Freeborn County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (5 of 5 so headed), 1882

Biographical sketches

This is one of the eastern towns in Freeborn county; one lying between it and the northern boundary. Its contiguous surroundings are as follows: Mower county on the east; Oakland on the south; Riceland on the west; and Newry on

The greater part of the township is what is called burr oak opening land, that is, small patches of burr and black oak timber, interpersed with natural meadows and prairies. Along the Turtle Creek, in sections seven, eight, seventeen, eighteen, twenty-one, and twenty-two, considerable heavy timber is found, among the varieties being white, red, and burr oak, white and black ash, bass and elm, and on section twenty-six there was

Turtle Creek is the princijjal water course in the town, entering from Ricelaml by way of sections seven and eighteen, ami taking a southeasterly course, eroasos the town and leaves through section thirty-six to enter Mower county. This stream furnishes an excellent water-power in section twei,ty-two, which has been improved to some extent, and greater improvement is now in contemplation and will probably be carried out. Deer Creek is a small stream whiee rises in Newry, and taking a southerly course, makes a conH\i ence with the Turtle in section eighteen.

The soil is a clayey loam, dark in places and again of a lighter nature, with a tendency to sandiness in many places. It is well adapted to agricultural purposes, and is productive if properly tilled.

Tliere seems to be a preponderance of testimony that the first claim in the township was taken in May. 185.5, by a man named Nathan Hunt, who located in section twenty-six, and remained for about one year and sold to Alexander Schutt, who in turn sold to the present proprietor, Henry Fero.

The next to put in an appearance after Hunt, was a party composed of various nationalities: Robert Speer, a native of New York State, Thomas R. Morgan, and Thomas Ellis, natives of Wales, who came from Wisconsin where they had been for a few years, and accomplishing the journey with ox teams by camping on the way, arrived here on the first 'of June, 1855. It should be chronicled to the credit of the parties, as it is unusual to such journeys, that they did not travel on Sunday, and made the trip in one month.

Mr. Speer took a claim in section twenty-two. where he pitched a tent to live in while he was breaking, and he still holds forth on the same spot.

Mr. Ellis also took a tract of land in section twenty-eight, where he lived in comfortable circumstances up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1874, and his family are now in Dakota.

having stopped for a time in in Wisconsin and secured homes. Bush took his farm in section twenty-seven, where he erected a log house covered with bark; but he soon built a better one and still lives upon his pl.ice. James Dunning halted in section twenty-seven, where he lived until 1876, and then removed to Kansas, where he now lives. John (i. Dunning took a claim in sections twenty-two and twenty-seven, and continued his sojourn here until 1872, when he removed to Oregon.

Evan Morgan was another of the fifty-fivers. He was a native of Wales, ha^^ng become Americanized in Wisconsin, and after his arrival in Moscow tarried a while in section twenty-one; but soon sold that place and removed to section twenty-two, where he may yet be found.

This is about a complete list of the arrivals in the year 1855. The year following there were a great many to make their appearance upon the progressive scene in Moscow township, and as many of them as can be remembered will be chronicled.

Stephen N. Frisbie,a native of Connecticut, came rom Wisconsin early this year and secured a farm in section thirty-five, where he is yet to be found.

Nathan S. Hardy, a school teacher from the Empire State, arrived and kept Prisbie company by securing a place and erecting a habitation in the same section, where he yet holds forth. William Pace, an Englishman, who had been naturalized in Wisconsin, joined this little settlement by taking a jilace in section thirty-four, where he ri>mained iintil the time of his death in September, 1882.

Henry Fero, a native of New York, drifted in and took a slice from Uncle Sam's domain just north of this little settlement, in .section twmtysix, where his light still holds out to burn. Two others in the persons of George W. Dearmin and Benjamin Martin, originally from North Carolina, but late of Indiana, extended the neighborhood above treated, westward, by securing and subduing claims in sections twenty-eight and twentynine. The former still resides in section twenty - eight, but the latter, after a sojourn of two years returned to Indiana.

Ashabel Barnhart, from the Buckeye State, pushed the neighborhood northward and selected his territory in section twenty -one, where he remained until his death in 1872, and his family now reside in Dakota.

Rufus K. Crum, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Indiana and took a claim in section twentyeight. He remained for a number of years, laying out a town site, and finally removed to Iowa. With Crum came George W. Davis, of the Buckeye State, who took land in section twenty-eight: but one Minnesota winter was enough for him, and he pulled up stakes and left for Iowa, where he has since died.

A. A. Webster, of the Empire State, drifted in add anchored in section twenty-three, lived there awhile and then sold and removed to section fourteen, where he remained until 1879, and now lives in Dakota Territory.

About the same time David Gates, of the same descent, made his appearance, coming direct from Wisconsin, and located upon a place in section thirty-three, which he still owns; but in 1875 he removed to Austin.

Hiram C. Porter, a native of Vermont, came from Iowa this year, and settled just north of Gates iu section twenty-eight, and lived here up to the time of his death, which sad event occurred in 1868. His .son now occupies the place; while his widow became the wife of John G. Dunning_ and now resides in Oregon.

Another of the arrivals this year was George Watson, a native of Pennsylvania, who selected his portion of Government land in section thirty. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention; was elected a Senator to the first Minnesota Legislature; was the first Postmaster of the Sumner Post-office, and in 1863, received a Government appointment at St. Paul, where he now resides. He was joined, soon after his arrival to Minnesota, by Josiah W. Hardy, a native of New York State, who came from Iowa, and planted his stakes upon a farm iu section twenty-five. He lived here for about one year, when he returned to Iowa, and in May, 1864 gave up his life in St. Louis, in defense of his country.

The Vanderwurkers, father and son, natives of Michigan, arrived this year, and commenced pioneer life upon claims in Moscow, but both have, since 1878, pulled up their claim stakes, and removed; the former to Wisconsin, and the latter to Lyon county, Minnesota.

Robert A. Dearmin was another to arrive this year, locating in section twenty-eight; he may yet be ound upon the original homestead, at this

Four Englishmen came in about this time, in the persons of Messrs. Bridle, Prey, Hallenback, and Galpin, who all took claims with the avowed intention of making this their future home: but the severe winter succeeding their arrival apparently satisfied them, as they all soon after pulled up stakes and left for parts unknown.

A. B. Lizer, George Balton, and Leonard Webster were also among the arrivals of 1856, and took farms. Lizer came from Wisconsin and located in section thirty-five, remaining until 1879, when he went to Kansas, Balton established himself in section tljirty-tbree, where he remained until called upon by the angel of death. Webster first settled upon a farm in section twentythree, and remained in the town until 1880, when he went to Dakota.

Tollef Oleson and Ole ToUefson, whose names indicate their nationality, arrived late in this year, and squattad in section twelve, where they lived for a number of years. The son is now dead, and the father is living in Lau^iing, it ia said, at the age of ninety-seven years.

Michael Murphy, an Irishman, also arrived this year, and took a place in section tweuty-flve, where his smiling visage is still on exhibition.

In 1857, we note the arrival of several pioneers; among whom were Francis Hardy, father of N. S. and J. W. Hardy; Daniel S. Ingraham; Samuel Degood; Samuel G. Lowry, and soon after, his son, Theophus Lowry; David M. Farr; and Leonard Ware.

The Honored Dead

David M. F.vbr was an early settler in Moscow, having dawned upon the western scenes in section twenty-two, in the township of Moscow, in September, 1856, and the next year got his family upon the spot where they lived at the time of his death, which took place on the 8th of July, 1878, in Texas, at the age of 55 years. He was born in Orleans county, New York, on the 2d of December, 1822, and was liberally educated. On the 20th of July, 1843, he was married to Miss Hannah Robbins. His ability was recognized whereever he was known, and he served in almost every local office. Was Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, Postmaster, Supervisor, and for years was known as the model Assessor of Freeborn county. He was a good, careful, and correct surveyor, and a very useful man in the community. He left a wife and four children to bewail his sudden taking ofl', which was. as above mentioned, away from home.

Hiram J. Bice moved into this county in 18")7, and securing a foothold in section thirty-six in the town of Mobcow, remained there up to the year 1876, when lie went to Floyd county, Iowa, and there died, in Septemlier, 1877. He enlisted in the array, was a faithful soldier, but lost his health and never fully recovered.

Thomas Ellis died in the town of Moscow on the 13th of September, 1871, having fought the good fight and finished his course. He was a native of Wales. Oncoming to America lie stopped a while in Ohio, and then pushed on to Wisconsin where, catching the tide that was setting so strongly into the new territory of Minnesota, he was brought out here in 185.5, securing a place where he remained through life. He was in the army during the war, was a kind father and husband, and was sadly missed.

Israel N. Pace. - The year 1840, and Bennington, Wyoming county, New York, claims the subject of this sketch as the time and place of his birth. From the age of two years he lived in Wisconsin, coming to this place in 1856. He was married on the 9th of December, 1867, to Miss Bosaniia Farr. For three years he served his country in the Union army, in the Tenth Minnesota Regiment, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Nashville in September, 1864:. He was a good citizen, friend and neighbor, and left a wife and five children. The bugle call that sounded the rereilU for his rising in the other life, was on the 17th of April, 1879. at the age of 38.

Mrs Mary T. Cheadle terminated her earthly journey on Monday evening, the 10th of November, 1879, at the age of 54 years. Entering upon the activities of this life in Rockvale, Indiana, on the 7th of October, 1825, she, at an early day, married Mr. Cheadle, and with him lived and reared her family. During the war her husband volunteered in the army and left his bones to lileach on southern soil. Several years ago she came to this county and located near her relatives in Moscow. She was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian church.

J. S. Harris. - The balance sheet of this life was struck on the 8th of December, 1879. He was bom in the Old Dominion, in Augusta county, in 1823, and was one of the seven children who removed to Rockwell, Illinois, in 1844, and about that time he joined the Presbyterian church. Was married to Miss Ella Elsley in 18.")3, and in 1H56, removed ^vith his wile and one child to Iowa. In 1859 he came to Moscow. He was a constant and devout worshipper at the clmrch of his choice.

Pori'LATioN - The census of 1870 gave Moscow a population of 592. The last census, takeu in 1880. reports 650 for this town; showing an increase of 58.

The earliest settlers of Moscow were mostly Americans, with strong religious tendencies, representing various creeds or denominations, includ- ing the Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists. Campbellites, and Presbyterians, which faiths were held to with a Puritanic tenacity. All felt the need of religious instruction, and when a preacher of the gospel put in an appearance he was hailed with joy. The first to dawn upon the scene was "Elder" Phelps, a yoxmg man fresh from the discipline of the theological college, who had located at Austin. He first preached in Rufus K. Crum's house, in section twenty-eight, in 1856, and ho occasionally preached in this vicinity until March, 18.57; but no society was formed. Later in the same year he preached in Samuel Degood's house in section thirteen, and a class was formed with about fi.fte9n members, with Isaac Vanderwnrker, leader. A Sunday school was organized about the same time, which was continued until 1880, Samuel Degood being superintendent a number of years. The last school was held at the schoolhouse in section thirteen. Elder Reynolds was the regular preacher, and as most of the original members of the class have either removed to other localities, or died, it has been discontinued.

During the winter of 1856-57, Daniel Ingraham, an itinerant exhorter not identified with any denomination; but, as be said, "anything to beat the devil," preached in private houses, among them George Bolton's and William Paul's. A class was organized at Bolton's house in 1857, with George Bslton as leader, and the same year Elder Mapes held services in various places, and also held a series of protracted meetings, the result of which was an organization. In 186.5, when Elder Tice was preaching here he started the project of building a church, which was accordingly erected in section twenty-two. This was the Methodist Episcopal society, and for a time religious matters prospered and the church grew; but finally, interest began to wane, the members, many of them, moved away, preaching became irregular, and then discontinued, and the organization was declared iitorihimd.

PRBSBrTEBiAN Church. - The first services by this denomination were held during the fall of 1857, at the house of the reverend gentleman who ofllciated, S. G. Lowry. The society effected an organization soon after, under the name of the Sumner and Moscow Presbyterian church. Mr. Lowry continued to preach at his house and in school buildings for about two years, when the Rev. Mr. Morse, a follower of the Congregational

In 1858, Theophus Lowry organized a Sunday school at the schoolhouse in section thirty-one, and acted in the capacity of superintendent. This school continued in active work until 1878.

Congregational CunRCH. - The first minister of the gospel following this faith, to hold services in this township, was Rev. Stephen Cook, of Austin. He preached in the schoolhouse of district No. 31 in 1859, and on the 8th of April. 1860. a society was organized at the same schoolhouse with eleven members. The second preacher was a brother of the first. Rev. Nelson Cook. As most of the original members have either died or moved away, no services have bee i held since 1875. Rev. A. Morse, of Austin, was the last pastor.

A Union Sunday School was organized at the house of William Pace, in March, 1857, which was about the first school of this kind formed in the township. Money was very liberally subscribed and a good supply of books procured. The organization started its good work under the most favorable auspices, with S. N. Frisbie as superintendent, and continued its efficiency for many years.

Fairview Cemetery. - Was platted and recorded on the 4th of June, 1875. It is in the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of section twentj'-nine. The trustees were J. S. Harris, T. B. Morgan, S. W. Pitts, N. F. Earle, W. Maun, and N. B. Vausthouse. A. C. Spicer was the surveyor.

In June, 1857, this little burg was conceived, and was laid out in lots and blocks by Daniel Johnson, surveyor, for the proprietors, Nathan Owens, Benjamin Lindsey, and David M. Farr. It is located near the center of section twentytwo, or, to be technical, the northeast of the southwest of section twenty-two, on the bank of Turtle Creek.

A Post-office under the name of Moscow was established at the village in 1858, with John G. Dunning as Post-master, and office at David Farr's house, in section twenty-two. In 1860 David M. Farr was (roramissioned, and held the office for two years, when the present incumbent, Evan Morgan, was appointed to liandle the maih

In 1866, Joseph James, John Chandler, and James Dyrlyii, put in machinei y and commenced operating a steam saw-mill near the main part of the village. They continued to pile up saw-dust ior about four years, when timber began to get scarce and they sold the concern, which was finally removed to Waseca county.

In 1879. Arthur Sanderson and bisson, Creorge, erected a two story frame building for a store and tenement, and in January. 1880, put in a good stock of general merchandise, which they still continue to manage. This is what has long been needed by the village and surrounding country, and it is to be hoped the farmers will sufficiently appreciate the enterprise to make it a fiiiaucial success to the projectors.

lu 1857, a village was laid out iuto lots in section thirty-one by Bufus K. Crura, and recorded under this caption. A Post-office was also established the same year, with George Watson as Postmaster, which was continued until 1876, Aarou McKune being the last mail-handler. In 1858, Mr. Crum, the projector of the embryo city, erected a house on the village site, and used to entertain travelers. But all of no avail; gradually the interest, even of the town proprietors, weakened, and the village of Sumner became a thing of the past, and the fond hopes for lots, blocks, stores, scht)oIs, and Churches, were abandoned, and the surer and more practical plan of making money, by transforming the imaginary lots and blocks iuto fields of corn and wheat, was resorted to.

It is claimed, and upon good authority, that the first birth in the township took place on the 26th of December, 1855, and ushered into existence Sophia Matilda, a daughter of Evan and Sarah Morgan. The little girl grew to womanhood; and on the 12th of May, 1879, married A. M. Lee, and now resides in Sibley, in the northwestern part of Iowa.

About the next minor arrival was the birth of Eva Maria, daughter of Robert and Mary Speer. She was married in 1875 to DeForest Lincoln, and in 1881 died at Alexandria, lea^'iug one child.

The earliest marriage occurring within the lines of Mo.-cow and of residents of the town, took place in October, 1856, and united the future fortunes of George Bridle to Miss Galpin. Rev. Stephen Cook, of Au.stin, performed the ceremony at the house of the bride's parents in section thirty-two. In 1877 the happy couple returned to Illinois.

Another early marriage took place on the 17th of May. 1859, the high contracting parties being George W. Dearmin and Miss Lucia Campbell' the knot being tied by Rev. Theophus Lowry. The parties still live in section twenty-eight of Moscow.

Nathan S. Hardy and Amelia A. Pace were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on the 10th of August, 1859, by the Rev. Stephen Cook, at the residence of the bride's parents in section thirtyfour.

FiusT Death. - This sad event made its impress on the minds of the members of the scanty community, and long it will be ere it will be effaced from their memories. A child of an Englishman named Galpin, living in section thirty-two. was the first victim, and quietly passed away in 1856.

First Store. - In 1856, Elbridge Gerry, a Yankee from the Green Mountain State, opened a general store in section twenty -eight, in a little log house. The building had been erected by the neighbors as an inducement to business men, and during its erection Gerry furnished whisky to keep the popvluce in a good humor. When the store was completed Gerry put in a limited stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, and groceries, and an unlimited stock of poor whisky, which was his stajjle article. He did a very brisk business for about one year; but finally left and returned to his former home in Vermont. The building he used is now in the village of Hayward, used as a barn, and belongs to Mrs. E. J. Campbell.

First Mill. - In 1857, Messrs. Lindsey k Owens put up a steam saw-mill in section twentyone, eijuippiug it with a circular saw and power sufficient to cut 3,500 feet per day. In 1858 a burr for the purchase of grinding feed was at- tached and the mill run for both a saw-mill and feed grinding. Thus the industry continued until about 1866, when the machinery was removed to Wisconsin.

FiKHT Blacksmith Shop. - This enterprise originated through the energy of Eobert Speer, who in the fall of 185.5 erected a small slianty, put in tools, and during the winter following did considerable blacksmithiag. In 1856 he put up a substantial log building in which to carry on his business, and the pioneers came all the way from Blue Earth county for plow-sharpening. Mr. Speer carried on the business until 1877.

SoRGHUJi Mill - J. H. Mclntire, in 1877, put in machinery and commenced operating a mill of this description for tlie manufacture of syrup, and since its construction, as regularly as the season rolls round, this mill is found to be in operation. A good article is manufactured and the enterprise is of great benefit to the neighboring community.

WooDL.wvN Grange. - This society of the Patrons of Husbandry, effected an organization in 1873 or '74, with about twenty charter member's, among whom were George King, Samuel Degood, Abijah Webster, and James H. Mclntire, and Abner Vanderwurker was chosan Worthy Master. The organization continued in active existence for about two years, and in fact, the charter has never been formerly surrendered; but one by one, the original and enterprising members moved away, or lost interest, until the lodge finally died from inappetency for success. Meetings of the order, while it was in force, were held at the houses of Mr. Vanderwurker and George King.

Moscow Grange. - This lodge effected an organization a few weeks after the Wood lawn society, and among the charter members we notice the names of Henry Fero, Evan Morgan, James Bush, Kobert Speer, John Ruh, Joseph James, and James Dunning. The first Master was Mr. John Ruh. Meetings were held at the schoolhouse in section twenty-two. It is said that this Grange broke up in a quarrel after a brief existence of about two years.

I. O. OP G. T. - This society was organized at Henry Fero's house in April, 1876, with seventeen charter members, among whom were flecry Fero, Evan Morgan, G. W. Edwajds, H. C. Lee, Mary Fero, R. G. Speer, William Rogers, and L. M.

William L. Bliss was born in Montpelier, Vermont, on the I'Jth of September, 1818. He learned the shoemaker trade and when twentytwo years old moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he bought an interest in a restaurant and conducted the same two years. He then went to New York City and engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor traffic. In 1848, he was married to Miss Alraina O. Spaulding. They have four children; Gilbert R., Almina O., George S., and Ida ^lay. Previous to his marriage he traveled through New York, Vermont and Canada, selHng jewelry and dry goods and afterwards settled in Clinton county, New York; but in 1856, went to California, and engaged in mining, remaining sixteen months. On his return he traveled along the Pacific slope selling honey-bees and introduced the first ones in Oregon and Washington territories. After an absence of two and a half years he returned to New York, and in 1859, again started for California, but upon reaching this county stopped at Moscow and concluded to settle, taking a claim in section thirteen where he still lives.

James Bush, one of the earliest settlers of this place, was born in New York on the 5th of September, 1828. When young he worked for a time at the shoemaker's trade and before leaving his native State married, in 1844, Miss Harriet Gates. In 1855, they came to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and the following year to Moscow, taking a claim in section twenty-seven. In February, 1857, his wife died at the age of thirty-two years. She bore him four children, two of whom are living. In 1859, he married his second wife, a sister of the former, and she died on the 30th of August, 1881, leaving a family of nine children. In 1874, Mr. Bush built a tine frame residence in which he now lives.

George W. Dearmin, one of the pioneers of this place, was born in North Carolina, on the 30th of October, 1828. When he was a small child his parents became pioneers of Indiana, where George resided until 1847, when he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company E, participating in the Mexican war, and serving till its close. After his discharge he came to Indiana, and in 1855 came to Iowa; resided in Mitchell county until the spring of 1856, when he came Jto this township aud took a claim in section eight, but soon after sold aud bought in section twenty-eight. In March, 186.5, he enlisted in Company F, of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; was sent to Washington aud remained in service until the following July. He was united in marriage in May, 1859, with Miss Lucia Campbell. Of eight children born to this union, only three are living: Jessie F., Orra A., and Mary E.

Stephen N. Frisiue, one of the pioneers of this place, was l)orn in Guilford, New Haven county, Connecticut. His mother, Miss Amada Scranton, was a descendant of John Seranton, who came with twenty-five other families from England, and settled in the latter town in 1639. His father was a sea faring man; aud when Stephen was ten years of age he went to live with his uncle on a farm, with whom he remained until twenty-t>ne, then removed to Genesee, Waukesha county, Wisconsin. On the 30th of August, 1848, he was married to Miss Theresa M. Castle.formerly of Colesville, New York, aud the issue of the union was live children - three sons and two daughters. In 1850, they moved to Beaver Dam, Dodge county, and resided there until 1853, thence to Leeds, Columbia county. In June, 1856, he and his family started with ox teams, and on the 23d ( if .July, arrived in this township and staked out the claim upon which he now lives. Mr. Frisbie enjoys the esteem and confidence of his townsmen in a large degree, having been repeatedly elected to fill offices of trust and honor. In 1857, he was appoiuted one of the commissioners to organize Freeborn county, and that fall, at the fir.st general election, was made one of the County Commissioners, aud again in 1877 elected to the same office. He has been Chairman of the board of Supervisors, Assessor, Town Treasurer, and Justice of the Peace, in which latter capacity he now officiates. In 1878. he was honored with a seat in the House of Kepresentatives. Although his business has been farming, he has engaged to some extent in other occapations; from the fall of 1869 till 1S75 he handled grain, first for Bassett, Hunting .V: Co., and afterwards for other parties; subsequently kept a lumber yard on his own account. In religious views he is a Congregationalist, aud when the ITnion Sabbath School was organized in this place he was apj)ointed its .Superintendent. A Congregational church was organized here in 1859, of which he was a member; but meetings in it have since been disccmtinued, and he joined the church at Austin. He is a staunch Republican, and has always been a x.ealou.s advocate of its principles. He was appoiuted Postmaster in 1858. the office being kept at his house until August. 1877, when it was removed to the railroad station, aud its name changed to Oakland. Mr. Frisbie's first wife died on the 25th of June, 1875, after a long aud painful illness, and he married his present wife on the 9th of .August. 1877. She was formerly Miss Sophie A. Little, of Oberlin, Ohio.

John Guy, a native of Ireland, was born in Donegal in 1845. In 1869, he left his birth place and emigrated to America, landed in New York, and came directly to Minnesota. He resided for a year and a half with his uncle in Oakland, and in 1871 bought land in this jjlace in company with bis brother. Mrs. Guy was formerly Miss Mary Taylor. Jlr. Guy has been a member of the Presbyterian church since quite young; is a Republican and takes an active interest in j)olitics.

N.iTH.^N S. H.VRDY, one of the old settlers of Moscow, was born in Essex county, New Y'ork, on the 10th of January, 1833. ktter teaching school for a time in his native State in the spring of

1854, he moved to Illinois, engaged in farming during the sunimer and in the fall clerked in the store of L. S. Felt, in Galena. In the autumn of

1855, he returned to New York, and in the spring of "5(), again started west, locating in this townshij) the 1st of July. He was married on the Idth of August, 1859, to Annette, a daughter of William Pace, and the union has resulted in four children; Lovina S., Adda F., Louis E., and Milton J.

Rev. Theophis Lowry, deceased, the eldest son of Bev. Samuel G. Lowry, was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, on the 9th of September, 1821. His father, after preaching tor some time in Lewis county, Kentucky, moved to New Richmond, Clermont county, Ohio, in 1823, thence, two years later, to Decatur county, Indiana, and afterward, in 1832, to Putnam county. In 1835, he went to Crawfordsville, the location of Wabash College, where Theophus graduated in 1843, and in 1846, graduated from Lane Seminery, in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the latter year he was married to Misa Nancy T. Elsey, of Parker county. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Ciawfordsville.

After preaching two years at Danville and other points in Hendricks county, he was compelled to retire to a farm for a year. At the end of that time he took charge of the Bethany church, Owen county, but after a year, was obliged to give up the ministry and engaged in farming for some five or six years. In the spring of 1857, in company with his father and other friends, he came to Minnesota and located a claim in section twentynine, Moscow, where he died, on the 23d of April, 1874. For some eight years before his death, he was able to preach again, and supplied the churches of Sumner and Woodbury. His wife survives him and resides on the old homestead, with her adopted son, Eugene Lowry.

Edward Ltigg, a native of England, was born in the parish of St. Martin, county of Cornwall, on the 14th of August, 1834. He was brought up as a farmer, attended school in his youth, and at the age of nineteen joined tlie Wesleyan Methodist church. On the 11th of April, 18.58, he left his birth place and sailed for America, landed in Quebec, Canada, and came directly toRacine county, Wisconsin. He came to Freeborn county in 1859 and settled on a claim in Bath township, which was afterward jumped. In January, 1862, he married Miss Almira Williams. They soon after moved to Riceland and rented a farm for a year, thence to Brush Creek, Fairbault coun'^y In August, 18(54, Mr. Lugg enlisted in Company E, Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, went South and joined the army of the Cumberland at Memphis and remained in service until the close of the war. Oh his return he settled on railroad land in Riceland. In 1874, he came to Moscow, and rented a farm for three years, then purchased his present in section twenty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Lugg have had six children, four of whom are living ; Charles H., James E,, Samuel R., and Laura Z. Maggie, born on the 8th of November, 1863, died on the 6th of October, 1870, and Zelda, born on the 15th of December 1867, died on the 11th of September, 1870.

Michael McCorRT, one of the early settlers of Mower county, was born in county Down, Ireland, in October, 1880. In 1847, he came to America and settled in Rochester, New York, where he was employed in agricultural pursuits eight years. He married, in 1855, Miss Ellen White, and they spent a short time in Canada, then came to Clinton county, Iowa, and the following spring to Minne- sota, locating in Nevada, Mower county. He lived there until 1868, when he sold and came to this place which has since been his home. Mr. Mc- Court is the largest individual landholder in the place. In the spring of 1881, his stable was burned with sis head of horses, a colt, all the harnesses, and considerable farm machinery. He has a family of six children ; John, Michael, Thomas, Stephen, Mary, and Daniel.

Evan Morgan, one of the pioneers of this county, is a native of Wales, born on the 10th of March, 1805. He was married before leaving Wales to Miss Winiflekl Reese, and they emigrated to America in 1838. They located on a farm in Portage county, Ohio, and remained until 1848, when they moved to Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1855, they sold their interest in the latter place and came to this township. Mr. Morgan bought land in the town site and also some adjoining, all of which he still owns. His wife died leaving six children, three of whom are now living. His present wife was formerly Sarah L. Thomas and the marriage took place in 1862. Of seven children born to this union, five are living. Mr. Morgan has held offices of trust since his residence here; in 1866, was sent to the State Legislature and is at present Town Clerk.

William Pace, deceased, one of the oldest settlers of this place, was born in Sussex county, England, on the 10th of March, 1803. He learned the miller trade in his native place; emigrated to America and for years worked at liis trade in New York. He was married in 1831, to Miss Amelia Ridge and they had two children, one of whom is living, a son. Mrs. Pace died in 1834, and in 1836. Mr. Pace married Miss Lavina Castle. In 1842, they came to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and after a residence of nine years moved to Dodge county. In 1856, Mr. Pace became a pioneer of this county, taking a claim in section thirty-four, Moscow, which was his home until his death which occurred on the 6th of September, 1882. He left a widow and five grown children. He was a member of the Congregational church at Austin; was a good citizen and neighbor and respected by all who knew him.

machinery, afterward in carpentering and now divides bis time between mercantile and farming pursuits. He was joined in marriage in 1874, witli Miss Mary Sculliu and tliey have four children; Clara Nellie, Hattie Lou, Genevieve, and IvyB.

Robert G. Speer. one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Seneca county. New York, on the 12th of April, 1820. When be was five years old his parents moved to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where Robert learned the blacksmith trade when quite young. He was married in 1847, to Miss Mary E. Hutchinson. In 18.50, they moved to a farm in Dane county, Wisconsin, and five years later settled in this place. Mr. Speer erected a blacksmith shop, the first in the place, and followed that occupation until 18*i2, when he enlisted in the Second Minue.sota Cavalry and served as blacksmith for the regiment eleven months when he was discharged for disability. Mr. and Mrs. S])eer have had seven children, five of whom are living; Mary E., Dewitt C, George W., Generva, and Amanda.