Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 67: Topographioaij - Early Settijeiment Early, 1882 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 67: Topographioaij - Early Settijeiment Early

This township, on the western border of Fillmore county, is near the head waters of several branches of the Root River, and is a regular government township, lacking a section and a half on the northwest comer. Sumner is on the north, Fillmore on the east, Bloomfield on the south, and Mower county on the west.

Bear Creek worms around in and out of the northern tier of sections. Deer Creek meanders across the town from wast to east, above the center. Middle Branch cuts diagonally through the sonthwestem part of the town, and there are several other smaller creeks.

A strip of land, mostly south of the railroad, which runs through the southern tier of sections, is a fine rolling prairie, in some places quite level. North of this it is somewhat more uneven and was generally covered with a light timber growth, or brush land, as it was called, which had to be "grubbed" over by the first settlers, while near Deer Creek and north of it, a heavy growth of timber exists, from which numerous mills have been supplied with lumber and which was most valuable for building at an early day. This region is mostly divided into wood lots of from two to twenty acres each, and is owned by the farmers in the vicinity. It is well watered by springs and their resulting streams, and the scenery from many pjints of view is entertaining. One of the most attractive views is from a locality at Weisbeck*s saw-mill, which has received the poetic name of "Hogsback." It is on Deer Creek, in section eleven; the stream winds around from the west and striking a perpendicular limestone ledge, one hundred feet high, is reflected toward the north and forms a loop, coming back to the rock and within seventy feet on the east side, where the bank of the river is a sheer rock-faced bluff, one hundred and thirty feet in height, thus counter marching or doubling on itself, with only this narrow but solid limestone, tree covered cliff between. The circle made by the river is fully one and one-half miles in extent, and in this distance a ; descent of thirty feet has been made, and turning I aside from the lesthetic view of the case, and look- ; ing at it in a utilitarian way, it will be seen that I a tunnel through this spur would give a most ad- I mirable water power, with thirty feet fall. ' If people, as they do, travel thousands of miles to see the beauties of the Yelloift stone Park, the valley of the Yosemite, or the Dells of Wisconsia, it will certainly be pardonable to reooramentl the people of Fillmore county to visit this charming place.

In the northwest part of the to\^, the timber and brush has been grubbed out, and there are many well improved farms with fine houses, bams, and good stock. The settlers have, however, left numerous groves, to relieve the landscape and add to the beauties of the location, as well as . to enhance the value of their farms.

The soil is of a clayish character and still produces good wheat, and although corn and stock are receiving great attention, Spring Valley is yet one of the great wheat producing towns.

The population is of sundry natiofialities, the Americans predominating largely. In the southeastern part there is a thriving German settlement, with a church, and services in their tongue. There are a few English and some Irish, with some other nationalities, especially from the Scandinavian range.

Early Settlement

Simeon Phillips first staked oif his claim on Spring Valley Creek, where Crawford Kellogg's place now is, and he also located another claim, but finally sold to the farmers when they arrived, and went to Bloomfield where he still lives. His shanty was supposed to be the first in town.

A Mr. Johnson claimed the north half of section twenty-six, but the following year disposed of it tu the Lowe brothers. Little of him is known except that he was an American, that he came here from Iowa, and returned from whence he came.

Mr. Delling that year took the northeast quarter of section thirty- four, but soon sold to Mr. Cartlich and transferred himself on the section line of twenty-two and twenty-seven, now Mr. Charles Redman's farm. His family, it is not unlikely, was the first in Spring Valley; he was a man highly respected and esteemed. Afterwards he removed to Frankford, in Mower county.

In May of that year a Mr. Brown took the northeast quarter of section twenty-three, and without having made many improvements, sold to Mr. Kingsley the following year. Of his

Henry W. Perkins visited this place in May, 1852, and selected a place and drove his claim stakes in the south-east quarter of section twenty-three, and then returned to some rented land in Iowa. In September he came with a team, bringing hii* wife, put up a shanty, and out some hay, but returned to Iowa in the fall. He came back the next spring and began to break up his land. He has since lived in town and is now on the line of sections twenty- four and twenty-five, running a saw and feed-mill. He is a native of New York.

In 1853, there was quite an increment to the primitive infant colony, and some of them will be mentioned without much regard to the order of their arrival.

Norman W. Kingsley, of New York State, came from Wisconsin in June, and the available place that filled his desire was in the west part of section twenty-two. Here he made a farm and a home where he remained until called to his eternal home in 1875. There were three sons; Solomon, who has joined his father, Charles, and N. W., who are well known.

Henry Kibler came this spring from Virginia and got some "free soir in sections twenty- four and twenty-five, on which he afterwards built a saw-mill. He was a noted man in his time, a representative in the legislature, and with metropolitan aspirations laid out a city and called it "Liberty," which was an odd Dominion idea for white men. He afterwards moved to Fillmore township where he has since been emancipated from the cares of this world.

Cal. Huntley, Sr., settled in the fall of 1853, and gathered a crop of hay, which he utilized by forming a shelter for the winter, 90 that he virtually spent that inclement season in a hay stack. How he managed to have any fire without burning up his hoiise is an unanswered conundram. His place was on sections twenty-three and twentyfour, and he is said to be living near Leroy.

other claim was. The Doctor had quite a reputation as a medical man but did not make many improvements, and aft^r a time removed to Iowa where he afterwards died.

Zara A. Warner passed through this town in 1852, and deeming it a goodly land, resolved to make it his future home while he remained in this world, and so in 1853, he came back with his wife and five sons and daughters, and pre-empted 160 acres in sections twenty-seven and twenty -eight; some of the children afterwards secured land in their own right, and one son, George B., resides on his original claim. Part of Mr. Warner's claim is now within the city limits. He was found dead in December, 1854, by a hunter, he having hung himself.

Thomas Watson had a claim east of Warner's, which, two years afterwards he sold to the Kelloggs. He had a store in Spring Valley at one time, but is now in Dakota. liis brother, Josiah, was at the Big Spring in 1853, but soon sold out there.

T. F. Huntley, a native of New York, came from Allamakee county, Iowa, arrived in June, 1853, and took his claim where the villaga now is the same month. He brought his family in July and fixed up a hay shanty at first. Along with Mr. Huntley came Simeon Phillips, from Wisconsin, and Mr. Warner; Huntley's land was in sections thirtythree and thirty-four, and Phillips got upon twenty-seven. Mr. Delling was also along, and they all claimed three or four quarter sections. Some time was spent in breaking up land that summer. Most of the party brought cattle, some of them as many as fifteen head, part of which took to the woods the first winter,

David Broxbelm and William Baker, two Englishmen, drove through from Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1853, and Baker surrounded some land in section thirty-four, but in a few months sold to F. Kummer who still oVns the place and has been here since 1853. Broxholm's territory was in section twenty-five, which he still owns, but lives in town. Others may have come that year, but their names are unattainable. '

During the years 1854 and *55, they came, to use a military term in ^^latoons by divisions at half distance,'* and most of the best land was absorbed.

T. M. Chapman, from Burlington, came in November, 1854, and got a place in section thirty. On the town site at that time was only Huntley's little log hut.

T. B. Johnson came here on the 15th of December, 1854, from Ohio vid Iowa, and on the 9fch of July, 1855, he brought his family, consisting of a wife and five children, and his land was on section thirfcy-five. He put up a hewn log house which was an unusual luxury in those days. He bought two hogs which weighed between two and three hundred pounds for $75, so that as long ago as that there were corners on pork. Mr. Johnson was the first mail carrier, bringing it up from Carimona. Winona was the most convenient market then.

Among the old settlers who halted here during these two years were: Jessie Cartlich and sons, Charles, Joseph, and D. C. ; George Febler, Deacon Orlan Root, William S. Hill, Charles A. Cady, Dr. W. P. Belden, John M. Smith, John Kleckler, Kellogg brothers, Henry Law, Henry Prosser, John Sample, W. T. Wilkins, Cordello Wilkins, and others. Meantime Spring Valley village began to assume proportions and importance, and went on prospering until the fall of 1857, when the panic laid its icy hand upon it, and its fervency was temporarily cooled down several degrees.

To give an idea of the people who first came to this region, of how they came, and what they did on their arrival, with a view of some of their inconveniences and troubles, not to say sufferings, an account of Mr. J. B. Thayer's party will be given, although they were not the earliest arrivals.

The company consisted of J. B. Thayer, Nelson Burdick, I. N. Cummings, H. A. Billings, and J. W. Strong. They came from Pennsylvania and arrived in the county on the 14th of May, 1855, and took dinner at EUiota, and that night they staid with Mr. Basset, in Forestville.

They arrived in Spring Valley on the 15th, and took dinner with Zara Warner. They at once organized the Spring Valley Association, and bought twenty acres of land of Mr. Warner, and 160 acres of Huntley, paying 82 00 in gold, and the next day started back for Iowa. The land bought of Huntley laid south of Jelferson street, and that of Warner was north of it. Mr. Thayer got back with his wife from Iowa on the 23d of May. Huntley and Warner both had their families here. On the 3d of June a Sunday-school was organized with a good attendance, and the first lesson was from the first chapter of John. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was God," etc. The Sunday-school had twenty young men, and embraced college graduates and men who have since become prominent. On their first arrival they had to sleep on the floor, and if it raiuedf the appearance inside of most of the dwellings would seem to indicate that it came down more copiously inside than out. Men were soon set to work to get up a shelter, and before this was finished, Mr. Warner's house had been blown down. The first cabins had no doors, or glass in the windows. On the 13th of June the first house on the town site was habitable.

The land was pre-empted at Brownsville on the 16th of June, 1855. On the way to the land office, while fording the Root River, the team was stranded in mid-stream by the breaking of a singletree. The settlers used to keep a shot gun to hunt squatters who happened to be prowling around their claims.

. I. N. Cummings brought about $300 worth of goods when he came, and a store was opened in a rail pen covered with boards, but \i as finally moved into a house and kept under the bed, and packed up in the corner.

The cabins furnished such retreats and breeding places for bed bugs, that their nocturnal visitations were unendurable, and the most relentless warfare upon them, never proved to be a war of extermination. Those who had the material and could aflbrd the time to plaster up the internal interstices of their abode, might look for quiet repose.

In many of the most fashionable residences at that time there would not be room for botli the men and women to eat at once, so the women would eat and then set the food on the table and go out doors while the men partook of their meal.

Many comical scenes were enacted as the result of the inseparable mixing and crowding into the rude shanties. **01d man Crane/' as he was called, was a character who made no end of fun for the villages; he kept up a perpetual circus, to which all had a complimentary ticket, but he passed away in 1879.

The first frame building erected in town, exclusively as a residence, was in the fall of 1855, by Cordollo Wilkins, and it contained three rooms, a living room, a bed room, and a pantry, the latter being such a novelty, and withal such a luxury, that the settlers for miles around visited the house to look it over. The building still stands, a few rods from the iron bridge, and is owned by D. C. Hendershott.

In 1857, there was an important accesssion to the village of Spring Valley, from Pennsylvania. The party came by rail to Chicago, and then drove overland to this place, and no party ever entered a new territory better equipped than this. One pair of horses owned by Dr. Gilbert was sold on their arrival to T. B. Johnson, the father of the present proprietor of the Commercial House, for 8600. This coterie consisted of N. B. Smith, Thomas Scott, James Scott, Mr. Peubody, and Dr. Gilbert. They had their families along, and became prominent men in the development of the village.

Various Early Events

The first store put up in Spring Valley was located where the Commercial Hotel now stands, and was erected by I. N. Cummings, in 1856, and he carried a pretty good stock of goods. It was afterwards removed and now forms a part of Shrout's store. The second store was put up the same year by Mr. Watson.

The first hotel was a rude hewn log structure, located opposite where the Commercial Hotel now stands, erected in 1855, and was kept by Myron Conklin. The second hotel was a frame structure, built in the spring of 1857, by Hiram and George Farmer, and still stands as the Farmer's Home and Central House.

The first blacksmith shop in town was opened by B. F. Farmer, the present banker; the building has been refitted, and is now occupied by Mr. F. Kumm.

Another of these "first births" was that of Grin A. Huntley, in the cabin of his parents, when the thermometer stood at forty degrees below zero. The mother and son are living in Mower county.

select one of Miss Ann Kingsley, now the wife of John M. Smith, of Iowa. It was in Joe Watson's house, and there were fifteen pupils; two Huntleys, four Dellings, three Phillips, three Watson's, and three Kingsburys.

To show that the early settlers were not dead to all the civilizing infiuences considered so potent in older communities, it should be recorded that in the autumn of 1855, there was a musical entertainment, which of course called together the whole community, and religious meetings were also held in the cabin of J. B. Thayer, and at other residences.

John M. Smith and Julietta Kingsley were united in marriage in the winter of 1855. Mr. Smith was the second merchant In town, but now lives in Iowa.

The first graveyard in town was a lot vacated by the village company between blocks twentyeight and twenty-nine, but the remains at first deposited there were, early in the sixties, removed and placed in the new cemetery.

The town commenced its career as independent municipality, with the others in the State in May, 1858, and the following were the first officers elected: Supervisors, W. T. Wilkins, Chairman, T. M. Chapman, and T. B. Johnson; Town Clerk, E. McMurtrie; Assessor, S. Phillips; Collector, A. B. Allen; Overseer of the Poor, W. A. Potter; Constables, A. P. Allen and S. P. Dean; Justices of the Peace, W. Allen and E. Wilkins; Overseer of Highways, C. A. Cady.

During the war the town levied several taxes to pay bounties for soldiers to fill that terrible vacuum, the quota. The amounts paid were from $300 to $400 to each.

The manner that town affairs have been managed is commended on all sides, and there is one noteworthy fact, that Mr. Kellogg has had the position of Town Clerk for twenty years, and, according to common law, he can now hold it against all claimants by right of possession.

The officers elected in March, 1882, are: Supervisors, L. M. Ashley, Chairman, Fred. Login g, and William Loucks; Treasurer, A. P. Flower; Clerk, W. L. Kellogg; Assessor, Aldis Bartlett; Constables, P. Cusick and C. O. Howard; Justices of the Peace, A. R. Burleson and A. R. Hoi man.

DisTRKrr No. 113. - At an early day this formed a part of the old Spring Valley district, but in 1871 or '72, a school was started at the house of Charles Beverly, in section thirty-five, and it was also kept in other houses, and in 1873, a schoolhouse was provided, of brick, where there has been regular terms taught ever since.

District No. 114. - School was first taught in this locality in a building put up for that purpose on section twenty-three, in 1859, and as it had a coat of white paint, it was known for miles around as the "white schoolhouse." The first school was taught by Miss Cornelia Hartshorn, from Boston, who soon married Mr. I. Freeman. The schools here had a large attendance till 1876, when a new house was erected at a cost of $1,100, near the old one, which now serves as a woodshed. The building is supplied with the modern seats and other appliances, and is now called the **Pleasant Hill Schoolhouse."

Dlstrict No. 115. - This has the appellation of "Hard Scrabble" school, and the first session was taught here in a slab shanty erected for that purpose in 1858, and presided over by Mrs. Littlefield. After a few years it was kept in a building rented of Wilkins & Fifield, on the bank of the creek. Finally the schoolhouse now existing was constructed on section eleven.

DiSTRK'T No. 116. - The first school within the limits of this district was called to order in a little log cabin on section seventeen in 1857, and the presiding genius was Miss Mary O. Hill. There the school was "taken in" and "let out" for five or six terms, or until the structure was consumed by fire, and then auotlier log house went up on section eight, where the rising generation was gathered until 1871, when a new house was built, which is also known as a "White schoolhouse.''

1863. She is now Mrs. J. Q. Farmer. Soon after a log schoolbonse was put together on the farm of W. H. Conklin, in section thirty-two. In 1873, the present structure was built on the eastern line or section thirty.

District No. 148. - The first school held here was in a frame building belonging to L. G. Odell, on section four, in 1868, and Miss Nancy Rosebrook was the guiding star on that occasion. The district was soon organized, and the school was continued in the same place, and then in the blacksmith shop near there. Then a substantial log schoolhouse went up, where the school has been regularly taught since. It is known as the "Lime City" school.

DisTKKT No. 156. - Soon after the war of the reliellion this district was set off, and a wing of a building belonging to 8. Treat bought and moved to the northeast section of twenty-one, and this has been the schoolhouse ever since. It is fondly hoped that in due time the spirit will move the citizens of the district to build a new one. Wesley P. Carrol was the first to wield the rod of authority in this district.

DisTKicT No. 165. - It was not until 1874, that this was created as a district, and a frame schoolhouse erected on the town line in section thirtytwo. The initial teacher was Willie Farnsworth. The cost of the building was about S700.

Spring Valley Village

A village government was authorized for Spring Valley in the winter of 1872, by a special act of the Legislature, which was accepted, and the first election under its provisions held on the 11th of March, 1872. The following named persons were elected as officers: CJouucil, 0. E. Evans, Chairman, S. A. Hunt, I. N. Cumming«, J. F. Stevens, and L. Oris wold; Tre«isurer, A. J. CoUey; Recorder, J. S. Lee; Justice of the Peace, W. P. Carrol; Marshal, D. Twolu>y.

Since tlie village organization there has been no eventualities of a startling character, and as Daniel Welister would say, "Law and order everywhere prevails."

The present officers are: Council, E. W. Thayer, Chairman, J. N. Graling, W. A. Potter, George E. Hibner, and F. V. Edwards; Treasurer, A. P. Flower; Recorder, W. L. Kellogg; Justice of the Pl ace, A. R. Ht)lmau; Village Attorney, Burdette Thayer; Marshal, P. Cusick; Superintendent of Highways, T. A. Douglass; Surveyor, A. F. Whitman; Board of Health, Dr. C. H. Wagner, H. S. Hart, and P. Cusick.

The village is very pleasantly located on Spring Creek, in the center of the southern line of the town of the same name, and occupies the most of the two lower sections and a part of the two above. It extends on both sides of the little stream, but the business portion is on the north side. In both directions it rises gently to a height that commands a view of the surrounding country that is meet picturesque. The village contains about 1,500 inhabitants. The Southern Minnesota Railroad runs through the valley from east to west.

As to the character and nationality of the citizens of Spring Valley, we have representatives of Old and New England, from the banks of the Rhine, from the Emerald Isle, from the Scandinavian Range, from the **Zyder Zee," from the **La Belle" France, and other remote countries, all moving along in harmony to merge their nationality, certainly in the next generation in the great and glorious name of American.

As to the business of the place it is not desirable, in view of the constant mutations in this regard, t<3 give a business directory in a work like this, but it will be sufficient to say that there are lawyers, doctors, and clergymen, bankers, insurance men, dry goods dealers, groceries, hardware stores, harness and saddlery shops, furniture dealers, boot and shoe, millinery, jewelry, drug, and other stores, hotels, meat markets and marble works, wagon and blacksmith shops, agricultural implement makers and dealers, churches, schools, and printing offices, sewing machines, organs, and photographers, tailors, tonsorial artists, carpenters and painters, elevators, creamery, wheat and cattle buyers, with lumber tlealers and livery stables, and scattered all over the town, fine residences, and in summer the streets are sprinkled. There is no gas because the people are awaiting the electric light, and as to the horse cars they will wait until the question as to the best motor power is decided.

Spring Valley Bank. - W. H. Strong is the president of the bank, and B. F. Farmer, cashier, and Frank Edwards, teller and assistant cashier. The first bank here was by F. k E. K. Smith, afterwards Farmer Brothers k Easton. In 187 4, it became Farmer & Easton, B. F. taking the interest of bis brother. In 1882, W. H. Strong bought J. G. Easton's interest. The bank has ample capital, as it is only limited by the value of the property of the proprietors, and easily does the banking business of the place.

SpRiNa Valley Post-office. - The office was established in June, 1855. John M. Smith, who was expecting the appointment of Postmaster, went down to Decorah with an ox team, and brought home a breaking plow, a load of flour, and the documents from Washington, and the office was opened where the present Crawford Kellogg farm now is, at what is known as Old Spring Valley, at the extreme eastern boundary of the village. It was called Spring Valley. The next year it came to the new village, and on arriving here secured quarters at the Opera House comer in a frame building that stood there then, with Willard Allen as Postmaster, and here it remained for five or six years. At first the mail came from Decorah, at the respectable intervals of two weeks. The arrival of the bare-back rider, who had been dispatched for it, was a great event. Afterwards it became a "star route*' from Elliota via Forestville, and later from Chatfield, three times a week, and then, as if the government could not do enough for this thriving village, it was placed on the great La Crosse, Bushford, and Austin Stage and mail route, with a daily mail. J. M. Smith was a^ain rotated into office with George Wilder as deputy, at hig store, and in this way it was managed until 1869, when, on the 3d of July, B. F. Farmer received a commission as Postmaster, and he has proved to be a staler as he still holds the position. Since his appointment the location of the office bean changed several times, but in 1878, it swung around to the bank building, its present location. In 1869, it was designated as a money order office. The business now foots up to |4,000 a year.

Dbeb Creek Post-office. - This was ushered into existence in 1856, with W. S. Hill as Postmaster, and the mail was opened at his house on section seventeen. The name "Arcade" was at first sent in by Mr. Hill to the Post-office authorities, but that was rejected and Deer Creek substituted. In about four years it was discontinued.

Masonic

After working under a dispensation for one year, I on the 23d of October, 1867, a regular charter j was granted. C. W. Nash was Grand Master, and W. S. Combs, Secretary.

They have a commodious and well furnished hall in the Stone block, and a membership of sixty - eight. The meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays in each month.

Odd Fellows

Centennial Lodge No. 56, was instituted on the 9th of November, 1876. The charter members were: H. S. Porter, G. W. Gregory, S. W. Harris, N. Brass, and Jacob Shoemaker.

Grand Army Of The Republic

This fraternal order is made up of the men who served in the army during the late war, and in some respects is not unlike the order of the "Cincinnati" which was instituted after the war of Independence.

lowing veterans are members of the order; G. W. MoNelley, T. S. Gould, O. W. Moore, James Cramp, C. Pfremmer, Louis P. Hann, Albert Swift, O. Gt>nld, Louis Parker, and H. H. Wallace.

In the very nature of things these names will excite more and more interest as time passes away, and it is presumed that this list embraces most of those who remain in the vicinity who served in the war of the rebellion.

Spring Valley Dbtvino Park Association

This instita^on was invoked into existence during tlie Centennial year, a lot of ground was leased and improvements made, a half mile track graded, and several races were put ou during the few years of the existence of tlie society; but the hard times dissuaded tlie proprietors from investing any deeper after the $800, which tlie amusement cost, was expended. It is hoped, however, that before another Centennial rolls around, this park will be revived.

Spring Valley Cemetery Association

was organized in 1860, by E. McMurtric, Asa Billings, Willard Allen, Cordello Wilkins, S. A. Hunt, and T. B. Johnson, the latter of whom was appointed undertaker and sexton, and retained the place for nineteen years, burying more than 250 people in that time. Four acres were bought for $100, and there has since been added two acres. It is fenced and well kept, and has a better monumental representation than any other burial place, in this section. It is well located, a short distance east of the village. It is practically a free c:>metery, as the cost of burying there is only the expense of opening the grave.

Spring Valley Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. - This was organized on the first of May, 1874. The first offiiers wore: President, N. M. Lewis; Vice President, E. 8. BumsteH(J; Treasurer, E. W. Thayer; Foreman, W. H. Lloyd; 1st Assistant, S. P. Steiner; 2d Assistant, P. W. Carr.

On the 12th of May, 1879, it was reorganized under the new charter. Under the new order of affairs the following were the first officers: President, A. B. Burleson; Vice President, A. R. Holman; Treasurer, C. F. Kumm; Secretary, L. A.. Kingsbury; Foreman, A. E. Dickinson; Ist Assistant, L. W. Rossman; 2d assistant, E. W. Thayer.

The officers for 1882 are: Foreman, A. R. Burleson; 1st Assistant, E. W. Thayer; 2d Assistant, T. A. Douglass; Treasurer, C, F. Kumm; Secretary, A. R. Holman.

Religious

Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the autumn of 1854, a class was organized at a schoolhouse about a mile northeast of where Spring Valley now stands, John Bateman, Eliza Lowe, John Lowe and Ellen Lowe were the members. The first itinerant preacher was Rev. Benjamin Crist, who traveled on foot over all the settled portions of Southern Minnesota. Spring Valley circuit was formed in 1856. Rev. Elijah Fate was appointed { preacher in charge, to be assisted by Rev. C. Kel- ) logg. The circuit embraced, besides Spring Val- I ley, Hamilton, High Forest, Frankford, Jordan, I and Pleasant Grove.

i The salary of the preacher was S210.55 for the I year. Mr. Kellogg was soon after expelled on 1 certain charges. In 1857, Rev. Zara C. Norton I was the circuit preacher. Rev. Goorge C. Rich- ! ardson was here "in 1858, Rev. F. A. Con well in 1 1859 and 1860. Then came Rev. Boyd Phelps, Rev. Moses Mape«, Rev. James Cowden, R«v. John W. Klepper, Rev. John G. Teter, Rev. William H. Soule, Rev. Reuben Washburn, Rev. B. Blain, Rev. A. C. Reynolds, Rev. Mr. Drew, Rev. H. C. Jennings, Rev. S. G. Gail, and Rev. T. F. Allen, the present pastor.

At first the meetings were held at convenient places, and in 1858, a building enterprise was inaugurated and seemed to make favorable progress, as $2,000 was subscribed and three lots were donated for church and parsonage. The next year the whole project was abandoned, as there was a dispute, to use no harsher term, as to a gallery and choir singing. In 1863, the lumber which had been procured for the church was sold, and the avails retained for a parsonage. In 1864, no house could be rented for the preacher, and so one was purchased. Late in the sixties services were held in the second story of N. B. Smith's blacksmith shop, which was fitted up for the purpose. Afterwards mcetiugs were held in the Congro^iitional Church, and then Parson's Hall was rented for a day, and a Sunday school was orgauizcd. A bell was procured and hung on the rented hall, and an organ obtained at a cost of $200. In the spring of 1876, a lot was purchased at a cost of $250, the pai-sonage property was sold for SI, 000, and a house and two lots adjacent to the church lot was bought. The ])uildin<,' committee were, J. E. Whitman, M. P. Lower, A. W. Johnson, C. H. Wagner, C. M. Clark, W. W. Bontecou, and J. F. Broad) )ent. A subscription of $2,700 was secured, plans provided, and work begun in August.

On the 24th of December, tin* l)asement was completed and opened for worship, and the Presiding Elder, Rev. J, J. Chaffee, who was present on the occasion, succeeded in securing ph^dges to the amount of ^2,780. In 1877, the tower with its spire was completed and a Troj bell, weighing 1,200 pounds, was placed in it. In August, 1878, the church was completed and the audience room occupied. It is a fine brick structure with stone trimmings, worth $12,000, a credit to the Methodist society and an honor to the town.

A history of the rise of the Methodist church is thus given from the time when Rev. Benjamin Crist preached to a few believers in the house of H. W. Perkins, on section twentv-tliree, to the present fiourishing condition as a pormancut station. In the work which has l)etMi acc()ni]>lished, the ladias are entitled to great credit. A pleasing incident connected w^ith the building of the church was the presentation of a gold headed cane to Mr. W. Mordoff for his valuable services.

Roman Catholic. - The church at S])ring Valley was commenced in August, 1878, and so far completed that services were held on the 8th of December, 1878, by Rev, Father William Kionlan, of Chatfield. The auditorium has a gallery and the building is surmounted by a cuj)ola and a cross. It has 250 members, but the services are somewhat irregular. Rev. Father .lames Hanly is pastor, with his residence in Chatfield. Before the erection of the church services were held in the residence of Mr. D. A. Sullivan.

The First Congreoattonal ChuR(^h. - On the 24th of May, 185(5, this society was organized at the house of Mr. Wasliington Lloyd, with fifteen members. Rev. Mr. Tracy was present. The first deacon was W'ashington Lloyd, and services were held in his house until in 1857, a slab shrnity was put up, and services and a Sunday school maintained. In 1867, the church was built at a cost of S2,800. The first minister to occupy the pulpit was Rev. O. M. Hardy, of Vermont. The dedication was in July, 18(58, Rev. Mr. Fuller presiding, and since that time the following named clergymen have officiated for longer or shorter ! periods: Rev. Mr. Elliott, Rev. L. 5. Griggs, Rev. I Mr, Clark, Rev. I. Devoe, Rev. P. Litz, Rev. Mr. 1 Fuller, Rev. C. Merrill. Rev. Mr. Ferris is the present pastor. There are 130 members.

The First Baptist Church. - In 1863, an organization was effected with thirteen members. The first service was by Rev. Amory G^e, of Min- ' neapoHs, in the schoolliouse. Three or four years j later the society purchased the old school build- ; ing and removed it to where it now stands.

Among those who have been pastors here may be t recorded the following Reverend gentlemen: J. I G. Craven, R. H. Ketchum, M. D. Reeves, C. D. Farnsworth, James Mitchell, F.S.Wilter, and S. S. Utter, who is the present pastor. There are about eighty members. I Gi:rman Lt thkran CnnRCH. - The edifice is lo- I cated in the south-eastern part of the town, near ' the line in section thirty-six. The regular or- I ganization - was made on the 23d of September, , 18()7, by Rev. Mr. Reck, at the house of J. G. Moeuchgesang, overtlie line in Fillmore. Previous to this, in 1855, Rev. Louis Hildebrand I preached in the house of Frederick Kummer, and at the houses of other settlers. In 1808, a par- \ souage was got up, and in 1873, their present neat I frame building was erected. Rev. Mr. Reck was the first pastor; he was followed by Rev. J, G. ! Mehr, and in 1879, Rev. 0. Eckhoff took charge I and still remains. At first this was a circuit, em- , braciug, with this charge, Forestville, Grand Meadow, Preston, and Granger; it now has only I Cxrand Mi'adow and Dexter. There is a school connected with the society and taught in the par- \ soujige. TJiere is a cemetery adjoining the church.

1 Mkthouist Episcopal C<)N{5Recjation of Pleasj ANT IIiLL. -As early as 1853, the Rev. Benjamin j Crist, whose foot prints are visible all through this I county history, came here from La Crosse where I he made his head(piarters, wading the brooks and swimming the rivers, and working in the cause I with true apostolic devotion, getting around here once in four weeks. On the completion of the schoolliouse for district No. 114, meetings were j held in it by Elijah Fate, and a class was formed tlie same season. Rev. Moses Mapes was the first I regular supply after this, and there was a great revival that affected the whole neighborhood, and ' since that time preaching has l)een here every two weeks, and weekly for two years. The local min-

Wbsleyan Mbthodist Society. - In the year 1879, Rev. Robert Hardy held services in this town and organized a society in July, in Willard Allen's Hall, where services are still held. To commence, the society had twenty- four members, and now there are sixty. A church edifice is in contemplation.

The Opeba House

In 1875, this building was commenced by E.W. Allard. It is 44x80 feet, three stories in height, and a basement The upper story is thi hall which is fitted up with a stage, the cost was $10,- 000. The basement and first story are for business purposes and the second story for offices.

Spbino Valley Village Schools

The earliest school within the present district limits was in the winter of 1854-55, in a log cabin on the east half of the southeast of section twenty-sevcD, in old Spring Valley. It was taught by Miss Julietta Ann Kingsley, now Mrs. J. M. Smith. The following winter timber was got out to build a frame building near the old sbanty. This was 20x30 feet, and school was taught here until provision was made for it in the new town. The old building still exists on the farm of John Eleckler, where it is used as a stable and granary. The first school in the present platted village was taught by Stepheu Ives in 1855 ; it was kept in a house where AUard's Opera block now stands. The next term was presided over by W. L. Kellogg. The same old building may be found near the depot.

The Spring Valley School District No. 112 was reorganized, as an independent school district on the 29th of April, 1871, and it was made up of what was before designated as No. 32, in the county system. The first officers of the old dispensation were appointed at a meeting held on the 6th of September, 1857, as follows: Chairman, C. Wilkms; Clerk, J. M. Strong; Trustees, T. A. Warner, W. Lloyd, and P. S. Degroodt. On the 14th of November, 1868, it was resolved to build the schoolhouse that now stands overlooking the village, and it was soon constructed at a cost of about $10,000, eight thousand of . which was procured by bonds. The present Board of Education consists of : Mrs. A. R. Burleson, President;

The Superintendent is Prof. A. D. Gaines. Teachers, Miss Hellen B. Nash, Miss Ella Crippen, Miss Cora G. Burleson, Miss Mary MoGillvray, and Hattie Griswold.

Perkins' Saw and Feed Mill. - ^This is a water-power mill, situated on the land of H. W. Perkins, on the northeast of the northwest quarter of section twenty -five, on the bank of Spring Creek. This mill was commenced by Henry Kibler, oDe of the pioneers, in 1856, and finished the following winter. It had at first a home-made flutter wheel, and a perpendicular saw, but Mr. Kibler did not make an eminent success of the enterprise, and after a time it was sold to M. Daniels and Levi Shepard. It was owned by different parties, among them H. Rosman, who put in a run of stones for making flour, and a set of wool cards. In 1869, H. W. Perkins bought the property, by whom it was modified and improved. In 1875, it was still further changed, and a feed mill put in with a single run of stones. The saw-mill is 16x40 feet, and the feed mill attached is 20x20 feet, and they are operated by separate wheels.

Empire Mill. - This conceru is located on section seventeen, on the bank of Deer Creek. It is owned by Pryts k Esty, and operated by A. Pry ts, one of the proprietors. Five acres were purchased from William S. Hill in the northeast quarter of section seventeen, and a mill built to use the nine feet fall found available at this point. It is a frame building of two stories, with a stone basement, and has three run of stones. It makes a straight grade of flour, and does a good custom business.

Sorohum Mill. - This establishment is owned by G. W. Farmer, is on his farm in section twenty-seven, and was built in 1879. It is a frame building, 20x40 feet, with an evaporating room 18x36 feet, and an engine room 16x20 feet. It has a ten horse-power steam engine, with a twenty-five horse-power boiler. The process of manufacturing syrup from the juice is partly by an open fire, aad partly by steam. The cost of the concern was about $2,500. It has from the first been operated by Mr. Farmer, who makes six or seven thousand gallons each year, and improve-

PoDUNK Steam Saw-milii. - On section twentythree this mill was built in 1856, and was a large mill for those days, built by Lloyd, Mulvery & Ives, and did a large amount of work. It run here for several years, and then was moved to section thirteen. Those connected with the mill made quite a little settlement in the woods, which soon took the name of **Podunk," and that has continued to designate this locality ever since, although the mill has been taken away, and the settlement has vanished, while timber now occupies the spot, where the farmers obtain their fuel. Mr. T. Gould was the man who bought and moved the mill to its present location.

Fate's Carding Mill. - In 1870, a carding mill was put up on John Fate's farm, in section twenty -seven, 22x27 feet, one and one-half stories in height. A dam of two-inch plank was placed across the creek, and five or six feet fall was realized. The water wheel was a most primitive affair, with a vertical shaft, and the water chased the floats around (which were placed at the bottom) producing a good and sufficient power. A carding machine was put in, and it was operated for about three years by Martin Fate, but finally abandoned, as it wus not remunerative.

Weisbeck*s Saw-mill and Furniture Factory. - This establishment was built in 1863, by A. Defor, and is located on one of the most picturesque spots in this section of the county, near the base of that remarkable specimen of nature's handiwork known as "Hogsbaok," on the banks of Deer Creek, in section eleven. - The saw-mill is 16x30 feet, with a sash saw driven by a reaction wheel under an eight foot fall, which could be improved if necessrry to eighteen feet, but the power, as it is, is reliable. A few years after being built it was purchased by George WeisVieck, who added a furniture factory to the saw-mill, 20x30 feet, with a residence in the second story, and the manufacture of bedsteads and tables was entered upon as a specialty. For a year or two the mills have not run regularly.

Stevens' Mill. - In the fall of 1856, Otho Stevens and his father put up a grist and saw-mill in Spring Valley village. It had a single run of stones, and an upright saw,' and it was run for several years by steam power, when opposition by water power mills made the profits uncomfortably

I small, so the sawing and grinding ceased, and the building has since been used for other purposes. It is now in a dilapidated condition. Harris k Bossman started a steam grist-mill here in 1878,

Whitman & Brown Manufacturing Company. - This institution is the pet and the pride of the citizens, as it is the only one of the kind of any importance in the county. It was started in 1866, by Whitman & McElroy, who simply made wooden pumps, employed a hired engine, and worked in a rented building - the "old grist-mill." They had to start with a capital of about $1,800. At the end of three months Mr. Whitman bought out his partner. During the first year about $1,500 worth of work was turned off. In 1868, Mr. E. M. Brown bought a half interest in the concern, and they immediately commenced the manufacture of fanning mills, and in the fall of that year erected a building and piit in a steam engine to supply the place of the horse-power which of late they bad been using. They put in planers and other machinery for manufacturing doors, sash, blinds, milk safes, and other like articles. The business seems to have prospered, for in 1874, a mill of their own was built, 40x60 feet, with a brick addition, 15x40 feet, and machinery added, so that now there is $15,000 invested in the buildings and contents. The engine is a fifteen horse -power. In 1880, a change was made in the business, and now school furniture, screen doors, handsleds, and bag-holders are the specialties, together with job work as it is offered. The value of such a manufactory in the midst of a farming community can hardly be overestimated.

Broom Factory. - This industrial enterprise was inaugurated in 1876, by G. W. Whitney, in a small building in the village opposite the bank. In a few months it was moved to the old mill, and a year later to his place in the south part of the village. Mr. S. O. Murdough was a partner in the business for about two years. Since that time Mr. Whitney has managed it alone, and turns out from six to eight himdred dozen brooms a year, for which sale is found in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota.

Sfrino Valley Broom Factory. - This was started in 1881, by Prosser, Famsworth & Co. It was operated about one year and suspended, but expects to resume.

VaijLEY Creamery. - This is a modern enterprise which is exciting interest in a widely extending circle, and must prove of great value to the whole commnnity. Its location is a half mile west of the village, near the railroad, it is in a building 22x40 feet, and was constructed in the -spring of 1881. It has an upright steam engine of six horse-power. The capacity of the establishment is 3,000 pounds a day, and three men tire employed for inside work. It is under the supervision of O. P. Walker, the Superintendent being B. H. Holmes. Eleven teoms are at present employed , in gathering cream in the summer and seven in the winter. Its product has taken a high rank as creamery butter, and commands the highest market price in the East where it is shipped as fast as manufactured. The establishment is owned by a joint stock company, with shares at §50 each. As the production of cream increases the capacity will be augmented to meet tbe requirements.

Hard Scrabble Flouring Mill. - This is situated on Deer Creek, and is operated by water from that stream. The building is 33x75 feet, and was built in 1868, by Mr. M. S. Cummin gs, at a cost of $9,000. It has three run of buhr stones with a capacity of turning out twenty barrels of flour a day, and is exclusively a custom mill. Thu first mill here was a saw-mill, which was moved from Spring Valley by Fifield, WilkiQS and Crane, tbe ' owners, and Mr. Crane remarked that they would have a "hard scrabble" to get it across the river, and so this phrase was caught up and became the name of tbe place. This was as early as 1857, and was a steam mill. It did good work and a large amount, although the building had no architectural pretensions, and as hard times came on, the mill was allowed to nm down. But while it was still running, Otho Stevens, now of Spring Valley, moved his saw-mill there and set it in operation. This was a larger mill, run by steam, with a perpendicular saw, and its vibrations were kept up while there was lumber offered for its < cutting, until 1870, when it was burned.

The Old Mill. - This is one of the ancient landmarks of Spring Valley - if anything twenty-five years old can be called ancient. It was a saw and grist-millr and the saw was started on its ripping career in 1857, before the building was roofed over. The next year the stones got to revolving. Simeon and Otho Stevens wero the proprietors, and the mills run on until 1862, when the sawmill went to *'Hard Scrabble." In 1863, the mill was disposed of to I. N. Cummings, at administrator's sale. Mr. Cummings sold it to N. Smith, and for a time it was occupied as a boarding house for railroad laborers. It was subsequently used as a liat factory, and for wool carding, as a blacksmith shop, with a fanning mill manufactory up stairs; then it was used as a cheese factory, and all this time the upper story was used as a church, for town meetings, concerts, shows, as a Masonic hall, ajid as a general utilitarian building. Since 1874, when the blacksmith shop vacated, it has been occupied in an intermittent way by various parties. In 1859, it was used as headquarters for the Vigilantes, and here they brought their "suspects," to extort confessions. The old mill has been the scene of births, marriages, deaths, accidents, and crimes, and could its grim old walls speak, they could "a tale unfold." Chandler Parson now owns the mill.

Grange Elevator. - This was put up by a joint stock company organized under the general corporation laws of the State. The President of the company was J. N. Graling, the Secretary was W, H. Albro, and Treasurer, J. A. Stout. The company was composed of farmers who were members of the Grange. The Elevator is an upright one, 36x40 feet, with a storage capacity of 24,000 bushels. It has an engine house attached, with a four horse- jx>wer engine. The cost was $5,100. It was leased to J. W. Graling and is now managed by Graling Brothers, who buy all kinds of grain.

Other Elevators. - There are in Spring Valley five elevators: The Grange Elevator, Mc George's, Hyd - & Hodges, Cargill Brothers, and T. J. Thayer's.

It will be perceived that in the sketch of Spring Valley, no very successful efi'ort has been made to keep the village distinct from the town, or to divorce the towu from the village. Their history goes along pari passe/i, and the interests of- all citizens of the town are identical, whether they live within or without the village limits. These remarks apply with equal force to other towns and villages.

This is the name of a locality in the center of section four, which is so called on accoxmt of the lime burned burned here. A saw-mill was put in, whcih must have been as early as 1854, and was on the northeast quarter of the soctioD, on Bear Creek, from which it procured its power. It w»%s commenced by Frank Tebot, who castructed a dam across the river and secured a head of twelve feet; but he soon sold to Mr. Frazer, and in 1855, the dam accepted an earnest invitation to go out, and then it was bought by Mr. Young, who replaced the absent structure, but that also retired down stream, and no rebuildiu;.: was ever done. Since that time, decay has mark d the old mill for its own. In 1857, Mr. Scoville put up a steam saw-mill on the west side of the creek, with a circular saw that could rip out 3,000 feet of lum. l)er in a day. It was sold to Mr. Morrison and finally moved to the Minnesota Valley. In I860 or thereabouts, T. J. Murray put up a steam sawmill across the creek, with a circular saw and a forty-five horse-power engine that could saw 6,000 feet of lumber a day. This was purchased iu 1869, by L. G. Odell, who run it for several years and sold the property to Charles Gord(^n. The boiler was sold and transferred to the stone mill in Sumner.

Olds' saw-mill was built in 18()8, by N. Olds Sc Son. It has a story and a half with a basement' is 20x41 feet, and a wing 12x41 feet. Its location was on Deer Creek and it was openited by water, had a circular saw, and could deliver 2,500 feet of lumber in a day. A three foot dam secured a fall of twelve feet. In the upper story was machinery for manufacturing wagons and sleds, and for repairing. In 1881, the water wheel became permanently disabled, and a ])ortable steam engine was brought into requisition. This was about a half mile below the site of ''Beldcna."

During the war T. J. Murray commenced burning lime here, and did a good business, emph)ying in this W3rk. and in the mill, ([ui^e a force of men, and in 1868, he sold out to L. G. Odell, who built a "draw kiln, and went into the business quite extensively. He still carries it on in connection with his farm. Of late the product of his kiln is shipped west from Spring Valley station. During the running of the mills quite a community was gathered here in a dozen houses or so, but the place should now be described by a modem Goldsmith. Some brick have also been made here.

; first pole was planted in the early struggle for independence, to bear at its masthead the emblem I of the free, sprung up in the mind of Henry Kib- I ler, who had a farm in section twenty-four, and it ' I was so far materialized as to be platted and re- , corded. The enthusiastic proprietor had a few goods for sale iu his house, and this was the nearest approach to its becoming a city that it ever i made.

Beldena. - One of the early enterprises of the town of Spring Valley was the inception of a village with the above appellation. Its locat'on was most admirable, on the southeastern part of section nine, on D?er Creek. The proprietor and pro- ; jector was Dr. W. P. Belden, a young man of I means and energy, who commenced with business- I like methods to make improvements. A dam was I thrown across the river to secure a water-power, and the village was regularly surveyed and plat- ! ted, but upver recorded. Quite a number of fami- I lies were attracted to the spot, a blacksmith shop, I a shoe sliop, and a store were started, and I everything seemed to conduce tf)ward the I success of the undertaking. But various untoward circumstances, and the rivalry of neigh- I boriog villages that were candidates for pub- I lie favor and patronage, were too powerful to be ! overcome, and so this project, which, according to the best human calculations, had all the elements i of success, finally succumbed to the inevitable, and became obsolete. Thus "Beldena," which had been laid out with such fond hopes and high expectations, almost laid out its projector and patron, who expended about S3,000 in endeavoring to realize his nrhan anticipations, although there Avas no sudden giving up the ghost, for it was not until 1858, when the dam, which had made a I pond that was quite a resort for fishing purposes, went out, and the place was finally declared nwrihtuid.

Of course, while the enterprise was still alive, the uncertainty of where the railroad would go, and the expectation that it would pass through the place, coupled with the advantages of the route, kept alive, the flickering hopes of those who were interested in its prosperity.

E. G. H. Adams, a native of Milford, Massachusetts, was bom on the 2d of September, 1851. When three years of age he moved with his parents to Vermont, resided with them until the age of twelve, then went to live with an uncle on a farm. He learned the printer's trade at Montpelier, Vermont, and was engaged at the same four years. His health failing, on account of the close confinement, he gave up his trade and entered the employ of the C. & P. Rivers and Massawippi Valley railroad. Here ' he spent six years of his life, working up to the position of locomotive engineer, which he left for a situation in the general offices of the same company. In 1874, he accepted a position in a drug store in WilHamstown, Massaohusetts, remaining there but ^ne year. While there he was married to Emmeretta A. Fyler, the event taking place on the 15th of July, 1875. They came to Spring Valley, MiDuesota, the same year, and Mr. Adams opened a fancy goods store. The following spring he added a job printing office, and in 1880, added another press and put in steam power. About this time he changed the store from fancy goods to stationery, and is now doing a good business in both lines, his patrons residing all over Minnesota, Dakota, and Northern Iowa.

H. J. Andersen, a dealer in lumber, and one of the best architects in this part of the State, was bom in Denmark on the 30th of April, 1854. His ' father was a Forester, and H. J. was but fourteen years old when he commenced to learn the builder's trade with a master-builder, by working at the various branches of masonry during the summer, and stone-ontting in the winter; also attended drawing school on Sunday and in the evenings. He landed in America on the 4th of March, 1872, worked five months on a farm in Indiana, then went to Chicago, and thence to Lake Superior, where he constructed railroads and built iron furnaces. On the Ist of December, 1873, he came to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he attended school in the winters, and worked at his trade in Freeborn, Fillmore, Olmsted, and Dodge counties until August, 1875, when he located in Spring Valley. He erected a small shop and did stonecutting, using his spare time in acquiring more knowledge in architecture, and in 1876, began a general contracting business. He had the contract for the brick M. E. Church at Spring Valley. He has been quite successful, and started his present lumber yard in 1879, which he carries on in connection with his other business. Mr. Andersen was united in marriage with Miss Mary K. Cummin gs, a daughter of I. N. Cummin gs. She is

W. W. BouTBCX)u was bom in Troy, New York, on the 19th of June, 1845. He was brought up in the city, and since a child has been engaged in the manufacture or sale of lumber. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, of the One Hundred and Sixty -ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He then located on a fbrm in New Jersey, where he was married on the 23d of December, 1868, to Miss Florence C. Neale. In 1870, theTcame to Minnesota, and Mr. Bouteoou ent-ered the employ of Cameron & Bossiter, contractors on the Southem Minnesota railroad, taking charge of their supply store in this place. He afterward engaged with C. L. Colbum, carrying on their lumber business in Lanesboro until the spring of 1871, when he came to this place, continuing in the same business. Mr. and Mrs. Boutecou have had four children, three of whom are living.

Elbridoe M. Brown was bom in Gteauga county, Ohio, on the 25th of August, 1841. When he was quite young his parents moved to Spartansburgh, Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant, and Elbridge was engaged in that occupation. In 1863, he entered the Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, New York, but his health failing be came west the same year, located in Spring Valley and worked on his father's farm. On the 11th of September, 1866, Miss Carrie N. Whitman became his wife. They had 6ne child who died. In 1877, Mr. Brown purchased a half interest in the manufacturing establishment of Whitman k Brown, and has since devoted his whole time to the business. He was chosen Village Councilman in 1880.

James Broxhelm, one of the early settlers of this place, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in November, 1801. When young he was engaged as a shepherd boy. He was married in 1825, to Miss Elizabeth Loblie, and afterward resided on a farm. They have had eight children, six of whom are living. Mr. Broxhelm came with his family to I America in 1851, and remained in New York until coming to Spring Valley in 1856. He now owns a farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres, well improved.

he was engaged in the lumber basiuess and afterward run a barge from Albany to New York City. In 1854, he came west to Fillmore coimty and took a claim in Forestville township, but soon returned to New York. On the 2l8t of January, 1857, Miss Mary Chisholm became his wife. He returned to this county in 1865, and opened a store in Fillmore village, but a year later sold and located on a farm. In 1869, Mr. Bartlett was elected County Auditor, held the office four years, and during the time lived in Preston. He has since resided on his farm, which is entirely within the village limits and in a fine state of cultivation, with good buildings. He is at present Assessor, and has held a number of other local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have four children, Clarence, Edwin, Cora, and Earlin.

Lawrence Bab, a native of Germany, was bom in Bavaria, on the 18th of May, 1838. He came to America with his parents when five years old, and was reared on a farm in Tioga county, New York. The family came to this county in 1856, locating in Forestville township, where they were among the first settlers. Lawrence remained at home until 1861, when he enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and after a service of nine months was discharged on account of ill health. He returned to his home, and in 1868, began teaching school, but two years after entered a store and clerked for five years. He was joined in matrimony on the 27th of June, 1878, with Mrs. Harriet (Wilkins) Parsons, daughter of Cordello Wilkins, one of the original townsite owners of Spring Valley. Mr. Bar resides in the village, but owns six hundred acres of land in the county, and is extensively engaged in farming. He is the father of one child. His father was bom in Germany, on the 20th of February, 1794, and is now living in Spring Valley.

Asa R. Burleson is a native of Cattaraugus county. New York, bora on the 14th of September, 1831. Since the age of fourteen years he has supported himself, working in woolen mills during summers and att-ending school winters. He finished his education at the academy in Arcade, Wyoming county, New York, and afterward taught school and clerked in stores. In 1856, moved to Vermont, attended the Franklin Academy one year, then was appointed Deputy Collector and Inspector of Customs for that district, stationed at Burlington, and occupied the position three yeara, during which time he studied law in spare moments. He was admitted to the bar at Burlington, in 1859, practiced until 1861, and then enlisted in the First Vermont Volunteer Infantry, served five months, driUing recruits. In September of the same year, he re-enlisted in the Fifth Vermont Regiment as drum major, but was discharged therefrom on the 17th of April, 1862, by a general order to discharge all regiment bands. After his discharge he retumed to his native State and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Volunteer Infantry, was promoled from Second Lieutenant to. First, then to Adjutant, but in June, 1864, was injured by having his horse shot from under him, confined in the hospital, and in September discharged for disability. He was admitted to the bar in Buffalo in 1872, came here the following year, and has since been engaged in his profession and general collecting. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace since coming to this place. Mr. Burleson was married at Bushford, Allegany county. New York, on the 2d of June, 1862, to Miss Ann Ellithorpe.

Seivert Benson, a native of Norway, was born in Bergen, on the 13th of April, 1835. He served an apprenticeship of five years at the shoemaker's trade. For four years he was a member of the Norwegian army, stationed at Bergen, and spent his leisure time at his trade. In 1860, he came to America, and directly to Bochester, Minnesota, where he was employed at his trade for a time, then opened a shop of his own. On the 13th of March, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Elnudson. Of six children bom to them, five are living. Since 1870, Mr. Benson has been a resident of this place, engaged in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes.

Norman Brass was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on the 5th of March, 1843. His father being a grain dealer, Norman engaged in that business when quite young. The family moved to Ohio, but in 1853, retumed to Janesville, Wisconsin, and in 1860 moved to Fond du Lac. Norman was joined in wedlock on the 7th of March, 1864, with Miss Ellen Spencer. They came to Spring Valley in 1871, and Mr. Brass, in company with his father, built the first elevator in the place. The firm name is now Graling & Brass. Mr. and Mrs. Brass have four children.

shire, wr:s horn in Cheshire county, ou the 19th of April, 1829. He was reared on a farm, and when thirteen years *Ad moved with his parents to Ohio, where he learned the harness makers trade. He afterward worked at carriai^'o painting three years, then moved to Poutiac, Michigan, and two years later bought a farm near tliere ujion which he resided nine years. He was married on the 22d of February, 1856, to Miss Harriet M. Hauer. They remained in Miciiigau engaged in various pursuits until 1874, when they came to Nobles ci)unty, Minnesota, but soon moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Mr. Brooks worked at his 'trade. Some years later he purchased a farm in section seven in this township and has since lived here.

E. L. Babcjo(?k wjis bom in Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 6th of Oct^jber, 1828. When lie was quite young, his parents moved to Licking county, and when ten yenrs old to Winnebago county, Illinois. On the 14th of March, 1850, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Mary A. Chipman. They have one child, Luella. Tiiey» moved to Clayton county, Iowa, the sahie year, located on a farm and remained nine years, then came to Carimona township, and in 1868, to this place and bought their present farm.

C. A. Cady was born in Almond, Allegany county, New York, on the 17th of April, 1828. He was reared on a farm, and in 1843, came to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he was the tirst eastern man to locate. After a residence of six years he moved to Kane county, Illinois, and in 1851, married Miss Lucelia Root. The following year he went to California, opened a general store and remained three years. They were among the early settlers of Spring Valley, locating in section twenty-one in 1855. Mrs. Cady died in 1858, leaving two children, one of whom is now livir)g. On the 2d of February, 1862, Mr. Cady married his present wife, Miss Susan T>. Farmer. He has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and keeps good stock.

I. N. CuMMiNos, one of the first .settlers in this place, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of February, 1818. His father was an extensive merchant and fjirmer, and died when our subject was quite young. The latter soon after learned the trade of a tanner and currier, and later was engaged with his brother at the same in Evansburg for about three years, and then, moving to Couneautville, carried on the business for twelve years. He was married on the 22d of February, 1842, to Miss Kasiah W. Theyer, who died on the 14th of September, 1847. He was again married on the 22d of August, 1849, to his former wife's sister, Mary S. 'On account of poor health, Mr. Cummings was obliged to leave his former oc<iupation, and in 1855, came to Minnesota, soon returned to Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1856, formed a company and came again to this place, where they founded the present village of Spring Valley. Mr. Cummings was the first trader here, opening a store the same year of their arrival. In 1869, he built the "Hard Scrabble" flouring mill, which he still operates, besides carrying on two farms in the township. Mrs. Cummings died on the 14th of February, 1878, leaving two children; Mary K. and Newton T.

C. M. Clark is a native of Vermont, born in Rutland county on the 23d of Augnst, 1849. When he was quite young his parents moved to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where they were among the pioneers. C. M. resided at home until the death of his father, which occurred on the 17th of May, 1865. He attended school for two years, and in the fall of 1868, came to Minnesota and made his home at Frankford, Mower county. He taught school in Bennington the following winter, and in the summer of 1870, returned to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where, on the 12th of September, he was united in mariage with Miss Ettie C. Finney, of Randolph, Wisconsin, returning at once to Spring Valley. He then engaged in mercfmtile business, the firm name being Lee & Clark, the latter buying the entire stock three years later and has since continued in the business. During the years 1878, '79, and '80, he was President of the Village Council. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been blessed with one child, Lela, nine years of age.

T. M. Chapman, one of the pioneers of this place, was born near Kingston, Canada, on the 18th of April, 1829. His mother died when he Avas young, and in 184»3 he came to Hlinois with his father. They were in Chicago when it was a very small village, but finally located in Burlington, Hlinois. T. M. attended the Chicago schools, afterward worked on a farm and clerked and sold goods on the road. In the fall of 1854, he oame to Spring Valley and located a olaim in sections thirty and thirty-one, but in 1856, crossed into Mower county and took charge of a store for

Francis Teaboiit, the proprietor of Frankford, and was appointed Register of Deeds of tliat county, was also Postmaster and Nutarj PiiMie. In 1857, he was united in marriage with IMiss Laura A. Root, daughter of Orlin and Isabella Root, pioneers of this town. They settled on a farm near Spring Valley, but two years later moved to the village where they have since had a comfortable home. In an early day Mr. Chapman was extensively engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. He was Justice of the Peace six years, held the office of Deputy County Treasurer four years, and has been Notary Public eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have had three children, two of whom are living.

J. CnrRCHiLL, a nj'iive of Essex county, New York, was born on the 15th of July, 1821. He moved with his parents to Pennsylvania when quite young. His father died there in 1S1:;3, and the same year our subject came to Wisconsin, locating in 1847, in Roseudale, Fond du Lac county, where he was one of the first settlers. In 1866, he came to his present farm and has since devoted his time to its improvement. Mr. Churchill was married in Pennsylvania, in Oct^»ber, 1844, to Miss Tedelia Smith, who died «'ifter four years of wedded life. His present wife wjis formerly Miss Celestia Pasko.

Rev. C. Eckhoff is a native of Germany, born on the 26th of March, 1848. When a small child he came with his parents to America, located in Illinois and in 1855, came to Brownsville, Houston county, and resided on a farm. The family moved from there to the. town of W^innebago, and in 1872, the subject of this sketch entered the Lutheran Seminary at St. Sebald, Iowa. The institution was removed to Meudota, Illinois, from whicli place Mr. Eckhoff graduated as a minister of the gospel in 187i3. He was married in October in the same year to Miss Elizabeth Huebner. They resided at Nora Springs, Iowa, nearly live years, then received a call from the church at this place and lives near the church, east of the village; Mr. -Eckhoff also holds services near Grand Mead<nv and Dexter. Mr. and Mrs. Eckhoff have had three children, two of whom are living.

CoL. C. G. Edwards is a grandson of Perrigriue Fitz Hugh, who was Captain in the Third Regiment of Virginia Dragoons in the Revolutionary War, afterward was appointed Aide de Camp to Gen. Washington, and served till the close of the war. In 1702, lil)eratiug a large number of slaves, ho removed to New York where he died in 1810. The subject of this sketch was born in Sodus Point, New York, on the 11th of May, 1837. When sixteen years old he went to New Y^ork City, where he was employed in an importing house, and in 1855, moved to Y'oungstown, Ohio, where he engaged in tlu; drug business until the 16th of April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, of the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. Alter a service of live months he was made Captain of Company A, of tlie One bundled and fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, socm promoted to Major, and breveted Lieutenant Colonel United States Volunteers, by the President, for gallantry, and finally commissioned Lieutenant Cohmel of his regiment, and served till the close of the war. He was wounded four times. After being mustered out he located in New York, wliere he married Rose M. Rogers on the 25th of November, 18()9, and in 1870, they removed to Minnesota, ^^here Col. Edwards again engaged in the drug business in which he continued in this and surrounding towns till 1876. He then sold out and hiis since been extensively engaged in farming, and also has a large interest in the creamery business. Col. Edwards was elected State Senator in 187G, which office he held two years. His residence is in the village.

B. F. F viiMEK, one of the active business men of this place, was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, on the 14th of July, 1831. When he was an infant his parents moved to Lake county, Ohio, where he learned tiie blacksmith trade, at which he foimd employment there until 1857. In 1853, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Annette Wheeler. They came from Ohio to this place where Mr. Farmer opened a blacksmith shop in the -*old stone shop," and continued until failing health compelled him to abandon the occupation, after which he accepted a position as clerk for a few years. In 18(38, he was appointed Postmaster and has since held the ofhce. In 1873, he became a partner in the banking business with J. C. Easton, and continued with hun until 1881, when the firm was chang(^d to Strong <fe Farmer, who have since conducted the same. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer have had two children; Kate I., now Mrs. Edwards, and Nellie, who died when two years old.

Isaac Fijeeman is a native of Chittenden county, Vermont, born on the 12th of September, 1832. When young he learned the blacksmith trade, but did not follow it. In 1849, he removed to Massachusetts, and was employed at the ship carpenter trade. He came to Fillmore county in 1856, and took land in Bloomfield towusliip. In 1860, Misn Cornelia A. Hartshorn became his wife. They had five children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Freeman died in 1867. The same year Mr. Freeman moved to his present farm, which is well improved, with good orchard, stock, etc. The maiden name of his present wife was Olive Blackman, whom he married on the 25th of December, 1874. They have one child, a dr»ughter.

James D. Farmer was born in Madison, Lake county, Ohio, on the 3d of July, 1839. His grandfather, Benjamin Farmer, was in the struggle for American Independence and located in Caledonia county, Vermont. His mother's family was originally from Scotland. In 1832, the family moved to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and James D. was reared on his father's farm, receiving an academic course at the Grand River Institute. He taught school for a time, then entered his brother's office and read law. His health beginning to fail he came to Minnesota in 1857, and two years later was admitted to the bar at Austin, since which time he has been in the practice of his profession. He came to Spring Valley in 1857, and for several years was in company with his brother, John Quincy. The firm had a wide reputation which its ability, promptness, energy, and reliability fully warranted. They dissolved partnership in January, 1880, when J. Q. was made Judge. James D. is especially noted as a criminal lawyer. His present partner is Mr. Tnie. In 1862, Mr. Farmer went into the service on the frontier as a Lieutenant in the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, serving a portion of the time as Post-quartermaster. He has been County Attorney eight years, and is in all respects an influential citizen. He is a Mason and has been Master of the local lodge and an officer of the Grand Lodge of the State. On the 16th of November, 1860, Mr. Farmer was united in matrimony with Miss Josephine M. Howard, of Conneaut, Ohio. Their home is noted for it* cheerful and generous hospitality. They had one son, Hiram Howard, whose early death was a profound shock to the whole community. Mr. Farmer is the founder of a thriving villai^e in Dakota named Howard in remembrance of his lamented son.

J. D. and J. M. Farmer, born on the 27th of September, 1861. He attended the schools of his native village, graduating with distinction, as he was a good scholar, grasping the principles and philosophy of subjects coming under his notice. For some time he had been in his father's office, pursuing his law studies, and the development of his young mind was such that with his unbounded friendship for humanity in general, and for his special acquaintances, that no one can wonder at the exalted character of the fond anticipations of his father as to the future before his darling boy. The inexpressible sorrowfulness attending the departure of such a soul can only in a measure be compensated for by the reflection that he is not dead, that his brief life was not in vain, but that he was preparing for usefulness on the other side where there must have been a call for his services. If the religion we profess is real and substantial, to this conclusion must we come, although with our blasted hopes, it can at best afford but a melancholy satisfaction. If he could speak to us today he would say:

He tlied on the dlst of March, 1881, at the resi. dence of his parents in Spring Valley. His death was caused by an accident received the previous May, that developed an abcess which could not be successfully treated.

G. W. Farmer was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, on the 16th of August, 1829. He was reared on a farm and in 1833, moved with his parents to Ohio. In 1850, he left his home and engaged in the manufacture and sale of scales, traveling throughout the latter State. After three yeara in that business he returned home and assisted his father in farm labor until 1857, when he came to this place and purchased the farm of Simeon Phillips. On the 10th of April, 1859, he married Lydia Conkhn. On account of poor health Mr. Farmer returned east in 1868, but came back the following year, and in 1870, engaged in the lumber business. He was a partner in the building of the cheese factory in this place. In 1873, Mr. Farmer returned to his original homestead where he has since resided. He is the most extensive

J. N. Graling, a native of Germany, was born on the 16th of November, 1838. He came with his parents to America in 1848, and to this county in 1856, locating in Forestville township where they were among the early settlers. J. N. soon after went to Wisconsin and taught school five terms, then returned to his home and assisted on the farm and also taught a few terms. He Avas married in 1860, to Miss Lydia M. Henderson. They have had five children, four of wHbm are living. Mr. Graling has always taken an active part in politics, held a number of local offices, and in 1873, was elected to the House of Representatives and voted for the reduction of the railroad rates. In 1874, he moved to Spring Valley and took charge of the Granger Elevator in which business he has since been engaged. He was reelected to the House in 1878, and again in 1880.

M. A. Greene was bom in Watertown, Jefferson county, New York, on the 7th of August, 1853. When he was an infant his parents came to St. Charles, Winona county, Minnesota, and five years later moved to Eyota. Mr. Greene attended the schools there, also the Normal School at Winona, and in 1874 and *75, a Medical College in Chicago. He afterward taught school one year in Utica, Winona county, then to Mar8halltown,Iowa, and clerked in a drug store, but a year later came to this place, and in 1880, opened a store of his own. The firm name was first Greene & Huntley, but a year later changed to Gray & Greene, and in December, 1881, to M. A. Greene. His store is known as the ^'Banner Drug Store'* and is one of the oldest drug stands in Fillmore county. He keeps, in addition to a full drug line, paints, oils stationery, wall paper, etc. Mr. Greene was married, on the 19th of January, 1882, to Miss Mary Theyer, a daughter of one of the pioneers of this place.

J. C. HaijBKat, a native of Buffalo, New York^ was bom on the 2d of September, 1851, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Winona, Minnesota, which was then designated by a few board houses and shanties. Four years later they came to Brownsdale, Mower county, where his father 'vias engaged in farming. There J. C. experienced many hardships while en routs to Winona with their products. That place was eighty-five miles distant, but was the nearest market at that time. In two years they leased their farm and the father followed his trade, blacksmithing, in the village, and in 18G5, removed to Sumner township, in this county, where he still resides. J. C. l)egan life for himself with nearly nothing. He was united in marriage on the 23d of October, 1869, with Miss Helen C. Tessin, and engaged in farming a few years on a rented farm. In September, 1874, in company with his father he opened a store in this plac«, and in January, 1876, purchased the entire stock, and has now from $5,000 to $6,000 worth of goods with a growing trade. Mr. and Mrs. Halbkat have five children, three boys and two girls.

J. W. HoxTE, one of the successful business men of this place, was bom in Norwich, Connecticut, on the 26th of July, 1852. When he was young his parents came to Wisconsin, resided on a farm, and in 1869, moved to Cresco, Iowa. Mr. Hoxie was there employed in mercantile pursuits until 1876, when he came to this place and opened a stock of groceries, crockery ware, etc. He has a good trade, and does a prosperous business.

B. W. Huntley was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, on the 8th of January, 1858. His father died when he was seven years old, and soon after he moved with his mother to Dodge county, Minnesota, where he attended school, and afterward clerked in a dry goods store. In 1880, Mr. Huntley came to this place, and in company with Mr. Greene opened a drug store. The partnership was dis.solved a year later, and the subject of this sketch bought out the drug business of H. Rexford, and has since continued in the same. He was joined in matrimony on the 15th of February, 1881, with Miss Hattie L. Jones.

D. C. Hendershott, a native of Steuben county. New York, was born on the 3d of January, 1837. His father was a blacksmith, which trade D. C. learned when young. They came to this township in 1856, and opened a blacksmith shop, which was the first in the place. In 1863, they moved to Hamilton, thence to Carimona, where the father still lives. Mr. Hendershott was married on the "27th of November, 1863, to Miss Ofphy J. Dwight. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Hendershott was engaged at his trade until 1872, then opened a general store, and soon after went to Wykoff and continued in the business. Since 1875, he has been a resident of this place, engaged first in blacksmithing and the sale

William S. Hill, deceased, one of the pioneers of this place, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, born on the 15th of September, 1798. When twenty-one years old he moved to Wyoming county, where he resided until coming west in 1855. Hii located in section seventeen of this township, and was o])liged to encounter many difficulties attending pioneer life. He was the founder of the town of Daer Crock, and its Postmaster until his death, which occurred on the 19th of May, 1871. He left a family of five, tliree boys and two girls. E. W. Hill, tlie youngest, resides on a portion of the old homestead, and also his younger sister, Mary O.

J. T, JoiixsoN, one of the early residents here, is a native of Rohs county, Ohio, born on the 1st of May, 1844. His parents came to Dubu(|ue, Iowa, in 1853, soon after toBellevue, and in 1855, moved to this township. J. T. commenced life alone at tlie agn of twenty-four years, following different occupations. He was married on the 20th of October, 1871, to Miss Dora Smith, daughter of one of the pioneers of this county. They have had two children, but one of whom is now living. Mr. Johnson is the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel in Spring Valley.

John Kleckner, one of the pioneers . of * this place, was born in Pike county, Pennsylvania, on the Ist of December, 1823. When ho was seven years old the family moved to New York, first locating in Tompkins, and then in Steuben county. John was married on tlie 1st of March, 1813, to Miss Jane Arnold, who was deaf and dumb, but a very intelligent lady, having been well educated in New Yurk. Mr. Kleckner was engaged in various pursuits until 1855, when he came to this township and purchased his present farm in sectiim twenty-six. His wife died on the 31st of March, 1877, since whi(!h time he has resided with his son-in-law, John Bucknell, on a farm adjoining his owm.

FiiEDKurcK KuMMEK, oue of the oldest residents of this place, having settled ht rc in the fall of 1853, is a native of Oermany, born in Saxony on the 17th of February, 1826. When fourteen yeara old he began t-o learn the blacksmith trade, and served an apprenticesliip of three years. In 1847, ho came to Americii, resided in BulTalo, New Y< rV, two years, then moved to Chicago. On the

11th of October, 1849, he was married to Miss Caroline Loing. In 1853, Mr. Kummer started from Chicago with two yoke of oxen, and drove to this place. He staked out his present farm, which is now in a fine state of cultivation. He is the father of eight children.

N. W. KiNosLEY is a son of Solomon W. Kingsley, deceased, one of the pioneers of this township. He was born in Massachusetts on the 23d of April, 1803, and reared in New York. N. W. was born in the latter State, in Wyoming county, on the 12tli of February, 1826. In 1844, he came with his parents to Wisc(msin, and to this place in 1853. He resided with his father until his death in 1875, since which time he has bought a farm, and ' devotes his whole time to its cultivation.

B. F. Langwokthy is a son of Cyrus Lang- \ worthy, a native of Windsor county, Vermont, who^ after serving as a volunteer through the war of 1812, located in Richland county, Ohio, where B. F. was born on the 20th of January, 1822. He attended the schools of the native town until 1834, when his parents moved tt) Illinois, and in 1846* the subject of this sketch left the parental roof and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 1849, he was married, at Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Miss Sarah M. Clemans, of Clemanville, in the latter State. The result of the union j is two cliildren; Emma 0., and Forest E. They I moved to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1854, from whence they came to this county in 1856, and tor two years Mr. Lang worthy was connected with the Banking house of Langworthy, O'Farrall k Co., in the then new village of Chatfield. He then purchased a farm in Mower county, upon which he lived until 1875. In the fall of 1859, he was elected to the Legislature, and served one term. In 1875, he accepted a position as Rent Agent in the R. M. S., then running between La Crosse tind Winnebago City, and remained in that occupation four years. In 1880, Mr. Langworthy and his son established the ''Grand Meadow Mercury" in Mower connty, six months later moved to Austin and changed the name of the pa4)er to the "Mower County Mercury," which they continued till April, 1882, when thi^y returned to this county, and have since conducted the "Spring Valley Mercury."

S. Chippen Lobdill, one of the oldest merchants in trade here and the only one in his line of business, is a native of Ohio, where his birth occurred on the 6th of June, 1844. In 1855, the family moved to St. Charles, Minnesota, wliere they were pioDeers, and his father's was tlie first death of an adult person in the phice. After that Cri])pon returned with his mother to Ohio, enUsted in the Twenty-fourth Ohio Yohmteer Infantry, Company G, and served sixteen montlis. After his discljarge he returned to St. Cliarles, and in 1803, went to Wabasha county, wliere ho was employed in a hardware store. On the 8th of Sept ^nil>er, 1805, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Josi pliine Farnam. They had seven children, six of whom are living. In 18(>8, Mr. Lobdill came to this place and opened his present hardware store, in which business he has since continued and has a good trade. He also owns a fine brick residence in the village.

Mathew R. Long is a native of Centre county, Pennsylvania, born on the 20th of June, 1822. In 1837, the family moved to Venango county, where Mathew was engaged in the mannfacture of iron furnaces until 1800, then devoted his time to farming. He was married on the 26th of March, 1840, to Miss Abigail J. Craig. They came to this])lace in July, 1866, and located in sectitm eight, where Mr. Long has since resided. His wife died on the 12th of February, 1880, leaving a family of nine children. What Mr. Long regards as a remarkable coincidence occurred a few years ago. On the 3l8t of July, 1875, just nine years in the same hour from the date of his arrival hi re, his house caught fire and was d 'stroyed with a large portion of itscimtents, but with commendahlr enertrv, Mr. Long was living in a new house in just piglit days after.

W. LoucKS was born in Schoharie county, Xew York, on the 27th of June, 1822. His father died a few weeks before our subject was horn, and when he was ten year.^ old he began working for farmers, and also learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1841?, he came to Wisconsin, find the following year bought a farm in Walworth county. He was married on the 13th of September, 1811, to Miss Lulan L. Conable. Mr. Loucks was employetl on the railroad two years, afterward faruKnl, and in 1861, enlisted in the Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and served three years and ten mimths. In 1806, he came to Fillmore county and located in Sumner township, drivings from his former home in Walworth county. In 1867, he bought a farm of wild land in this township, but now has it well cultivated. Mr. Loucks has been a memb r of the board of Supervisors ; for the past two years and held other local offices. I Mr. and Mrs. Loucks have had nine children,

New York, on the lOth of Deccmlicr, 1843. When ! young he learned the harness maker's trade, at I which he was engaged and finally opened a shop \ in his native county. In 1860, he came to