exerted a great influence in local politics. He died in Chatfield on the 23d of May, 1878.

Maix'Olm McLarty, the popular and efficient Postmaster of Chatfield, is a native of Scotland, bom in the town of Ayr on the 29th of February, 1824. He sailed from Liverpool, England, on the 4th of July, 1856, to New York, where he remained a short time, then came to Columbus, Wisconsin, where his father and two brothers had preceded him. Mr. McLarty came to Chatfield in February, 1857, and was employed at the tailor's trade a short time, then engaged in the business for himself. In 1861, he succeeded his brother as Postmaster, and has since filled the office, except during the administration of Andrew Johnson. He also owns a book store, keeping a large assortment of school and miscellaneous books. His wife was formerly Miss Sarah McNash, also a native of Scotland. They have three daughters; Marian, Mrs. H. J. Young; Janet, and Sarah.

Ammond Nilson is a son of Nels Nilsou, deceased, who was born in Norway, on the 15th of August, 1819. He came to America in 1851, and located in Wisconsin, where Ammond was bom on the 17th of November, 1852. Mr. Nilson moved with his family to this place in 1855, and was among the early settlers. He settled in section twenty-six where he resided until 1872, then left his farm in charge of his son and moved to Minnesota Falls, where he died on the 13th of June, 1881. Ammond was joined in marriage on the 20th of February, 1874, with Miss Ingeborg Aslesen. Tliey have five children, two girls and three boys.

Ole Olson is a native of Norway, where he was bom on the 23d of October, 1823. He came to America, landing in New York on the 9th of October, 1858, and directly to Wisconsin, where he resided one year. In 1859, he pre-empted his present farm and has since devoted his time to its improvement. He was joined in matrimony, in Sept-ember, 1862, to Miss Heigi Erickson. They have two children; Ole, who is clerking at Preston for Conkey Bros., and Edward, still at home.

bronght his father to Fillmore county in July, 1853, and settled on a farm in Amherst township where he died in 1859. He left a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. Caleb C. has lived in this county since 1858, with the exception of one year spent in Freeborn county He came to Chatfield in October, 1866. His wife was Lucinda Miller, a native of New York. She came to Fillmore county with her parents in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Oustine have four children ; Sylvester M., William H., Henry and Lulu May.

Levi Ober was bom in 1826, in Pennsylvania, where he was brought up in the mining districts and engaged in furnace work. He moved to niinois in the spring of 1854, and came to Chatfield the following September. He immediately established his wagon works and blacksmith shop, being the pioneer in his business in Chatfield, and perhaps in the county. In June, 1861, Mr. Ober enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was made a Sergeant when the regiment organized, soon promoted to Lieutenant, and in 1862, made Captain. He commanded a company during the balance of the war, participating in all the battles in which liis regiment was engaged, including Chattanooga and Chicamauga, in both of which he was wounded. Captain Ober was a good soldier and served his coimtry faithfully till the close of the war. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Williams, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of Charles Williams, who now lives with them at the advanced age of ninty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Ober have live children, four sons and one daughter.

jABfES Powers was bom in Ireland on the 27th of July, 1835, and left his native country for America in 1856. He resided in Quebec until June, 1858, when he came to Fillmore county and pre-empted his present farm in section fourteen. He was married on the 12th of I)eoember, 1859, to Miss Julia Brennan, who has borne him seven children, six of whom are living. Mr. Powers was Postmaster in 1879 and 1880, since which' time he has given his whole attention to farming. He built a new frame house in 1878, and has a comfortable home.

WniMAM A. Pease, onfe of the most successful faraiers of this township, was bora in Windsor county, Vermont, on the 23d of November, 1822. He was joined in marriage with Miss Harriet E. Wheeler, who was bom in his native county, in the town of Weathersfield, in March, 1828. They came to this place in 1857, where Mr. Pease has accumulated over six hundred acres of land. His farm is well watered and adapted to the raising of stock, to which industry he devotes considerable attention, and in the spirit of a New England farmer, has numerous well arranged bams and sheds for the protection and care of his stock. Mr. and Mrs. Pease have had three sons, only one of whom is living, Thad. W., bom in Chatlield, on the 18th of February, 1867. Their two eldest died when young.

M. W. RooNEY was bom in Canada East on the 27th of December, 1839, and removed to Illinois in 1851. He came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1855, and there married Miss Martha B. Heteg, the ceremony taking place on the 4th of April, 1861. The same spring they moved to this place and bought laud in section thirty-one and have since made it their home, having a well improved farm and a fine orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Rooney have had eight children, five of whom are living.

James Sanderson is a native of Lockport, New York, bora in 1825. He afterward lived in BufTalo, and in May, 1849, moved to Galena, Illinois, where he resided for several years. Since 1857, he has been a resident of Chatfield, working at the carpenter and joiner trade for many years. He took charge of the hunl)er yard of Laird & Norton in 1874, and was succeeded by his son, James D., in 1881. Mr. Sanderson has been twice married, first to Miss Ann Porter, a native of England, who bore him three children, two of whom are living, James D., and Anna M. His present wife was formerly Nancy M. Rjmd.

William Strafford, one of early residents of Chatfield, was born in England in 1833. He came to America in 1853, with his father who settled in Jackson county, Iowa, where he still lives. William came here in June, 1856, and settled with his family the following September. He engaged in brickmaking, and his was the first yard in this part of the State, at which he still continues and is also interested in mercantile business, having started the latter in January, 1881. His wife was formerly Miss H. C. Sims, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child, Mary R.

Ole Jacx)bson Tanger, one of the early settlers of this place, was bom in Norway on the 30th of Septeml3er, 1832. He emigrated to America in

1853, resided in Illinois one year then in Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1855, took government land in this township and built a log house in which he lived several years. On the 9th of October, 1857, Miss Emeline Engleberg became his wife. They have had eight children, four cf whom are living. In 1865, Mr. Tanger built bis present house, has choice farming land and a pleasant home.

R. W. TwiTCHELL, M. D., the pioneer physician of Ghatfield, is a native of Weybridge, Addison county, Vermont, born in 1823. He removed with his parents to Michigan in 1831, and in 1845, began the study of medicine at Dexter, graduating from the medical department of the Michigan State University in 1852. He practiced in Jackson county two years and then came to Ghatfield. In August, 1862, he entered the army as assistant Surgeon in the Ninth Minnesota Regiment, was mustered into the army as Surgeon in July, 1864» and served in the department of Ohio until 1866. Dr. Twitchell then returned to Ghatfield and resumed his practice, though his health was so shattered while in the service as to unfit him, to a great extent, for duties required of c; physician. The maiden name of his wife was Martha J. Garpenter, who was born in Albany, New York. They have had five children, four of whom are living; S. Edna, a teaclier at Flandreau, Dakota; Herbert E., who graduated in March, 1882, at the Miami Medical Gollege of Cincinnati; Garpie G., and Martha A. They lost one son, Stephen, an infant, born in August, 1857. Herbert E. was the first white child bom in the village of Ghatfield.

John N. Wil.son was bom in Wisconsin in 1846. His mother came to Fillmore county with her three children in 1854, and settled in the tt^wnship of Newburg. John resided there until 1871, since which time he has been connected with the sale of farm machinery and also deals in groceries in this place. He was married in 1874, to Garrie E. Wall, daughter of Gilbert W. Wall. They have three children; Garrie M., HattieM., and Bayard J.

MiiiO White is a direct descendant of Peregrine White, the first white child bom in the Plymouth colony. Milo was bora in Fletcher, Franklin county, A^'ermont, on the 17th of August, 1830. In 1853, he went to New York Gity and engaged in clerking, a business which he had followed for some time in his native State. He came to Ghatfield in 1855, and the autumn of the following year opened a store and has since been continuously in business here, being the oldest merchant in the place. He was married in June, 1858, to Miss Hanna A. Ellis, of Fairfax, Vermont, They have had five children, three of whom are living. Mr. White has done as much to buUd up trade and advance the interests of the town as aLy other man here, and has a wide circle of friends in this and Olmsted counties, in the latter of which he has his residence. He was elected State Senator in 1871, and filled the office five consecutive years, and now (1882) again represents his district in the Senate. He is a republican, but lets nothing interfere with his business. Is liberal in hia views, and pays tribute to churches and schools- Was Ghairman of the committee on Normal SchoolB in the State Senate, and assisted in putting them on an efiective basis. He has also been Ghairman of the committee on claims, and was on the finance committee one session. Mr. White is well versed in the workings of all departments of the State government, and is well known all over the State.

Joseph T. Wabriner was bom near Richmond, in Henrico county, Virginia, on the 27th of December, 1806. When eight years old he removed with his parents to Kentucky, where he was reared and learned the tanner and ourrier trade. He married a wife there, who bore him six children, four of whom are living. She died on the 27th of April, 1854. Nr. Warriner came to Hlinois in 1836, and resided in Sangamon and Fulton counties until coming here in September, 1864. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in lUinois, and continued in the business several years after moving to this place, but since 1868, has led a retired life. His present wife was Miss M. Brown a native of Malone, Franklin county, New York They have had three children, only one of whom is living. A daughter, Ida Eva, met with a most tragic death while with a party of young people visiting the lower mill in Ghatfield; she was caught - by a revolving shaft and most terribly injured, dying twenty-seven days after the accident.

Thomas P. Gebe, son of George M. and Sarah G. G-jre, was bora on the 10th of September, 1842, in Wellsburg, Chemung county, New York. When ten years old he came with his parents to Minnesota, settling in Winona, which was then known as Wabasha Prairie. They afterwards moved to Ghatfield and Thomas entered the academy where he remained until the age of nineteen, when he en- listed in the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He eer/ed on the frontier and also in the South; was at the siege and assault of Fort Ridgely, and in nearly all the engagements in which the Army of the Tennessee participated. At the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, wliere he was sliglitly woonded in the right wrist while capturing a Hag from the enemy, he attained the rank of Brigade Adjutant and also received a gold medal frf)m the Secretary of War for his gallant service. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, returned to Minnesota and commenced civil engineering. On the Ist of May, 1867, he was made Assistant Engineer on the St. Paul k Sioux City, and afterwards the Minnesota Valley Railroad.

Mr. Gere was married on the 1st of January, 1868, at Ho wards ville, Illinois, to Miss Florence J. Howard, who died after three 'years of wedded life. The maiden name of his present wife was Mary E. Shepard, the eeremony taking place in Mankato on the 16th of September, 1874. His business engagements brought him to St. Paul in December, 1865, and since 1874, he has been a resident of Chatfield. In January, 1880, he was appointed Chief Engineer, and after the consolidation of the Omaha and St. Paul division was appointed Superintendent of the same. In January, 1882, he accepted the position of General Superintendent of the Eastern division of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad.