Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 73, 1882

Chapter 73

The town bearing this name is one of the southeastern -of Freeborn county, lying contiguous to Iowa on the south, London township on the east. Freeman ou the west, and Hay ward on the north. It is a full congressional township, contain- -ing 23,010 acres.

Shell Piock is mostly a prairie town, although iu many places is found the oak opening land, so common throughout this region, or in other words, prairie land interspersed with groves of burr, lilack and scrub oak timber. The surface is generally 1-olling, but there are no hills or bluffs suffinently abrupt to be detrimental to agriculture. The soil is a light loam, well adapted to the prevailing mode of agriculture. The farmers throughout tiie town are in comfortable circumstances, and many fine and costly residences dot the valuable and fertile farming country.

This township witnessed the first actual settlement ever made in Freeborn county, and contained for about one year the only inhabitant of the same. The settlement first began in the southwestern part of the town, the first man being Ole Gulbrandson, or, as he was often called, Ole Hall, a Norwegian, who, through the influence of a brother in Northwood, was induced to come to this locality in search of a' place, arriving in June, 1853, and locating upon a large farm in section thirty-three. He was accompanied by his family, and at once erected a log house, the first dwelling ever erected in this then unbroken county. This house is still standing, and at present is, and has been for years, the residence of P. J. Miller, Esq., one of the well-known old settlers of the county.

time the government survey was made, in 1854, he had broken seven iicres of lainl, put in a Prop, and had it fenced. This plowed and cultivated field being the only one in the county it was entered by the surveyors upon the government survey map. In the fall of 1855, Mr. (lulbramlsou and his wife, having had trouble and discouragements, finally separated, and it is said her father gave him, in the words of our informant, a "h - - of a lickin" for treating his wife so. The foHowing spring Gulbranilson sokl his place and moved to Decorah, since when he has been lost trace of.

Thus the settlement of this locality remained until September, 1855, when an adilition was made to it. The first was John Stanley, a native of the New England States, but came direct from California and took a claim on the corner of sections nineteen, twt>uty, twentv-nine, and thirty. He brought with him quite a herd of cattle; but as he had but little very poor hay, it is claimed that all of the stock died. The farm he settled upon is now the property of T. Porter.

Stanley remained three or four years. He then went east and brought back with him the two Smiths, John and James A., natives of Canada, who both took claims in sections twenty and twenty-one, but have since left the localitv.

Then in the spring of 1856, came the next settler in the person of William Beighley, who had been here the year previous, accompanied by his brother Jacob, T. J. Gordon, and E. Maybee, in November, looking for a suitable location, and decided to make this place his future home. So, as stated above, in April. 185(), lie again n.ade his appearance upon the scene, and bought the claim which Gulbrandson had settled on. In May his brothers, Jacob and S. P. Beighley, came with teams, bringing William's family, and they at once selected claims, the former in section;4 thirtytwo and thirty-three, and the latter in thirty. three and twenty-eight, where they both still hold forth. William Beighley is still living in the township, and is one of the prominent olil settlers of the county.

With this party came J. B. Gordon, who selected his claim in section thirty, west of the river: but when his father, T. J. Gordon, a native of Pennsylvania, arrived in the fall and fall made himself comfortable in section twenty-eight, the son moved over and still makes his home tliere.

' came iu and settled in section thirty, on the town line, and remained for about one year when he disposed of it to Peter Beighley, and finally went to Tennessee. The latter named gentleman also took a claim in .section thirty-two, where he lived until the time of his death in 1872 or '7,S.

Chris. Oleson, a Norwegian, late from Pennsylvania, made his arrival substantial by planting his stakes on a farm in sections thirty-one and thirt_vtwo, in June, 185G. He was a blacksmith by trade and still holds the fort on his original claim.

In the spring of 1857, Warren Barber, a native of New York, pushed his way within the limits of the townshi]), and taking his slice of the government domain in section twenty-nine, continued his sojourn there until after the war, when that insatiable mystery. Death, secureil him, and he was called hence.

But, in the meantime, the northern [jortion of the township began its evolutions toward civilization, and by the time of the last mentioned arrival it counted a goodly number as a neighborhood. Early in the spring of 1855, William Rice came from Wisconsin and commenced the settlement in the northern part of the townshij) by taking a claim in section eight. In the spring of the following year he went to St. Nicholas, in Albert Lea townshij), and started a hotel there under the sign of "St. Nicholas Hotel." He was mail carrier for the village, and on one of his trips, on the 3d of December. 1856, he got lost, and after wandering abcuit for three days brought up at Plymouth; but he was so baelly frozen that he died in a few days, and his remains were deposited in the Greenwood cemetery. This was the second death in Freeborn county.

Almost immediately following Kice, a little colony from Wisconsin made their appearance and swelled the Shell Rock settlement, arriving in June, 1855. This party consisted of Gardner Cottrell and family, George Gardner and family, Madison Rice with his mother and her family, C. T. Knapj) and family, and a couple of others whose names have been forgotten. The first mentioned, Gardner Cottrell, stopped for a time on the Rice place, which he soon after took for himself and remained upon it for about one year when he opened the first store in Shell Rock village. After managing the business for a number of years he retired and has since passed to the great beyond.

Madison Rice, with his mother, made himself at home in section eight, and here remained until after the war when he took up his goods and chattels and removed to Wisconsin where he yet lives He married the daughter of G. T. Knapp.

Mr. Kuapp was not behind the rest of the party and immediately after his arrival took a farm in section thirty-six, just over the line in Albert Lea township. Here he lived until 1877, when he removed to the village of Shell Rock, and in the year following opened the meat market which he still continues.

The next spring - 1856 - F. L. Cutler and Johu Smith came, arriving in May. Butler was an eastern man coming from Iowa to this place, and bought the claim settled by Gardner. He finally, after service in the Minnesota First during the war, sold his place and went to Freeborn, and from there drifted down to Missouri. He was quite a sport and jockey, and took great delight in fast horses.

In May, (18.56 ), Mr. Anthony C. Trow, a nativa of New Hampshire, came from Mitchell count'y, Iowa, and after looking the country over on foot finally located on section seventeen, where he still continues his sojourn. He selected a quarter of the same section for his brother, Elisha, who arrived the same month and settled, remaining a couple of years and then moved away. He now lives in Kansas.

Joseph Marvin and his son-in-law, Daniel R. Young, natives of Massachusetts, arrived on t!ie 10th day of July, 1856, and selected claims. The former, in 1876, was called upon to cross the dark river of death, and the latter still lives in the township.

On the 11th day of July, 1856. A. H. Bartlett made his appearance, and the village of Shell Rock, through his energy and capable management, sprung into existence. He yet resides in the village, one of the prominent public men of Freeborn county, and a man capable, trustworthy, and efficient in every respect.

E. P. Skinner and Blr. Beattie arrived in early days, and taking a good deal of land commenced speculating and continued for many years. The latter, Mr. Beattie, was for years known to the residents, and, in tact, everyone, as the "One-Legged Speculator."

In 1857, A. M. Burnham drifted upon the scene and erected the first bridge thrown across the Shell Rock River, and with him came a num- !jer from Albert Lea. The population grew very rapidly and the country settled with a good class of inhabitants. An idea of the ingress can be formed from the fact that in 1857, 100 votes were cast at the general election.

Rev. Walter Scott was an eaaly settler at Shell Rock, coming in the summer of 1856. In 1857, he was licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 24th of November, 1877, he died, at the age of 53 years, leaving a wife and six children. He had removed to Northwood.

John S. Corning was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1827, where he lived until 1855 when he came to Mnnesota, and erected the first frame house in Shell Rock, and for two years did two men's work - run a saw-mill, kept a storc^ and managed a hotel, and afterwards kept the Webber house in Albert Lea. For twelve years before his death he kept a hotel in Austin. When 52 years of age, on the 10th of October, 1879, tlie gong sounded for him to retire from this world forever.

Mrs. Nancy M. Brown, wife of Watson Brown. A singula! ly noble character with an even disposition. She was the oldest of ten children, and was married in 1859. New York was her native State. Her eyes were closed in death on ttie 10th of February, 1881, at the age of forty-eight years. She fully realized the value of early instruction, and was particularly active in Sunday school work.

Mrs. Lucretia Weeks, grand-mother of Mrs. H. T. Chase, of Shell Rock, finished her earthly sojurn on the 7th of December, 1871, at her home in Pevinsylvaiiia, at the age of 93 years. Her descendants at the time of her death were, nine

Hopkins B. Riogs was introduced into this world in the state of New York, on the 21st of May, 1820, and transferred to the next on the 9th of June, 1675, after a lapse of 55 years. At 14 years of age he went to Michigan, and livel there twenty-five years. At first he joined the Methodist church, and then the Baptist, and was a true man, considerate of the rights of otliPrs. As he was breathing his last he said, "I am in the waters: let me go."

Various Matters Of Interest

Early Births. - Early in the spring of 1854, the first child born in the county came into existence at the log cabin of Ole Gulbraudson, the first actual settler, who lived in the southwesteri] part of the town, as treated in full elsewhere. The youngster was a girl, christened Bertha, and at last accounts was living healthy and robust.

Annther early birth was the minor arrival of Susan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Beighley, on the 13th of April, 1857. She is now married and living in Dakota.

A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Luff, who lived in the village of Shell Rock, where they kept a taveru. The child's nativity was earl) in the spring of 1857, and was christened Minnie. She now lives in the West.

In November, 1855, Willie Andrews, sou of Oliver and Mary Andrews, who the July previous had located in the township of Hayward, was bom, being the second white child, and the first male, to commence its existence in Freeborn county.

Early Marbiaoes. - The first marriage in the county took place here, early in 1857, or late in the year previous. Ilanuibiil Bickford, or as he was generally known "Bunk," walked to the State line, where he procured ahorse and brought his proposed. Miss Maria Colby, to Shell Rock, where the ceremony making them one was duly performed by William Andrews, Esquire. Mr.

Early Deaths. - We will let A. H. Bartlett, in the words used by him in his recent speech to the Old Settlers in their late reunion, in Albert Lea, relate the story of the first sad event of this kind.

"Mrs. Fannie Andrews, wife of William Andrews, Esq., a well known and prominent early settler of the county, and the mother of a large family of stalwart pioneers, who accomjjauied her and her husband and .settled in the county in July, 1855, after a brief residence of nearly two months, living in their wagon while their habitation was being erected, was suddenly called for by the inexorable tyrant, death, and her immortal spirit, so lately filled with grand and hopeful expectations, winged its flight to its eternal home above, while the entire community, aa weeping mourners, followed her earthly remains to their last resting place, the gr.ive, to be known no more on earth, forever. The sculptured marble (now to be seen in Greenwood cemetery, in the town of Shell K'jok ) has for years reared up its front, proud to perpetuate her name and virtues, and rehearse to the passing traveller that on the 21st day of December, 1858, the earthly remains of death's first victim from the pioneers of Freeborn county, was here consigned to its last resting place, the tomb." And again Mr. Bartlett adds:

"On the 3d of D.^ceraber, A. D., 18.38, William Rice, ( the second settler in Freeborn county 1 while carrying the mail across the broad and bleak prairie, lying between the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers, was caught in a severe snow storm, and lost his way. He wanlerel around, over the trackless prairie, without shelter or protection from the severity of the storm, until he froze to that extent, that he died of his injuries, some three or four days afterward. This calamity was followed in quick 8Ucce.ssion, on the 20tli day of the same month, by Byron Packard and Charles Walker, (a part of the company who hiid out and founded Shell Rock City ) being caught in a terrific storm, on the same broad prairie, while hauling a steam boiler to its destination at Shell Rock, and both perished from the severity of the storm and the extreme cold. Their bodies, frozen stiff and cold in death, were found four days afterwards, lying upon the frozen crust of the deep snow. Their bodies were carried to Shell Rock, and there buried upon the town site tbey had so lately helped to lay out and form. No relatives were there to attend the funeral obsequies, and mourn their sad fate, yet sorrowing friends and brother pioneers, composing the entire community, assisted in performing the last duty to the untimely departed. No preacher of the gospel could be found in the county to speak words of consolation to the sorrowing and bereaved friends and associates, and our friend, Jacob Hostetter, one of Freeborn county's earliest pioneers, feelingly and eloquently addressed the early pioneers there gathered, upon the sadness and suddenness of their bereavement; upon the mysterious and inscrutable ways of an overshadowing providence, in which no one can tell why, in the prime of vigorous and useful manhood, when hope, the ministry of life is most buoyant, and future expectations in the coming life of usefiilnes is most prominent, that a mysterious power should step in with its dread mandates, and the brightest and most promising life should be consigned to oblivion and the grave. These sad bereavements, and others which happened in the county about that time, caused by the unparalleled severity of the winter of A. D 1856, oast a sad and sorrowing gloom over the youQg settlement of Freeborn county. Some few of the settlers became disheartened and discouraged and early the following spring returned to their former eastern homes."

Township Officials fob 1882. - Supervisors, G. W. Gleason, Chairman, I. R. Flatt, and M. Mackin; Clerk, S. Messinger; Trea.surer, A. C. Grow; Assessor, H. H. Gordon; Justices of the Peace, J. W. Prichard and James Abbott ; Constable, Jud. Randall.

Shei,l Eock Grange No. 310. - This society was organized on the 9th of July, 1873, with a charter membership of thirty. The following were the first officers of. the lodge: Master, O. C. C. How; Secretary, Ira A. Town; Overseer, W. G. Barnes; Stewart, G. T. Knapp; Assistant Steward, E. E. Budlong ; Gate Keeper, E. T. Kelly ; Ceres, Mrs. E. E. Badlong; Pomona, Miss Blatilda Howe; Flora, Mrs. J. Presswell; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. George Hyatt. This grange has reached a membership of 135.

Religious

first gathering was held at the residence of William Beighley in the winter of 1857-58, by the Rev. Mr. Mapes, an itinerant Methodist preacher, with a congregation consisting almost entii'ely of Beighleys. A class was organized about the same time with William Beighley as leader. Services were continued at various places until the schoolhouse of district No. 50 wss erected in the northeastern corner of section thirty-two, since which time services have been held part of the time every Sunday, and again irregularly; as a rule by the pastor from Shell Eock village.

Dane Cemetery. - This burial ground is located in the southeastern corner of section twelve, having been laid out in 1878, and the same year the remains of Mrs. Marv Nelson were deposited here, making the first interment. The grounds contain one acre, well fenced and neatly laid out with groves, occupying a high point of laud.

HoYT Will Cemetery. - Is situated upon a high rise of land in the northeastern part of section twenty-four, containing something less than one acre, which was laid out in 1872. The first burial here was of Daniel S. Hoyt, in 1867, and it was on his land and by his wish that the cemetery is located here.

Below we present an extended list of the acre age and product, together with other items of interest compiled from the Auditor's report to the Commissioner of Statistics of Minnesota, and elsewhere, which will prove of interest:

PoptJLATioN. - The census of 1870 gave Shell Kock a population of 512. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 1,013 tor this town; showing an increase of 501.

Or, as it is called by the railroad company Glenville. lies in tlie northwestern part of the township of Shell Rock, in sections six and seven, on the river bearing the same name and on the Minneapolis & St. Louis railway. The site the village occupies is all that could be desired, the river furnishing a limited water-power, and tlie surrounding country is rich and productive to those who follow agricultural pursuits.

Early Days. - The settlement of the locality surrounding the village has been treated at length in another place; so it wiU be unnecessary to refer to it here. In July, 1856, A. H. Bartlett came through this region in search for a village site and a suitable place for the construction of a mill. He was pleased with the locations of both St. Nicholas and Northwood; but money would not induce the proprietors of these prospective places to quit claim to their interests. In following the river Mr. Bartlett came to the site of Shell Bock, and commenced laying plans for the establishment of the village. John Smith and Frederick Cutler each donated 20 acres to the project, and Mr. Bartlett at once proceeded to survey and record eighty acres in lots and blocks as the village of Shell Kock. He next commenced the erection of a water saw-mill on the banks of the river, with a building 20x80, frame, equijjpiug it with a5G-inch buzz saw. The water power did not succeed as anticipated, so a steam power of 30 horse was placed in it and tlie mill for two years continued piling up sawdust, when the timber became exhausted and the property was sold to William

Just . before the saw-mill was completed, and while Mr. Bartlett was in the East procuring machinery, E. P. Skinner laid out a town under the caption of Shell Eock, a short distance north of Mr. B.'s proposed site, in the town of Hayward. This promised to be quite a formidable rival to the present village, as a Post-office and store were established there; but on Mr. Bartlett's return negotiations were entered into which were finally completed, bv whicli E. P. Skinner got one-fourth interest in Bartlett's site, and the Post-office, store and goods were removed to the latter place. At that time the store was run by R. A. Cornish, who was also made Postmaster. This store was continued for a number of ye^rs under the management at different times of Skinner, Hall, Brown, and Smith; but finally, soon after the war, the goods were removed to Albert Lea.

George Whitman next put in a stock of goods and kept a store for about one year, when he went out of business. Hon. A. H. Bartlett then bought the buildimg and got Victor Gilrup to open a

P. F. Brown opened the first hardward store, and sold to W. H. Peck, who in turn, in 1881, turned it over to Greengo X- Laudis, the present proprietors.

The first hotel was erected in 1856, by James Luff, and consisted of logs and clay. In this Mr. Luff entertained travelers, and supplied them with bad whiskev. When the railroad was con-

A hotel was erected the same year by William Beatty, which is now nin by his wife, as he went to bed soon after its completion, and has never since been up; although the doctors say nothing ails the man.

Shell Rock Post-office. - This office was established in 1856. It was the intention of A. H H. Bartlett, who laid out the village of Shell Rock, to have a Post-office at once established at his embryo village; but while he was in the East, purchasing machinery with which to equip his mill, E. P. Skinner took time by the fore lock and played "check mate," by having an office established at a point in Hay ward township, a short distance north of Shell Rock, where he proposed the commencement of a village. When Mr. Bartlett returned from the East and discovered the state of affairs, he went to Skinner and offered him one-fourth interest in Shell Rock, provided the office should be removed to that point and the proposed opposition town site abolished. The offer was accepted and the office was removed to Shell Rock as soon as the papers from Washington were received, with E. P. Skinner as Postmaster and A. H. Bartlett, deputy. It was held in Bartlett's house, on the river, for one quarter, the business in the meantime amounting to $18 and a few cents, when it was removed to the store of Skinner & Cottrell. The mail was carried by William Rice, from Mitchell through to Albert Lea, and finally, in 1857, a regular mail route was established from St. Ansgar to Mankato, by way of Shell Rock and Albert Lea, carried by A. B. Davis of Albert Lea. Skinner held the office until the spring of 1858, when, through the influence of A. H. Bartlett, R. A. Cornish became Postmaster, with the office at the same place. Nest came Es(juire William Andrews, - who, by the way, was the first Justice of the Peace in the county and married the first couple, - and he held the office for three or four years, when Edward Town re ceived the appointment, and following him came the presnt Postmaster, Victor Gillrup.

Village Of Goedonsville

St. Luuis railroad, in the southwestern part of Shell Rock township, and about one mile east of Shell Rock River. It was laid out in 1880, by S. P. and Jacob Beighley, containing four or five acres, divided into four blocks; two of them on the east half of the northeast quarter, belonging to .Jacob; and two on the west half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-two, belonging to S. P. Beighley. It was named after the Postoffice, which was established years before.

Soon after the railroad was finished J. W. Abbott put a small stock of groceries in one end of his residence, and in connection with the Postoffice, which had in the meantime been removed to this point, opened the first business house in the place.

In the summer of 1882, Heman Frost erected a one story building 24x30 feet, and put in a good stock of general merchandise, also taking the stock of goods mentioned above of Mr. Abbott. The Post-office is also kept in this store.

There is also a good depot, which is well kept; but agents do not stay here long, as it is a small place, and they are promoted to larger places as they become efficient.

was established a few years after the date of first settlement, with Peter Beighley as Postmaster, and office at his house in section thirty-three. The mail arrived by way of the Northwood and Albert Lea mail route and was carried at first by JohnP.Beighley. In 1S65 T. J. Gordon was appointed P. M., and took the office to his residence in section twenty -eight; after a time his son, W. H. H. Gordon received the appointment and the office was kept at the same place until after the completion of the railroad, when J. B. Abbott was appointed P. M., and the office was removed to the station of Gordonsville, where it is kept in the general merchandise store of Heman Frost, with Mr. Abbott's son, William, as deputy Postmaster.

Public Instbuction

Mr. Baighley'a daughters, then by Mrs. Catherine Hawk and now Mrs. Charles Grim, of Freeman, with a few scholars present. This commenced in the fall of 18.58, with a two months term, and afterward school was held at various places until 1856, when the frame school building now in use was erected in the northeastern comer of section thirty-two, at a cost of about S600. The first school taught in this house was by Jane Buchanan to au attendance of about twenty-flve. There is now about seventy scholars in the district and an attendance at school which will average about thirty-five pupils. The schoolhouse is freijueutly used for the purpose of public meetings, etc., and the school generally goes by the name of the Gordonville district.

District No. 52. - Embraces the territory just southeast of the village of Shell Rock. The first school in the district was hela in a granary owned by J. S. Corning on section eight; it was taught by Miss Emily Streeter with an attendance of eight pupils. In 1866 the schoolhouse was erected in the northeast corner of section eight, size 21x30 feet at a cost of $765; in which Miss Bennett taught the first school to an attendance of twelve scholars. The present attendance is thirtyfive.

District No. 59. - This district eSected au organization in 1856 and embraces the village of Shell Rock and surrounding country as its territory. The first school meeting was held at the house of Lawyer A. H. Bartlett, and the board elected at that time consisted of C. T. Kuapp, A M. Young, and A. H. Bartlett. The erection of a schoolhouse was at once commenced under the supervision of Mr. Bartlett, and it was finished on Sunday the 18th day of August, 1857, at a cost of $500 it being a neat and substantial frame building which still stands and is in use as a wood house. The day the house was completed Elder Lowry held the first religious services in the township at the house of A. H. Bartlet, ignorant of the fact that at the same time the boys were hard at work on the schoolhouse, and no one took pains to inform him. One week from the completion of the house the first school was commenced by Miss Emily Streeter, who is now in Oregon. The schoolhouse just mentioned was the first erected in Freeborn county. The school Iniildiug now in use was erected in 1878, by A. H. Bartlett, size 26x24, and cost $2,200. The last term of school was taught by Daniel Palmer, principal, to a large attendance. The present school board consists of F. F. Carter, George Hyatt, and O. C. C. Howe.

District No. 77. - The first school taught in this district was in 1866, at a granary owned by Mr Bailey, the teacher being Miss Lena Doris with an attendance of eight scholars. The attendance up to the present time has grown but little. The schoolhouse is a neat struture, 16x20 feet, and cost about ^400.00.

District No. 100. - Embraces the territory in the northeastern part of the township. The present school edifice was erected in 1876, size 18x20 feet, at a cost of about .?500. lieing furnished with folding desks and the most improved furniture. The first school was taught by Miss Hannah Buchanan to an attendance of eight scholars, which has now grown to fifteen. The schoolhouse is located in the southeastern corner of section two.

District No. 104. - Embraces as its territory the southeastern portion of the township. The schoolhouse was erected in 1878, being a neat frame building, 24x30 feet, and cost about ^850. seated with patent seals and equipped with all necessary apparatus. The first school was taught by Miss Elizabeth Beighley to an attendance of about twenty scholars, which is about the same as at the present time. The schoolhouse is located in the southeastern corner of section twentyseven.

Alonzo Alford was born in Clinton county New York, on the 1st of January, 1842. In 1854, he came to Wisconsin where hfl grew to manhood. He returned to his birth place when twenty years old, and the following year married Miss Helen Richards, a lady of Canadian birth. He returned west with his wife and resided in Hastings until 1876, when he came to Glenville and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which has since been his business. His wife died in 1878, leaving a family of seven children.

James W. Abbott, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, was born on the 9th of January, 1843. When two years old he moved with his parents to Athens county, where he grew to manhood, and at the age of eighteen years enlisted in the Eighty- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company H, went south, was in the Army of the Potomac, and served over three years. After receiv- ing his discharge he returned to the scenes of his childhood where he married Miss Sarah E. Pierce in 1864. Mr Abbott having lost his health during the hardships and exposures of the soldier's life, sought a home in Minnesota soon after his marriage. He located a claim in Oakland and remained until 1872, when he removed to this place and started in the lumber business, afterward opened a grocery store, and three years later sold out and engaged iu buying grain and general produce. In 1878, he was appointed Postmaster; has held the principal town offices, aud is at present J astice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have five children.

Edward E. Budlong, a native of Columbia county. New York, was born on the 22d of May, 1829. At the age of five years his parents removed to the western part of the State, where they remained untd 1844, then removed west and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Edward was united in marriage, in 18.54, with Mi-ss Almira Skinner, a native of Essex county. New York. In 1856, they moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, remaining during the summer, and in the fall came to this county, settling in the town of London. In 1864, they came to Shell Rook, and have a fine farm of two hundred and thirty acres. Mr. Budlong takes an interest in all public matters and has held different local offices. He has a family of three children.

Eldad Barber, one of the old and respected citizens of this place, was born in New York on the 21st of December, 1835. His father being a lumberman, he followed the same until the age of eighteen years, when he went to Hartford, Connecticut, and learned the wheel-wright trade. In 1857 he moved to Iowa, and a year later to Minnesota, where his father took the claim Eldad now owns. His parents have both died since coming here. Mr. Barber takes a general interest in the welfare of this place, and has held several offices of trust.

William Beiohley, a native of Pennsylvania, was born on the 23d of Novemljer, 1824. He was employed at various occupations and grew to manhood at his home. In 1851, he married Miss Emily Gordon and settled on a farm near his father's. He sold out aud camt west in 1855, locating first in Iowa, but soon after came to this township where he was among the first settlers, taking a claim in April, 1856. In 1865, he purchased his present farm in section twenty and now has it well improved.

Jacob Bbighlby was born in Pennsylvania on the 5th of March, 1829. In 1856, he came west and became one of the pioneers of this place, staking out a claim in section thirty-three, now owning a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, all improved. He was married the year after coming here to Miss Susanna M. Miller, also a native of Pennsylvania. The union has been blessed with one child, Ruth E. Mr. Beighley owns a warehouse on the B. C. R and N. Railroad, about three minutes walk from his residence, and deals extensively in grain and general produce. His home has always been open to ministers of any denomination and in an early days was used for religious services. As there is no hotel within five miles it is also a convenience for travelers, and none have ever been turned from his door unfed or uncared for.

S. P. Beighley, one of the pioneers of Shell Rock, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania. on the 12th of July, 1833. At the age of nineteen years he began to learn the trade of tanner and currier, which he followed several years. He was married in 1854, to Miss Louisa M. Miller. Two years later they came to this place and settled in the southern part of the township, where they have since made their home. In 1862, Mr. Beighley enlisted in Company C, of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, served in the Indian Massacre, then went south and remained in service three years. After receiving his discharge he returned to his home and has since devoted his time to tilling the soil. He has a family of ten children, all of whom reside in this township.

A. H. Bartlett, one of the first settlers of this place, was born in New York on the 28th of September, 1829. At the time of his birth his parents were living in a saw-mill, their house not having been completed. His father died in 1833, and when A. H. was eight years old the family moved to a place twenty miles from their former home, where he attended school. At the early age of sixteen years he began teaching, and subsequently entered the Arcade Academy in Wyoming county, remaining two years. In 1852, having for some time been troubled with a lung disease, he was advised by the physician to take an overland trip to California, and after a period of one hundred and seventeen days he reached Placerville, where be ix-miiineil two anil a luilf years. Tii 1854. he returned to New York, where he had previously married Mis.s Auiia D. Peet, a uative of the same State. In the latter year they cume to Iowa, ami in 1850, to thi.s county, and Mr. Bartlett platted the town site of Sliell Rock. In an early day he read law, and in 18G0. was admitted to the bar. He was a delegate to the last Territorial Legislature in 1857, and also the fii-st State Legislature. He has been -Judge of Probate several terms and takes an interest in all local iiffairs. He is the father of four children: Sam, Ida. Jay. and Eva.

T. A. Clow is a native of Canada, born on the 23d of October, 1843. His father is a minister and in 1861 moved with his family from Illinois to Minnesota. After a few years A. F. moved to Winona county, thence, three years later, to Olmsted county and in 1863, took a homestead in Blue Earth county. The same year he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, Com))nnY H, and after his discharge returned to'his farm. He was married in 185H, to Miss Caroline M. Paine and they have a family of four children. Mr. Clow came to tliis township in 1877, opened a blacksmith shop and niw has a good business. He is the father of four children; one son having died in April, 1875, aged seven years and three months.

V. GiLLBUP, one of the oldest and successful business men of this plaae, was born near Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 29th of May, 1840. In 1862, he came to America, arriving in New York City and soon after enlisted in the First New York Volunteer Eug., Company (x, serving three years. After his discharge he came to Watertown, Wisconsin, and engaged in the mercantile business for two years, then in Albert Lea a short time and from there to Shell Kock, where he was one of the first to open a substantial mercantile business. He was married in 1872, to Miss Lilly I. Carter, a native of Wisconsin. They have had five children, 'Tlour of whom are living; Hattie, Prank, Harry, and Walter. Burt, aged five years, died in February, 1882.

O. C. C. Howe is a native of Allegany county. New York, born on the 23d of November, 1823. He learned the millwright trade when a young man and in 1852. came west to Iowa. He built a saw-mill which he conducted and also farmed until 1.SG4, then came to tliis township and bought his present land. He is engaged principally in

Daniel S. Hoyt a native of Ohio, was bom on the 3d of March, 1847. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to Iowa and two years later to this State, locating first in Fillmore county and in 1862. came to this township, where they were among the first settlers. His father died in 1878, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Daniel came into possession of the homestead at the death of the latter and his mother resides with him.

Ch.\bles T. Knapp was born in Medina, Medina county, Ohio, on the 1st of November, 1820. He was married in 1838, to Miss Mary Hamilton. In 1851, they moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, and four years later came to Minnesota, settling in Freeborn county, and Mr. Knajjp was the first to use a breaking plow in Albert Lea township. His first wife died in 1870, leaving five children; Betsey E. M., Jane J. A., Chloe, and Margaret E. He afterwards married Miss Jane Wilsey, who died in 1875, leaving three children; J. H., Ada, and Ida. The maiden name of his present wife was Catherine Bates whom he married in 1877. The same year lie miveil to this township and opened a meat m:irket in Glenville.

WiLLAKD F. Marvin, one of the |)ioneers of this county, was born in Rutland county, Vermont, on the 13th of May. 1825. He resided in his native State until 1846, when he removed to Illinois, and soon after to Wisconsin. In 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Hnldah Wilco.x, a native of New York. They came to Shell Rock in 1857, and pre-empted land in .section eighteen, which has since been tiieir home. They have a family of five children; Nancy, Curtir, Cynthia, Viola, and Clara.

Morris Marshall, one of the old and respected citizens of this place was born in Monroe county, New York, on the 8th of October, 1830. At the early age of sixteen years, he enlisted in the Mexican War, serving in 'Company F, of the Eighth United States Infantry for a period of sixteen months. He sailed for the .scene of action, and landed at Vera Cruz, on the 5th July, 1847; joined the command of Franklin Pierce and went to Pueblo, participrting in many hard fought battles. After his discharge he came home, and in 1849 came to Wisconsin but soon returned to his native State. He removed to Jackson county,

Michigau, where he was engaged in farming several years. There he was joined in marriage with Miss Joliett Scofield. In 1862, they came to Minnesota, and settled on their present farm, which is well cultivated. They have a family of seven children.

Peter J. Miller was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of September, 1807. He grew to manhood in his native county, and learned the art of coverlet weaving. In October, 1829, ha mirried Misa Sirah Cribb^, and fur several years was employed in the above occupation. In 1836, he moved with his family to Mercer, Mercer county, in the same State, and engaged in carpet weaving until the Rebellion. In 18G6, he cams to Minnesota, and purchased "Pdot Grove" farm in Shell Bjok township, which has ever since been his home, his house being the first built in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters.

Christopher Olsen, one of the pioneers of this place, is a native of Norway,born near Christiania, on the '20th of June, 1817, and when sixteen years old began to learn the blacksmith trade, He was married in 1840, to Miss Nellie Evenson, who has borne him two children. In 18.53, Mr. Olsen came to America, engaged at his trade a short time in Montreal, Canada, then moved to New York City, and later to Virginia, thence to Iowa first living in D>ibuque, and afterward in St. Ansgar. In 185G he came to this place, locating in sections thirty-one and thirtytwo, where he built the first blacksmith shop in the township, and has since carried on the same in connection with his farming.

Jo.sEPH K. Page wa.s born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of September, 1838. When he was five years old his parents moved to Indiana, and located on a farm in La Ports county, where Joseph grew to manhood. In 1866, he married Miss Matilda Minuinm, who was born on the 26th of January, 1841, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. They have six children; Joseph S., born on the 24th of March, 1867; Ada A., the ilth of December, 1868; John J., the 19th of July, 1870; True R., the 31st of July, 1872; William A., the 29th of January, 1875; and Hugh D., the 21st of October, 1879. Mr. Page is a highly respected citizen, a member of the Baptist church, and always takes an active part in the welfare of the town.

Thom.4s Pobtee, an early settler of this towns»hip, was born in Canada, on the 6th of December, 1829. He was married in 1855 to Miss Almira Smith, and they have a family of ten children; Albert, Bennett, Arvilla, Georgiana, Cynthia Maria, Carrie Viola, George I., Rolau, Alice Minnesota, and Amy. Three are dead; Kilburn, who died on the 14th of June, 1882; William H., the 15th of October, 1862; and Morella, the 13th of April, 1876. Mr. Porter moved from Canada to Minnesota in 1859, and settled on land in section thirty. Shell Rock, which has since been his home, his farm containing two hundred and eighty acres, the greater portion of which is under cultivation.

W. H. Rathmell, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Lycoming county, on the 5th of May, 1820. He attended school in the town of Williamsport, and at the age of fourteen began learning the harnessmaker's trade, at which he was engaged several years. He was joined in matrimony with Miss Ann Page, in 1844. Mr. Rathmell was for several years Captain of a steamer on the Pennsylvania Canal. In 1850 he went to California, but two years later returned and settled on a farm near La Porte, Indiana. After a residence of about twenty-five years in the latter place, he came to Iowa, and in 1871 to Shell Rock. He bought a tract of land containing over five hundred acres, and it is now well improved. He erected the first warehouse, as well as some of the finest buildings in the place, having since sold most of his real estate, and for the past nine years has made a business of loaning money. He has raised a family of three children; Mary, Sarah J., and H. C, the latter being located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

John E. Skinner was born in Essex county, New York, on the 6th of September, 1838. When fifteen years old he moved with his parents to Dane couuty, Wisconsin, and in 1855 came to Minnesota, but soon returned to Wisconsin. He made another trip to this State in an early day, remained during one winter, and returned to his home in Wisconsin. In 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company G, taking part in several important battles, and served three years. In 1865, he came again to Minnesota and settled in this township. He was married the following year to Miss Jane Gardiner, who has borne him four children. Mr.

Anthony C. Trow, one of the pioneers of Shell Rock, is a native of New Hampshire, born in New London, Merrimac county, on the 14th of July, 1833. At the age of seventeen years he began working for himself, when not needed iit home. In 1855, came west to Iowa. an<l the following spring to Minnesota. After traveling over a portion of the State in May, he located in Shell Rock, and has since been one of its residents, owning a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, well improved. He came in company with his brother, and they experienced all the hardships of a jiioneer's life, using burnt corn for coffee, and grinding corn meal in a coffee-mill.