Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 68, 1882

Chapter 68

Location and Description - Early Settlement - -Events of Interest - Statistics - Business AND other Matters - Religious - Twin Lake Village - Mediums of Eduoation^ - Biograph-

The sul i-division of Freeborn county bearing this name lies in the southern tier of towns, and within one of the western boundary of the county. Its contiguous surroundings are, Pickerel Lake on the north; Freeman on the east; Mansfield on the west, and the state of Iowa on the south. It is constituted as origmallj' surveyed, of 36 sections, or 23,040 acres.

Nunda is, locally speaking, a prairie town : although the eastern part was formerly what is called "oak oj^ening" land, and there were some fine groves of maple, butternut, bass, iron wood, and occasionally walnut, about the lakes; but this has all or nearly all been long since removed. The north and west parts of the town are made up of rolling prairie, with a soil of dark loam, underlaid with a sub-soil of clay. The southern and eastern part of the township is more given to soil of clayey nature, and quite rocky in places. There has been considerable lime-stone, of the variety

This town is well watered by numerous brooks, rivers, and lakes, which diversify the scenery, and make of Nunda a picturesque and beautiful township. Bear Lake, the largest in the township, is a beautiful sheet of water, covering about 1,5110 acres in the western portion of the town, while a i stream known as Lime Creek is its outlet, and takes a southwesterly course to finally empty into the Shell Rock River. Lower Twin Lake is a body of water lymg in the northwestern part of the town, containing several islands of a few acres each. This is connected by a stream called " The Inlet," with the Upper Twin Lake, which infringes on this townahijj to the extent of about 220 acres in section two. We suppose the lakes received the names of Upper and Lower Twin Lakes from the fact of their similarity in size. (xoose Creek constitutes the outlet of theee lakes, *nd tiows through sections twelve and thirteen on its way eastward to Freeman township, eventually to help swell the Shell Rock. State Line Lake, which name was suggested by the fact that the extreme southern ])oint of the lake touches the

Iowa and Minnesota State lines; is the smallest in town, covering about iOO acres of land, mostly in section thirty-three; from this flows a creek bearin;; the same name and entering Iowa. All of these lakes abound in fish of various species, among which we notice pickerel, sucker, bass, and bullhead, and are much frequented by pleasure seekers in quest of "finny sport."

Almost all of the land in the town is under a high state of cultivation, and as the soil is rich and well adapted to the crops and modes of cultivation of the day, as a natural sequence, the farmers are all in comfortable circumstances, notwithstanding they have had serious drawbacks in the last decade in the way of drought, failure of wheat crop, etc., and they are now turning their attention more toward stock - which exist almost solely on the rich prairie grass - with the most satisfactory results.

Eakly Settlement

The early or earliest settlement of Nunda dates back to 185(5, and was rapid and constant until all the vacant land was secured and occupied.

As it nearly always gives rise to controversy and contention in a work of this kind, to state that any one of a party, made a claim or secured a farm, first, we have adopted the plan, for this township at least, of merely giving the date of arrival of early settlers as given to our interviewers; so that one reading it can come to his own conclusion as to who was first, etc.

Among, if not the first settlers in the township, were James Wright and Anthony Bright, who came in the winter of 1855-56, and commenced what was known as the Bear Lake Settlement. Wright took a claim on section sixteen and remained until 1857 when he sold to John V. Wohlhuter who still occupies it. Anthony Bright took a place in section twenty-one, south of Wright, and in 1857 sold out and left.

Patrick Fitzsimmons, a native of Ireland, made his appearance from Winneshiek county, Iowa, and joined this settlement in May, 1856. He took a claim in section sixteen, where he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 18th of July, 1866. It was he who named the township Nunda, in honor of towns of the same name in which he had lived in New York aud Illinois. He was a prominent man in the township aud his death was much regretted by all who knew him.

native of the Emerald Isle, who made himself at home about one mile east of his fellow-countryman, in section fourteen, where he still lives, one of the pulilic-spirited men of this locality, and one of the oldest settlers in Nunda.

Nels Bergeson and Nels Walaker, natives of Norway, came to Miunesotain 1856; the first came direct to this town and took a place in section twenty-eight; the latter did not arrive here until 1860.

It should have been mentioned in connection with the above, that Charles Fitzsimmons and Irvin Elsworth came in the early part of 1856, and it is claimed by some that they were the first. Fitzsimmons placed his signet upon a quarter of section sixteen, where he remained until 1868 and then removed to Martin county, Minnesota. Elsworth enriched himself by pre-empttng a place in section fourt(«n, where he lived for about one year when he sold, and now sojourns in California, from last accounts.

In the fall of this year, 1856, Harry Brown drifted in and made a habitation in section seven, where he remained until 1858 when he sold out.

Seneca Stockdale was a native of Ohio, having been born on the 26th of March, 1801, and after attaining the age of fifty-five came to the township of Nunda, where he was among the first; arriving on the 14h of July, 1856. He took a farm in section one, where he remained for about thirteen years, and then removed to section three, remaining here until the 7th of February, 1871, when, at the ripe old age of seventy years, he passed peacefully away to that land where the "wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest."

The following year, 1857, the emigration to this locality seemingly commenced in earnest, and, although to name them all would be almost impossible, as many of them as are remembered will be given. As will be seen, there were already several settlements in the town, and those coming this year were not subjected to that, (as an old settler termed it) "solitary confinement" inevitable to the pioneer times of those who were already in, and waiting for the neighbors whom the arrivals in 1857 furnished.

Alonzo White, of Vermont, came about the same time and settled iu the same section, where be lived until 1859, and then went back to the East.

James Carle, of the same nativity also came at the same time and took land in sections thirty-four and thirty-five, wliere he lived until 18t50 when he sold and followed his friend east.

Michael Donahue had arrived in the spring of 1857, and settled a mile or so north of this little settlement, in section twenty-three, where he still holds forth.

John M. Geissler, a native of Germany, and one of the pioneers of Freeborn county, came to Nunda in 1857, and selected the place he now occupies in sections three and ten. He has probably been the most prominent man in the township in public matters and has held many offices of trust and importance.

John V. Wolilhuter, a native of Germany, came to America in 1847, and in the fall of 1857 to this township and purchased the farm he now occupies near Bear Lake.

E. A. White made his appearance in the spring of this year, and settled on section nine, where he still remains. William White came to this country at the same time.

George Hall and Johnson Hall, from the eastern States came to Nunda in the spring of 1857, and took farms in sections three and four, where the latter lived for a time and tlien went east. Mr. George Hall is still on his farm.

John Donahue, originally from the Emerald Isle, but late from Illinois, arrived in July, 1857, and settled with his parents on section fourteen.

There miy have bsea others who came this year, but this is enouoh to indicate the rapidity with which the unoccupied land was taken. A few of those who have since arrived will be noted.

B. H. Carter, a native of the eastern States, arrived in Nunda in 1861, and made himself at home in section one, whore he still lives, a prominent man in the township.

This (juite extended list embraces the most of the early settlers, and many of them who are not found here will be seen under the head of Biographical.

William White, one of the pioneers, was inducted into this life on the 8th of September, 1796. at Bemis Heights, on the battle field where the English, under (xeneral Burgoyne, surrendered to General Gates, in the town of Saratoga, New York. When two years of age his father went to Clinton county, in the same State. In the war of 1812 he served as a teamster, and so received a bounty land warrant. In 1814 his father and himself went to Tioga county, and on the Susquehana he was in business for forty-one years. He married Margaret Love, and they had four sons and five daughters, all living when he died on the 17th of January, 1876. He came to Nunda on the 7th of June, 1857, so that he had been a resident of the town for nineteen years. A few daj's before his death he was seized with a sensation of numbness in his left foot, in which the circulation stopped, and gangrene sui)ervened with a fatal result. An able and prominent man, he was for six years County Commissioner, a Justice of the Peace, and in other public positions.

Erick Erickson. - Mr. Erickson commenced building in section thirty-three in the town of Nunda, on the 25th of June, 1856, and there he wrought up to the time of his final exit from this sphere of existence, which occurred on the 14th of December, 1877, at the age of 55 years. He hac o|)e!ied a fine farm and was an honest and upright man.

Thomas Morrison, having nearly filled up the measure of bis one hundredth year, was gathered with the innumerable host from whence no tidings come, on the 8th of November, 1876. His birth was in Belfast, Ireland, on the 12th of September, 1777, and came to America in 1811, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 18f51 he came to Minnesota. He was a member of the Baptist church and had six children. His wife had preceded him but two mouths.

Fkedekick H. White came with his father in 1857, and captured a farm in Nunda. Himself and two brothers were in the war of the rebellion. He was next to the youngest of thirteen children. While in the service he contracted a cough which finally terminated fatally. His kind disposition and gentle manners bad drawn to him large numbers of friends. It was on the 17th of February, 1879, at the age of 32, the recall was sounded for him for the last time.

Mrs M.4.BT Walker, wife of Hon. Asa Walker, aged 60 years, went through the final transposition on the 20th of January, 1869, at Nunda. Mrs. Walker was one of the pioneers, and a faithful member of the Congregational church, and had a firm faith that "it is not all of life to live nor all of death to die."

Events Op Interest

Eakly Births. - One of the first births in the town was the ushering into existence of Louis H. Emmons, on the 30th of December, 1856, who is still in the land of the living.

On the 24th of February, 1858, a similar instance occurred and brought into existence John David McCall, who grew to manhood and still lives in the town.

Early Marriage.^. - It is reported that the first couple to be joined in wedlock within the limits of the township, were Mr. Louis Proebstein, (or some such name) and Elizabeth Banning, in the fall of 1856. This date is pretty early early; but we give it to our readers just as given to us.

Deaths. - An early, it not the first death in the township, occured on the 23d of March, 1858, and caaried Jacob Zimmerman, age 23, to that land "from wlience no traveler returns." He was the first person buried in the Brush Hill Cemetery.

Politically speaking, the residents of Nunda first came together in 1857, late in the fall, for the election of a representative in the territorial legislature, and in the spring following, an organization of the township was effected, whereupon, on the 11th day of May, 1857, they again assembled, and made their organization substantial by the election of town officers.

Among the first officials were: Supervisors, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Chairman, J. V. Wohlhuter, and Henry Tunell; Clerk, William B. Spooner. This meeting was held in John Hofl'man's house, in section twenty-two.

In government, the township has run along very smoothly, with no jars, embezzlement, or inefficiency to disturb the tranquility of matters, and the management has always been in capable and honest hands.

At the 24th annual meeting, held in the spring of 1882, the following officers were elected: Supervisors, L. Marpe, Chairman, E. T. Yeadon, and John F. Wohlhuter; Clerk, John M. Geissler; Justices of the Peace, H. Easmussou and E. A. White; Treasurer, John Donahue; Constables, T. and Hugh Donahue; Assessor, T. Swenson.

The object of presenting these few figures id not so much on account of the intrinsic importance of knowing how much was raised this particular year, or the kind of crops cultivated, although this knowledge is valuable, but more as a basis of comparison in future years.

Population. - The census of 1870 gave Nunda a population of 675. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 777 for this town; showing an increase of 102.

Business And Other Matters

A manufacturing establishment, in which the man with the anvil and bellows manouvers, was commenced in the spring of 1866 on section four, in a shop 12x16. The proprietor of this was William Pickle, and times have evidently been flourishing with the establishment, as it is still there, now occupying a shop 10x20.

In 1876 a similar institution was started in a building erected for the purpose, in the northeastern part of section thirty, by H. H. Edwin, is still in full blast.

In September, 1880, a general merchandise store was started by George Emmons, in section thirty-two. This was continued until the 6th of December, 1881, when it was moved to Norman, Iowa.

A blacksmith shop was established in the southwestern part of section nine, by John Bettner, in 1875, and it is still in good running order, with Mr. B. still at the anvil.

In the spring of 1872, Mr. George Reim erected a shop and commenced blacksmithing in section eight. He still continues the business, now being in a shop 16x20 feet, which was erected in 1881.

The first Post-office in the township was established in the spring of 1859, and Patrick Fitzsimmons was appointed Postmaster, with the office at his house in section sixteen, where mail arrived once each week. Here the office remained until the 2l8t of June, 1806, when Frederick McCall was appointed mail handler, and the office was removed to his tesidence in section fourteen, mail at this time being carried once each week by Albert Davis. In 1877 it was again removed, this time to Twin Lake in section twelve, and on the first of July, 1881. the name was changed from Nunda to Twin Lake, under which name it is now known. Mail now arrives twice each day. When the office was moved to the village, in 1877, B. H. Carter was appointed Postmaster, and held it several years, when Mr. McCall was again appointed, and is stUl the incumbent.

State Line Post-office. - The citizens of the southern portion of the town first indulged in this luxury in 1864, on the first of -August, in which year this office was established by Congress, and Mr. H. G. Emmons was appointed to handle the mail, with the office at his house in section thirtytwo, mail arriWug once each week from Albert Lea. In November, 1879, Mr. Emmons resigned his position as Postmaster, and the office" was removed to Norman, Iowa, where it is now kept by Mr. Thomas Wangsness.

Religious

German Lutheran Church. - The first services for this Society were held in the summer of 1862, at the residence of Mr. John Wohlhuter, in section sixteen, by Rev. Mr. L. Scheor. The Society was organized in 1866, with John Wohlhuter, John Tunell, and Mr. Fink as Trustees. Services were held in private houses until the schoolhouse of District No. 42 was erected, and this was then u.sed until the summer of 1881, when their present neat church was erected near the center of section four, size 28x40, at a cost of about $2,300. Ai organization the Society had thirteen members, it now has. thirty, the present pastor being the Rev. Ferdinand Tiede. The Trustees are John M. Geissler, August Liuderman, and Henry Drommerhausen.

Lutheran Cemetery. - This ground was laid out in December, 1875, by .John M. Mertz, near the center oi section four, containing 126 lots, 10x15 feet. The first burial here was William White, who died on the 14th of January, 1876.

Brush Hill Cemetery. - The land for this ground was donated as a cemetery ground by Christian Hogen in 1859, the first burial being Jacob Remmermaud, in March, 1858. Although the land was given, verbally, no deed was made, and the farm changing hands the new proprietor refused to recognize former arrangements, and in 1879 the land was purchased at a cost of $100.

Bear Lake Cemetbkt. - This was platted on the 8th of December, 1875, and recorded on the 8th of March, 1876. The trustees were R. J. White, William P. Pickle, S. F. Foster, William P. Spooner, and John M. Geissler.

State Line Cemetery. - This burial ground is located on the Iowa and Minnesota State line, in | section thirty-two, containing about one acre of 1 land surveyed into lots. The ground was platted and laid out in 1861, on the land of Mr. T. Nelson, but did not receive an occupant until February, 1863, when Christina Emmons passed to that unseen world, and her remains were interred in this as her last earthly abode.

Catholic Society Cemetery. - Located in the central part of section twenty-four, was laid out and dedicated to burial purposes on the 29th of August, 1876, land being donated by John Honan; and was divided into 126 lots, 2ix2J, in all two acres and a half. The first person so unfortunate as to need burial here was John Honan, who passed away on the 9th of September, 1876.

This is the only village in the township, and is located iu the northeastern part of Nunda, at the outlet of the lower lake bearing the name of the village, in section twelve; and although its growth up to this time has been slow, being situated upon a main railroad thoroughfare, it has a chance yet of making a healthy and moderate sized village.

Its Early Days. - The land upon which the village now stands originally belonged to Mr. William Wilson and Mr. Tanner. The first plat came into existence in 1858, at the instigation of Augustus Armstrong, and was laid into lots on the land of William Banning, but as no growth was developed, and no interest in the little burg manifested, the lots and blocks were finally reclaimed as a farm. Matters ran along in this way, nothing being done in regard to it, until 1869, when a surveyor again made his appearance and the lots and blocks of the village were again brought into existence, about eighty rods north of the old plat, on land of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Tanner as above stated, and in the fall of this year John Donahue and William Knudtson erected the first business house and opened a stock of groceries aud general merchandise.

March, 1863, at his residence in section fourteen, and the original Twin Lake Post office was also kept here. In 1877, the business was moved to the village,- and for a time groearies were kept; but finally all was discontinued except the tin shop. The Post-office is also kept here.

In the fall of 1875, Peter Donahue laid the foundation of his present general merchandise store by placing a stock of groceries upon the shelves.

In 1870, Mr. William Beatty assisted in the growth of the village and erected a hotel which he ran until 1877, and then sold it to Ole Nelson who still continues it as a boarding house.

In 1868, a building was erected and a blacksmith shop put into operation by a Norwegian whose name is forgotten. In a few years it was transferred to the Booth brothers, who ran it for a year and then sold to B. H. Carter and John Donahue, who operated it for several years in partnership, and then Mr. Donahue purchased the entire business and still manages the concern.

A mill was erected at an early day, and later, a schoolhouse. The railroad pushed its way through the village, and a depot and elevator followed, with the accompanying advantages, until the place now contaics three general stores, one grist mill, an elevator, depot, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, a shoe shop, and ten or twelve dwelling houses.

Twin Lake Mill. - In 1857, a saw-mill was erected in the northern part of the southwest quarter of section twelve, where the village was afterwards laid out, by William Banning and a Mr. Forbes, and commenced operations with a forty horse water-power, making a capacity for cutting 1,000 feet per day. Matters got complicated with the managers and the mill remained idle most of the time until 1863, while the proprietors engaged in a long legal controversy out of claims of each upon the mill site. In 1863, David Perry, who owned an interest in the mill, took charge of it, employing B. H. Carter to straighten it up, increasing the capacity to 1,500 feet per day. After running it a short time he transferred it to Augustus Armstrong and J. M. Tanner. After this Mr. Tanner ran it for a time and in 1868 sold one-half interest to Mr. William Wilson, and soon after the other half was also transferred. The latter gentleman at once commenced the erection of a flouring mill which was completed in due time and is now a valuable enterprise

The mill is equipped with modem machinery, deriving its power from the Goose Creek, which furnishes a power of forty horse, or 18 J2 feet of water head. Altogether the mill is the main and principal enterprise in the surrounding country.

Realizing that "knowledge is power" the citizens of Nunda have forti&ed themselves against that curse to civilization, ignorance, by dividing their territory into eight school districts, with numbers and locations of schoolhouses as follows: No. 42, with building on section four; No. 43 on section sixteen; No. 44 on section thirty-two; No. 45 on section twenty -four; No. 76 in Twin Lake village; No. 99 on section six; No. 105 in section thirty-four; No. 108 in section fourteen; a short sketch of each of which is given in connection herewith. It is unnecssary to state, knowing the enterprise of the people here, that the districts are all in good financial condition with neat buildings, and ably managed.

District No. 42. - Embraces the territory in the northern part of the town toward the center. The first school was held by Miss Mary Ann White, in the winter of 1858-59, at the residence of Samuel Clark in section three, with twelve juveniles upon the hard benches. School was continued iu the houses of various farmers throughout the district until 1870, when the present frame building was erected at a cost of $550 in section four. Miss Eva Morey first opened school here with thirty-five scholars in attendance. The present officers are: R. A. White, Clerk; August Linderman, Director; and William Lenz, Treasurer.

District No. 43. - The first school held within the territory comprising this district, was at the residence of John Hoffman in section twenty-two, in the spring of 1858, by Joseph White, with an attendance of twenty scholars, and the district effected an organization by the election of the following officers: Clerk, P. Fitzsimmons; Director, John V. Wohlhuter; Treasurer, Michael Donahue. In 1868 the present school edifice was erected in the western part of section sixteen, at a cost of .f 400, where the first teacher was Isabell Wilson. The present school board consists of: Alfred Emery,

District No. 44. - It is stated by some that this district effected an organization in 1858, the first clerk being D. G. Emmons, and the same year the first school was taught by Miss Sarah Emery in an empty house belonging to N. Asleson on section thirty-two. After this school was held iu private residences uhtil about 1870, when they erected a frame schoolhouse in the northeastern part of section thirty-two, at a cost of S650, in which Miss Robinson first called school to order. The present officers are: Messrs L. Emmons, A. Freemott, Nels Nelson, respectively Clerk, Director, and Treasurer.

District No. 45. - Effected an organization in the fall of 1861, and embraced the territory now included in district No. 76. The first officers were Messrs Rupson, Donahue, and Berrj'; but as nothing was accomplished by this board, the following year Patrick Kelly and John McQuire took their places, and in the fall of 1862 a log schoolhouse was erected in the northeastern part of section fourteen by contribution of labor, and and school was taught in the following summer by Eliza Eaton with twenty scholars enrolled. This building was used until 1871- the district having been divided in the meantime - and a new frame house was constructed at a cost of $400 in the western part of section twenty-four. This building served its purpose until the 9th day of June, 1881, when it was destroyed by fire, and in the fall of the same year the present neat frame building was erected on the old site at a cost of .S770, in which Miss Leda Hewett first called school to order, with an attendance of forty-six juveniles. Matters have ran along pleasantly and the present school officeiB are: Patrick Kelly, Martin Forbes, and Patrict Honan, respectively Clerk, Treasurer, and Director.

Since the above was written the Albert Lea Standard of September 7th 1882, says: - "School district 45 held their annual meeting last Saturday and elected M. Conors director, and H. Donahue clerk. Also voted ^1% tax for current expenses and also to have seven months school - four in the winter with a man teacher, and three in the summer."

trict No. 45. In 1863 this district was set off and organized by the election of Mr. B. H. Carter, Clerk; Elof Knudtson, Director; J. M. Tanner, Treasurer. In 1865 a schoolhouse was erected in the village of Twin Lake at a cost of $500, in which the first school was taught by Isabella Wilson to an attendance of forty scholars. This house was used until March, 1881, when a passing engine set it on fire and it was destroyed. The railroad comnany refused to pay any damages, and upon being sued by the district the courts rendered a judgment in favor of the district of about .S450 for the building, and $110 for the lot, making a total of .f 560 and costs.

In the spring of 1881 a new schoolhouse was erected on a lot purchased of William Wilson, for -S60, and is a neat frame building having cost $1,000. The school has at present an attendance of about forty scholars, the officers being John Donahue, Clerk; Henry Eaton, Treasurer; B. H. Carter, Director.

District No. 99. - This district effected an organization in 1875, the first officers elected being : Clerk, W. J. Morey; Director, Fernando Fessenden; and Treasurer, E. T. Yeadon. In the spring of 1876 the present neat schoolhouse was erected in the southwestern part of section six, at a cost of $475, in which the first school was instructed by Miss Louisa Rodgers, with eighteen scholars enrolled. At the present time the school officers are: Clerk, Loren Fessenden; Director, William Barnes; Treasurer, F. Reimen.

District No. 105. - Effected an organization in 1864, and the first school was taught in the house of Peter Knutson in the spring of this year. In the spring of 1866 a small building was erected in section thirty-five at a cost of about SlOO, the labor being donated by the residents. This building was used until 1879, when the present house was erected upon the same site at a cost of $300, in which the first school was taught by Priscilla V. Hemou, with an attendance of thirty scholars. The first officers were: Clerk, Silas White; Treasurer, Peter Knutson ; Director, Helga Larson. The present officers are: Ole N. Gvephvim, Helga Larson, and J. Sorenson.

District No. 108. - This district is really a division of, or it might be called a reorganization of No. 84, coming into existence as a separate organization in 1879 by electing John Larson, Clerk; Knute Hovland, Director, and Hogen Kasmusson, Treasurer. In 1881 a neat sehool building was erected in the southern part of section nineteen, at a cost of $350, and in which knowledge is still dispensed. The first school in this house was taught by a lady teacher named Eslen Nerverson.

B. H. Carter was born in Cayuga county, New York, on the 9th of January, 1823. He resided at home and attended school until 1842, when he began to learn the wheelwright trade,and finished in 1845. On the 22d of October in the latter year, he was married to Miss Helen Eaton. The same year they moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he was engaged at his trade two years, then came west to Dodge county, Wisconsin. In 1859 they removed to this county, purchased a farm in Freeman, and resided there until 1861, when they came to Nunda, taking a claim in section one. In 1863 Mr. Carter was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and enrolled a large portion of the men of Nunda and Freeman for a draft; he served in the Fifth Minnesota Regiment from 1864 till the close of the war. After his return he engaged in farming three years and then built a wagon shop in the village of Twin Lake, but in 1879 returned to his farm, which has since been his home. He has held several offices of trust, and was Court Commissioner three years. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have had fifteen children, those living are: Henrietta, Eva, Theda, Daisy, Jerome, Glide, Lillis, James, Ada, Anna, and Asa. Three died in infancy.

Jerry Callaghan was born in the North Parish Chapel in the city of Cork, Ireland, in September, 1829. He attended North Manestry School ten years, after which he engaged in delivering milk, and in five years was employed as a waiter. In 1848, he emigrated to America, located in Schenectady county. New York, where he farmed one year, and came to Racine county, Wisconsin. In 1856, he removed to Freeborn county, and purchased a farm near Albert Lea, resided there until 1864, and bought his present farm in Nunda, section twenty-three. He was married on the 14th of October, 1859, to Miss Mary Honan, and in 1864, enlisted in the army, served nine months and returned home. On the 20th of December, 1870, as he was returning home from Albert Lea, he lost his way, was out all night and was so badly frozen as to necessitate the amputation of the left leg six inches above the ankle, the toea from tlie right foot and the fingers from both handa. Mr. Callaghan has eight children: Joseph, Mary, Ann, Catharine, John, Wilham, Bridget, and Jennie.

H. H. Edwin was born in Norway on the 7tli of January, 1841. When fifteen years old be commenced to It am the blacksmith trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then went to Denmark; two years later to Germany, and in one year returned to Norway, working at his trade in both places. lu ISC'), he emigrated to America, first located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, engaged in the blacksmith shop of Devon, Smith & Co. until 1867. On the 6th of October in the latter year, he married Miss Martha Thompson, and they removed to Jackson, where Mr. Edwin was employed at his trade until 1874. He then removed to Nunda and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section thirty, where he still resides. He has a family of seven children; Caroline, Theodore, Martinis, Amelia, Dorothy, Nels, and Hannah.

H. G. Emmons, one of the early settlers of Freeborn county, was born in Norway, on the 16th of October, 1828. He emigrated to America in 1850, directly to Rook county, Wisconsin, where be engaged in farming and railroading. In 1854, he married Miss Christina Larson, and two years later they removed to Minnesota, driving the distance with a yoke of oxen. They located in Nunda, where Mr. Emmons now owns five hundred acres of laud. They lived in their wagon two months when a shanty was completed, and in 1861 built a portion of their present dwelling. He has held local offices, being a member of the board of Co)inty Commissioners si.x years, fo\ir years of which lie was chairman, and in 1877 and 1878, was in the State Legislature. His farm is supplied with good outbuildings, barn, granary, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have had eight children, five of whom are living. Two children died at the age of two years, and Charles while attending school at Carlton College, on the 12th of April, 1882, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Emmons has filled the office of Postmaster fifteen years and Justice of the Peace fourteen years.

Ellef Evenson, a native of Norway, was born the 9th of September, 1847, and reared on a farm. When nineteen years old he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, at which he worked until 1868, in his native country. In the latter year he came to America, direct to Watonwan county, this State, and located a claim. In 1872, he sold his farm and engaged on the Winona and St. Peter railroad for one year, and at the end of that time went tn Winnebago county, Iowa: followed farming until 1874, then came to this place, and in 1878, purchased his present farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres, in section tliirty-three. He was married to Mrs. Sarah Everson, on the 14th of February, 1878.

Alexander Freemott is a native of Germany, born on the 9th of Decemljer, 1822. At the age of fifteen years he commenced to learn the trade of carriage painting, serving as an apprentice four years. In August, 185.3, he came to America, and on the 31st of .January, 1854, was joined in marriage with Miss Minnie Hundredmark, in Chicago, Illinios. In I860, they moved to Batavia in the latter State, and he was engaged at his trade, as foreman, until 1876. Then he came to Nunda ana purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, and built a large frame dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Freemott have had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy: those living are; Albert. Amelia, Henry, Edward, Alexander, Lucy, Edith, Anna, and Lena.

George Hall is a native of Licking county, Ohio, born on the 21st of July. 1837. In 1848, he moved with his parents to Green county, Wisconsin, and thence to Winneshiek county, Iowa. He came to Nunda in the spring of 1857, located a claim in section four and remained one season, then returned to Winneshiek county and .settled on a farm. He was man-ied on the 11th of August, 1858, to Miss Eliza A. Stockdale. In 1864, Mr. Hall sold his farm in the latter place, and again came to Nuuda,taking land in section tlirce, wljich is still his home. He has a family of nine children; William, Ruth, James, Lenora, Mary, Rosa, Burt. Flora, and Flossa.

J. R. Jones, a native of England, was born in March, 1824. He resided at home, assisting in the farm labor and attending school until the age of fourteen years, when he began farming for hiuLself, In 1848, he was employed by an English nobleman as groomsman, and remained with him until he emigrated to America in 1852. He was married the previous year to Miss Elizabeth Hughes. They first settled in Green county, Wisconsin, where he carried on a farm a number of years. On the 18th of May, 1854, Mrs. Jones died leaving one son, who is now a doctor living in Iowa. Mr. Jones was married to bis second wife in 1857. She was formerly Savilla Kelley, and bore him six children; Charles, David, Lauren, Mary, Clarence, and William. In 1866, they moved to this county, and after residing in Freeman for a short time, came to Nunda in the spring of 1870, and located on his present farm. His wife died on the 25th of September, 1874.

Helge Larson is a native of Norway, born on the 9th of June, 1834, and remained at home until twenty years of age. He then engaged in farming on neighboring farms, and in 1860, emigrated to America, coming direct to Nunda and locating in section thirty -six, where he now owns two hundred acres of laud. He was married on the 11th of April, 1861, to Miss Barbara Esselson, and in 1874, erected his present frame house, having previously lived in a log shanty. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been blessed with ten children.

LouLS Mabpe, a pioneer of Freeborn county, was born in Germany in 1832, and after finishing school was engaged in a wholesale grocery house five year.s. In 18.54, he emigrated to America, located on a farm in Genesee county. New York, and in the fall of 1856, removed to this county, settling in Pickerel Lake township. He was married in 1857, to Miss Caroline Yeost, and in 1863 they came to this place, first erecting a log house, but now has a fine frame house in the process of construction. He had eight children, two of whom are dead. His wife also died on the 17th of January, 1875. On the 15th of October 1876, he was again married, his bride being Miss May Fulton, who bore him two children, and died on the 7th of Ssptember, 1881.

TosTEN Nelson was born in Norway in the 26th of November, 1816. When fourteen years old he learned the shoemaker's trade and was engaged at the same four years. He then, in company with his father, started a taa yard and carried it on until the death of his father. Tosten then took charge of the homestead until coming to America. He married when twenty -sis years years old Miss Susan Johnson, and in 1850 they emigrated to this country, locating in Columbia county, Wisconsin. They purchased a farm there but in 1858, sold and removed to Mitchell county, Iowa. In 1863, they removed to Nunda, and bought a farm in section thirty -one which is still their home. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson had eight children; Nels, the eldest died in the army in 1863, aged twentytwo years; Martha, the second; Johanes died when two years old ; John, Mary, Martin, Carlin, and Andrew. Mrs Nelson died on the 11th of May, 1866, at the age of fifty -one years. On the 2d of June, 1869, Mr. Nelson again married, his bride being Miss Betsey Peterson. He has held numerous offices of trust in the town.

Iver O. Opdal, a native of Norway, dates his birth the 10th of August, 1825. He spent ten years in the army in his native country, and in November, 1851, married Miss Isabelle Dahlen. In 1864, they emigrated to America, came to Dane county, Wisconsin, and in a short time removed to Winnebago county, Iowa. He came to Nunda in 1865, and purchased land in sections thirty and nineteen which is still his home. Mr. and Mrs. Opdal have had two children.

Knudt Olsen was born in Norway, on the 7th of August, 1829. His father died when Knudt was but eight years old, and he remained on the farm with his mother until 1860, when he came to Amtrica and directly to this township, buying eighty acres of land in section nineteen, where he now owns one hundred and twenty acres. He was joined in matrimony with Miss O. Thompson in January, 1872, and the issue of the union is two children.

William Pickle was born in New York, on the 31st of December, 1834. His younger days were spent on a farm and in school, finishing his education at a select school in Wisconsin. At the age of eighteen year.? he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade in what is now known as the "Upton Manufacturing Works" at Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1855, he was engaged in a shop at Marshall in the same State and in 1857, went to the Rocky Mountains, where he found employment at his trade and mining, remaining until 1859. In that year he came to Freeborn county, locating in Freeman township, and in 1862 enlisted in the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, served three years and two months, being mustered out the 7th of April, 1865, and returned to his farm. He sold his farm in Freeman and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in this township on section four, and has his farm supplied with a fine frame dwelling and numerous out-buildings. On the 27th of May, 1865, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Mary Kranshoor, and they five children; Lillian, Walter. Martin, Etta, and Ralj)h.

Hor.AS RASsirssoN, one of tlie old settlers of tbis township, was born in Norway, on the 29th of March, 1835, and came to this country with his parents in 1857. They located in Columbia county, Wisconsin, and in 1858, Hogan came to this township and stakea out a claim in section thirty, where he now owns two hundred and fortysix acres. of land. He was married on the 10th of October, 1858, to Miss Isabelle Anderson, and they had three children. Mrs. Rasmussou died on the 24th of May, 1865, and our subject was again married on the 21st of April, 1867, his bride Vieing Miss Christina Nelson. This latter union has been blessed with seven children, one of whom is dead. Mr. Kasniusson has held many local offices in the place.

Ole Tar.\ld.son is a native of Norway and dates his birtli the 8th of May, 1827. He was married in 1859, to Miss Alena Mikkelson, the ceremony taking place the 25th of December. In 1862, he learned the carpenter trade, and in 1867, came to America, directly to Nunda, where he has a farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres. Mr. and Mrs. Taraldson have a family of six children; Theodore, Martin, Alena, Ole, Christina, and Tena.

Andrew A. Tompson was born in Norway in 1836, and remained at home until eighteen years old, then went to work for himself on a farm. He was married in 1864, to Miss Martha Oleson, and the same year they emigrated to America locating in Spring Prairie, Wisconsin; a year later they removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, being engaged in farming in both States. In 1868, he came to this township, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section nineteen, where he still resides. He has tour children: Ole, Mary, Amy, and Betta.

N. N. Walaker is a native of Norway, born on the 16th of April, 1830, and when seventeen years old learned the shoemaker's trade. In November, 1854, he was married to Miss Carrie Lewis, and two years later they came to America. For several years they lived in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he farmed during summer months and worked at his trade in the winter. In I860, he removed to Nunda, section twenty-nine, building first a log house, and in 1874, erected his present commodious dwelling. He has a family of four children; Anna. George, Nicholas, and Louis. Mr.

' John V. Wohlhuter, a pioneer of this county, , was born in France, on the 29tli of September, 1827. In the spring of 1847, he emigrated to America, went to Buffalo, New York, where, for seven months, he was engaged on the Erie Canal; from there went to Peru, Indiana, and thence, in 1849, to Chicago. Illinois, and found employment at teaming. On the 28th of February, 1853, he married Miss F. Fort man and the same year removed to Fayette county. Iowa; remained until the fall of 1857, and then came to this place, locating in section sixteen, where he Las two hun- I dred and seventeen acres of land. He was one of the first officers here and has held many offices since. He has four children.

R. A. White, one of the oldest settlers of this i place, was born in Tioga county, New York, on the 11th of January, 1840. He came here with hif parents in 1857, and on the 11th of October, 1861, he enlisted and was appointed Sergeant of the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company F, serving until the 22d of December, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. He returnedto Nunda and has since been engaged in farming, owning four hundred and twenty-eight acres of land, which is all well improved. He was married on the 26th of March, 1873, to Miss Jennie M. Rudler, and the result of the unioL is four children; Belle M.. William M.. Allen R., and Ferris L.

Chbist. Yost was born in Germrny on the 15th of September, 1837. He attended school seven years, and afterward engaged in teaming until 1857. In the latter year he emigrated to America, located near Chicago on a farm, and in one year removed to that city where he again engaged in teaming. On the 11th of May, 1862, he married Miss Elizabeth Lucas, who was born in (termany on the 17th of July, 1843. Later, Mr. Yost was a street car conductor, and in 1866, purchased a farm in Nunda, and brought his family here. In 1875, he sold his land in section twenty-two, and bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section sixteen. His children are; Frederick W., Mary L., Katie A., Margaret A., and Louis J.